Beef Chili with Beans: A Hearty and Flavorful Comfort Food 🍲🌶️😋
1. Introduction
There’s nothing quite like a warm bowl of beef chili with beans on a chilly day. This isn’t just any meal; it’s a hug in a bowl! This classic comfort food is packed with flavor, hearty ingredients, and is surprisingly easy to make at home. Whether you call it chili con carne, a term that brings a bit of culinary flair, or simply chili with beans, this dish is a crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or even those exciting game day gatherings. After all, who doesn’t love a good chili while watching their favorite team? This beef chili recipe is designed to be simple, delicious, and satisfying, using pantry staples to create a meal that everyone will love. Forget complicated recipes and endless ingredient lists. We’re keeping it real and delicious. Get ready to enjoy a rich and flavorful beef chili recipe that will warm you from the inside out!
2. What Makes This Beef Chili Recipe Special?
This beef chili recipe stands out because of its perfect balance of flavors and textures. It’s a hearty blend of ground beef, beans, tomatoes, and spices, creating a rich and satisfying dish. We’re talking about the kind of satisfaction that makes you want to curl up on the couch with a good book! What sets this recipe apart is its simplicity; it doesn’t require any fancy ingredients or complicated techniques. It’s a straightforward chili with beans that delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort. Perfect for those busy weeknights when you want something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen. Plus, it’s easily customizable to suit your taste preferences. Whether you like it mild or spicy, this chili con carne can be adjusted to your liking. Add a little extra chili powder for a kick, or keep it mellow for the kids. The choice is yours!
3. Ingredients You’ll Need
Let’s gather our ingredients, shall we? Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this amazing chili:
- Ground beef: The star of our beef chili recipe, providing a rich and savory base. Opt for a good quality ground beef for the best results. You can also find more delicious beef recipes here.
- Kidney beans: Essential for a classic chili with beans, adding texture and heartiness. Feel free to experiment with other beans too!
- Diced tomatoes: Providing acidity and moisture to the beef chili recipe. Canned diced tomatoes work perfectly, but fresh ones are even better when in season.
- Onion and garlic: Aromatics that enhance the overall flavor profile of the chili con carne. Don’t skimp on these; they’re flavor powerhouses!
- Chili powder, cumin, and paprika: The spice blend that gives this beef chili recipe its signature flavor. Adjust the amounts to your personal preference.
- Beef broth: Adds depth and richness to the chili with beans. Low-sodium broth is a great option to control the saltiness.
- Optional toppings: Shredded cheese, sour cream, green onions, or your favorite chili toppings. The possibilities are endless!
4. Step-by-Step Instructions
Alright, let’s get cooking! Follow these simple steps to create your own incredible beef chili.
1. Brown the Ground Beef
In a large pot or Dutch oven, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat. Drain any excess grease. This is a crucial step for developing the rich flavor of your beef chili recipe. Make sure to break up the beef into small pieces as it cooks.
2. Add Aromatics and Spices
Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the pot and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the chili powder, cumin, and paprika, cooking for another minute to bloom the spices. This step enhances the aromatic depth of your chili con carne. The smell alone will make your mouth water!
3. Incorporate Remaining Ingredients
Add the diced tomatoes, kidney beans, and beef broth to the pot. Stir well to combine. Ensure all ingredients are evenly distributed for a consistent and flavorful chili with beans. At this point, you might be tempted to sneak a taste. Go ahead; we won’t judge!
4. Simmer to Perfection
Bring the beef chili recipe to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook for at least 30 minutes, or up to 1 hour, stirring occasionally. The longer it simmers, the more the flavors meld together, creating a richer beef chili. Patience is key here. Let the chili work its magic!
5. Tips for the Best Beef Chili
Want to take your chili to the next level? Here are some insider tips:
- Use high-quality ground beef for the best flavor in your beef chili recipe. It makes a huge difference!
- Don’t skip the step of blooming the spices; it unlocks their full flavor potential in the chili con carne. It’s like waking them up!
- Adjust the amount of chili powder to suit your spice preference for this chili with beans. Taste as you go and add more if needed.
- For a thicker chili, you can mash some of the beans or add a cornstarch slurry. This helps to bind the ingredients together.
- Experiment with different types of beans, such as pinto beans or black beans, to customize your beef chili recipe. Get creative and find your favorite combination! For more Dinner inspirations, check out our dinner recipes category.
6. Serving Suggestions
Serve your homemade beef chili with beans hot, topped with your favorite toppings. Shredded cheese, sour cream, green onions, and a dollop of Greek yogurt are all fantastic choices. Pair it with cornbread, crackers, or a fresh side salad for a complete and satisfying meal. This chili con carne is also great as a topping for baked potatoes or nachos. Get the full recipe at The Defined Dish for more inspiration. Speaking of sides, have you tried our Scalloped Potatoes with a Twist? They would be perfect.
7. Variations and Add-ins
Want to switch things up? Here are some variations and add-ins for your beef chili recipe:
- Spicy chili con carne: Add diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra heat. Be careful; a little goes a long way!
- Vegetarian chili with beans: Substitute the ground beef with plant-based crumbles or additional beans and vegetables. A great way to make it meat-free!
- Smoky beef chili recipe: Add a teaspoon of smoked paprika or a splash of liquid smoke for a smoky flavor. This adds a whole new dimension to the chili.
- Add vegetables: Include diced bell peppers, carrots, or celery for added nutrition and texture to your chili with beans. It’s a great way to sneak in some extra veggies! How about serving it with other sides for a complete meal?
8. Storage and Reheating
Leftover beef chili recipe can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. It can also be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply warm it on the stovetop over medium heat or in the microwave until heated through. This chili con carne tastes even better the next day as the flavors have more time to meld together. It’s perfect for meal prepping!
9. Conclusion
This beef chili with beans is a delicious and satisfying meal that’s perfect for any occasion. With its rich flavors, hearty ingredients, and easy preparation, this beef chili recipe is sure to become a family favorite. Whether you’re looking for a comforting dinner on a cold night or a crowd-pleasing dish for a gathering, this chili con carne is the perfect choice. So gather your ingredients and get ready to enjoy a warm and flavorful bowl of homemade beef chili! If you are looking for something to bring for this Easter’s dinner, try our Deviled Eggs for Easter Dinner!
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Beef Chili with Beans
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten-Free
Description
Warm up with a hearty and flavorful Beef Chili with Beans! This easy-to-make recipe combines ground beef, kidney beans, diced tomatoes, and a blend of spices for a comforting and satisfying meal. Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, and game day gatherings. Customize it to your liking with your favorite toppings!
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 large onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 tablespoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 (28 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 (15 ounce) can kidney beans, rinsed and drained
- 2 cups beef broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional toppings: shredded cheese, sour cream, green onions
Instructions
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat. Drain any excess grease.
- Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the pot and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the chili powder, cumin, and paprika, cooking for another minute to bloom the spices.
- Add the diced tomatoes, kidney beans, and beef broth to the pot. Stir well to combine.
- Bring the chili to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook for at least 30 minutes, or up to 1 hour, stirring occasionally.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve hot, topped with your favorite toppings.
Notes
- For a spicier chili, add diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- For a thicker chili, mash some of the beans or add a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water).
- Use high-quality ground beef for the best flavor.
- Chili tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together.
- Experiment with different types of beans like pinto or black beans.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 350 Kcal
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 7g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Keywords: beef chili, chili recipe, chili with beans, chili con carne, easy chili recipe, ground beef chili, homemade chili, best chili recipe, comfort food, dinner recipe