Looking for a delicious and hassle-free dinner option? Look no further than our Quick and Easy Beef Chili Recipe. Packed with flavor, this mouthwatering chili is the perfect combination of hearty ground beef, beans, and spices. Whether you’re hosting a casual get-together or simply wanting to satisfy your craving for comfort food, this recipe is a must-try. With minimal prep time and simple instructions, you’ll have a steaming bowl of chili ready to enjoy in no time. Get your taste buds ready for a savory and satisfying experience that will leave you wanting more.
Ingredients
To make a delicious and hearty beef chili, you’ll need the following ingredients:
Ground beef
Ground beef is the base of any good chili recipe. It adds a rich meaty flavor and texture to the dish. Opt for lean ground beef for a healthier option.
Onion
Onions provide a savory and sweet flavor to the chili. They also add a pleasant crunch when cooked just right. Dice up one large onion for this recipe.
Garlic
Garlic is a must-have ingredient in any savory dish. It adds depth and aroma to the chili. Finely mince or crush a few cloves of garlic.
Bell peppers
Bell peppers not only add color to the chili but also provide a crunchy texture. Use a mix of green, red, and yellow bell peppers for a vibrant-looking chili.
Canned tomatoes
Canned tomatoes are a convenient ingredient that adds a tangy and juicy element to the chili. Use one can of diced or crushed tomatoes for this recipe.
Kidney beans
Kidney beans add a hearty and filling element to the chili. They are packed with protein and fiber. Drain and rinse one can of kidney beans before adding them to the chili.
Beef broth
Beef broth adds depth and richness to the chili. It enhances the overall flavor of the dish. You’ll need two cups of beef broth for this recipe.
Chili powder
Chili powder is the key spice in chili. It provides a smoky and slightly spicy flavor. Use two tablespoons of chili powder, or adjust the amount to your preference.
Cumin
Cumin adds an earthy and warm flavor to the chili. It complements the other spices and gives the dish a delicious aroma. Use one tablespoon of ground cumin.
Paprika
Paprika adds a mild and slightly sweet flavor to the chili. It also gives it a vibrant red color. Use one tablespoon of paprika.
Preparation
Now that you have all the ingredients ready, let’s move on to the preparation:
Cook the ground beef
In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the ground beef over medium heat until it is browned and cooked through. Make sure to break it up into small crumbles as it cooks. Drain any excess fat and set the cooked beef aside.
Chop the vegetables
While the ground beef is cooking, chop the onion and bell peppers into small, bite-sized pieces. You can dice them or cut them into thin strips, depending on your preference. Also, mince or crush the cloves of garlic.
Saute the onion and garlic
In the same pot used to cook the ground beef, add the chopped onion and garlic. Cook them over medium heat until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant.
Add the peppers
Once the onion and garlic are cooked, add the chopped bell peppers to the pot. Saute them for a few minutes until they start to soften.
Stir in the canned tomatoes
Pour the canned tomatoes with their juice into the pot. Stir well to combine all the ingredients together.
Add the cooked ground beef
Now, it’s time to add the cooked ground beef back into the pot. Mix it in with the vegetables and tomatoes, ensuring that all the flavors are well combined.
Mix in the kidney beans
Gently fold in the drained and rinsed kidney beans. Make sure they are evenly distributed throughout the chili.
Pour in the beef broth
To give the chili a delicious and savory base, pour in the beef broth. Stir well to combine everything together.
Season with spices
Add the chili powder, cumin, and paprika to the pot. These spices will enhance the flavor of the chili and give it a nice kick. Stir well to evenly distribute the spices.
Simmer the chili
Reduce the heat to low and let the chili simmer for at least 30 minutes, or up to an hour, to allow the flavors to meld together. Stir occasionally to prevent the chili from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
Serving Suggestions
Once your chili is ready, it’s time to think about how you want to serve it. Here are some suggestions:
Garnish options
Top your chili with some delicious garnishes to add extra flavor and texture. Some popular choices include shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped green onions, and cilantro. You can also sprinkle some crushed tortilla chips or diced avocado on top.
Accompaniments
Chili pairs well with a variety of accompaniments. Serve it with a side of warm cornbread, rice, or tortilla chips for dipping. You can also create a chili bar by setting out different toppings and let everyone customize their bowl of chili.
Storage
If you have any leftovers or want to prepare the chili in advance, here are some storage options:
Refrigeration
Allow the chili to cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. When reheating, make sure to heat it thoroughly.
Freezing
Chili freezes exceptionally well, making it a great option for meal prepping. Let the chili cool completely, then portion it into freezer-safe containers or bags. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Variations
If you’re looking to switch things up or cater to different dietary preferences, here are some variations you can try:
Vegetarian chili
To make a vegetarian version, simply omit the ground beef and replace it with your favorite vegetables or plant-based protein alternatives. Add more beans, such as black beans or pinto beans, for added protein.
Spicy chili
If you prefer your chili with some extra heat, you can add additional spices or chili peppers. Consider incorporating jalapenos, cayenne pepper, or even hot sauce to amp up the spiciness. Adjust the amount of chili powder to your desired level of heat.
Slow cooker chili
For a more hands-off approach, you can adapt this recipe for a slow cooker. Brown the ground beef and saute the vegetables as instructed, then transfer everything to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. This method allows the flavors to develop slowly and creates a melt-in-your-mouth texture.
With this quick and easy beef chili recipe, you can whip up a delicious and satisfying meal in no time. Customize it to your liking, experiment with different toppings, and enjoy the hearty flavors of a classic chili.
