The Ultimate Weeknight Beef Chili That Actually Tastes Amazing
The Ultimate Weeknight Beef Chili That Actually
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts
| Calories | 425 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 22.5g |
| Fiber | 9g |
Recipe Introduction
Quick Hook
Fancy a cozy night in? This homemade chili recipe is just the ticket. Honestly, the flavor is insane, and it is so much tastier than shop bought.
Brief Overview
Chili, a staple of Southwestern cuisine, brings people together. This version is easy and takes around 2 hours to bubble away.
It serves 6-8 people, perfect for a family dinner! This is my favourite beef chili recipe .
Main Benefits
This ground beef chili recipe delivers a protein punch and it's loaded with fiber. Perfect for a casual get-together, or a chili cook off .
What makes this best homemade chili recipe special? The secret is the cocoa powder.
Time to gather your ingredients and equipment. Here's what you'll need to make the weeknight chili recipe sing.
Okay, let's get this chili cook off going!
First things first: You will need 2 tablespoons olive oil (30 ml), 1 large onion, chopped (about 1 ½ cups, 200g) and 2 bell peppers (any color), chopped (about 2 cups, 250g).
Also have at the ready 2-3 cloves garlic, minced (approx. 1 tablespoon, 10g) and 1-2 jalapeños, seeded and minced (adjust to taste).
Next, you need your meat and spices. So grab 1.5 lbs (700g) ground beef chili recipe (80/20 blend recommended).
Time to get spicy, use 1 teaspoon salt (6g), ½ teaspoon black pepper (2g) and 2 tablespoons spicy chili recipe (24g).
Then 1 tablespoon smoked paprika (8g), 1 teaspoon ground cumin (4g), ½ teaspoon dried oregano (1g) and ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat) (0.
5g). Add the magic using 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder (6g).
Finally, you need your base and beans! This includes 28 oz (800g) crushed tomatoes and 15 oz (425g) diced tomatoes, undrained.
Don't forget the 15 oz (425g) kidney beans, drained and rinsed and 15 oz (425g) black beans, drained and rinsed.
And lastly, but not least, 1 cup (240ml) beef broth or stock. This one-pot chili recipe is going to be epic!
You'll need a large pot, a cutting board, a knife, and measuring spoons. Don't forget the wooden spoon. This will be a culinary adventure! A Dutch oven chili is a sure winner!
Honestly, I can't wait for you to try this Southwestern chili recipe . It's so easy, even I can't mess it up. Let me know how it turns out!
Ingredients & Equipment: Chili Ready!
Okay, let's get this chili cook off going! Seriously, are you even ready for this incredible homemade chili recipe ? It's about to become your weeknight champion. Let's talk ingredients and gear!
Main Ingredients: The Heart of the Beef Chili Recipe
Here's what you'll need for this bad boy. Quality matters, people!
- Olive oil: 2 tablespoons (30 ml)
- Onion: 1 large , chopped (about 1 ½ cups, 200g)
- Bell peppers: 2 , chopped (about 2 cups, 250g). Use whatever colour grabs you.
- Garlic: 2-3 cloves , minced (approx. 1 tablespoon, 10g)
- Jalapeño: 1-2 , seeded and minced (adjust to your heat tolerance, folks!)
- Ground beef: 1.5 lbs (700g) (80/20 blend is great). Make sure it's not that super lean stuff, needs some flavour!
- Salt: 1 teaspoon (6g)
- Black pepper: ½ teaspoon (2g)
- Chili powder: 2 tablespoons (24g)
- Smoked paprika: 1 tablespoon (8g)
- Ground cumin: 1 teaspoon (4g)
- Dried oregano: ½ teaspoon (1g)
- Cayenne pepper: ¼ teaspoon (0.5g) (optional, for extra kick)
- Unsweetened cocoa powder: 1 tablespoon (6g)
- Crushed tomatoes: 28 oz (800g)
- Diced tomatoes: 15 oz (425g), undrained.
- Kidney beans: 15 oz (425g), drained and rinsed.
- Black beans: 15 oz (425g), drained and rinsed.
- Beef broth: 1 cup (240ml)
Quality Alert: The beef is KEY! Splurge a bit. For me, the best beef chili recipe starts with grass fed beef if you can swing it! You can always make easy chili recipe using cheaper beef, however this ingredient defines the taste.
Seasoning Notes: Spice It Up!
Get your flavor on with these spice combos:
- Chili powder, smoked paprika, and cumin is the Southwestern chili recipe trifecta. Don't skimp!
- Cocoa powder adds a depth you won't believe. Trust me on this.
- No smoked paprika? Regular paprika works in a pinch, but you'll miss that smokiness.
Equipment Needed: Keep It Simple
Honestly, you don't need a fancy kitchen.
- Large pot or Dutch oven : Essential for even cooking and simmering. Perfect for Dutch oven chili .
- Cutting board & Chef's knife: Obvious, right?
- Measuring cups & spoons: Accuracy is your friend.
- Wooden spoon or spatula: For stirring and scraping.
Okay, that's it! Time to get cooking.
The Best Homemade Chili Recipe: Simmered To Perfection!
Okay, let's get this chili cook off going! Seriously though, is there anything better than a beef chili recipe on a chilly night? You know, the kind that warms you from the inside out.
I've spent years perfecting my easy chili recipe , and now I'm sharing it with you. Trust me, this isn't just any chili.
This is the chili!
Prep Steps: Get Your Ducks in a Row
First things first: mise en place . This means getting all your ingredients prepped and ready to go. Chop your 1 large onion , dice 2 bell peppers , mince 2-3 cloves of garlic and 1-2 jalapeños .
Measure out your spices: 1 teaspoon salt , ½ teaspoon black pepper , 2 tablespoons chili powder , 1 tablespoon smoked paprika , 1 teaspoon ground cumin , ½ teaspoon dried oregano , and ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, if you're feeling brave!).
Drain and rinse the 15 oz kidney beans and 15 oz black beans .
Time saving tip? Chop all your veggies at once. I usually do it while the kettle boils for a cuppa. It saves SO much time later! Remember: stay safe.
Keep those knives sharp, and pay attention to what you're doing. No one wants a sliced finger in their chili!
Step-by-Step: From Raw to Rhapsody
- Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven.
- Add the chopped onion and bell peppers. Cook until softened, about 5- 7 minutes .
- Stir in the minced garlic and jalapeño. Cook for another 1 minute .
- Add 1.5 lbs ground beef and break it up. Cook until browned, then drain off any excess grease.
- Stir in all the spices: salt, pepper, chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, oregano, and cayenne pepper. Cook for 1 minute . You really wanna let those spices bloom.
- Stir in 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder , 28 oz crushed tomatoes , and 15 oz diced tomatoes . Bring to a simmer.
- Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for at least 1 hour 30 minutes , or up to 2 hours . This long simmer is key! Stir it occasionally.
- Stir in the kidney beans, black beans, and 1 cup beef broth . Simmer uncovered for another 30 minutes . Taste and adjust seasonings to your liking.
Pro Tips: Secret Agent Chili
Don't skimp on the simmer time. Seriously, it makes a huge difference. Bloom those spices! This really unlocks the flavor.
Common mistake? Not letting the chili simmer long enough! Also, don’t be afraid to play around with the spices.
Make ahead option? Absolutely! This spicy chili recipe actually tastes even better the next day. Store it in the fridge, and the flavors will meld together beautifully.
Honestly, I think this is the best homemade chili recipe ever . It is a one-pot chili recipe . Enjoy!
Recipe Notes: Your Homemade Chili Recipe Survival Guide
Okay, let's get this chili cook off going! Or, you know, just a delicious weeknight dinner. This easy chili recipe is pretty straightforward, but I've got a few extra tips to make it truly shine.
Serving Suggestions: Chili Presentation 101
Honestly, presentation matters! I like to serve my best homemade chili recipe in a rustic bowl. A dollop of sour cream? Essential.
A sprinkle of cheddar? Absolutely. Chopped green onions? For that fresh zing, you betcha ! Thinking about sides? A nice hunk of crusty bread for dipping is perfect.
Cornbread's also a classic choice.
Storage Tips: Chili Today, Chili Tomorrow
Got leftovers? Lucky you! This beef chili recipe tastes even better the next day. Just pop it in an airtight container and stick it in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Wanna freeze it? Go for it! It'll keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. Reheating is easy peasy just microwave it or simmer it on the stovetop until it's piping hot.
Variations: Chili Your Way
Feel like switching things up? This weeknight chili recipe is super versatile. Wanna make it vegetarian? Swap the ground beef for plant based ground meat, or lentils and add additional diced vegetables.
How about adding some spice? Try chorizo sausage. Sub it for half of the beef. For a white bean chicken chili, use shredded chicken and white beans.
No kidney beans? Pinto beans will do just fine.
Nutrition Basics: Chili Good For You!
This Southwestern chili recipe isn't just tasty; it's got some good stuff in it too. It's packed with protein and fiber, which will keep you feeling full and satisfied.
It is an easy chili recipe . Just remember, the nutritional info is an estimate! And it varies based on what you throw in there.
So there you have it! All my secrets for the ultimate ground beef chili recipe . Time to dig in and enjoy! This one-pot chili recipe will be your new go-to.
You'll be glad that you did.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does this homemade chili recipe keep in the fridge, and can I freeze it?
Properly stored, your homemade chili recipe will last for 3-4 days in the refrigerator. For longer storage, chili freezes beautifully! Let it cool completely, then portion it into airtight containers or freezer bags (squeeze out excess air). It can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months.
Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating simples!
Can I make this beef chili spicier? I like my chili with a proper kick!
Absolutely! If you're a chili head, there are several ways to ramp up the heat. Add an extra jalapeño or two, or leave some of the seeds in for added intensity. A pinch or two of cayenne pepper, a dash of your favourite hot sauce, or even some chopped chipotle peppers in adobo sauce will also do the trick.
Remember to add a little at a time and taste as you go no one wants a chili so hot it's inedible!
What can I add to my homemade chili recipe to make it taste even better?
Want to take your homemade chili recipe to the next level? A few secret ingredients can really make a difference! A tablespoon of unsweetened cocoa powder adds a depth of flavour that's hard to beat. A splash of apple cider vinegar or balsamic vinegar brightens the chili and balances the richness.
Also, don't underestimate the power of a good simmer - the longer it cooks, the better the flavors meld!
I'm short on time can I make this homemade chili recipe in a slow cooker or Instant Pot?
You bet! For a slow cooker, brown the beef and sauté the vegetables as instructed in a skillet first. Then, transfer everything to your slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
For an Instant Pot, use the sauté function to brown the beef and vegetables, then add the remaining ingredients, seal the lid, and cook on high pressure for 25 minutes, followed by a natural pressure release for 15 minutes before releasing any remaining pressure.
I don't have kidney beans or black beans. Can I substitute other types of beans in this homemade chili recipe?
Of course! Feel free to swap kidney and black beans for other types you have on hand, like pinto beans, cannellini beans (white kidney beans), or even great northern beans. Each type of bean will contribute a slightly different texture and flavour, but the chili will still be delicious.
It's like swapping Yorkshire Puddings for Roast Potatoes, the dish is still amazing!
