Whether you’re in need of a comfort food to warm up on a chilly evening or want to fuel your crew for a game day gathering, this hearty beef chili recipe is sure to hit the spot. With its rich and complex flavor profile, courtesy of garlic, cumin, brown sugar, jalapenos, and more, you can easily customize the heat level to suit your taste buds. Plus, with its batch-friendly nature and freezer-friendliness, this recipe is perfect for meal prep and future meals. But don’t forget the fun part – the toppings! And why not pair it with some tasty side dishes like smoked street corn elote or slow cooker spicy corn and jalapeno cheese dip? For a truly impressive spread, consider adding some charcuterie flair. If you’re looking to round out the meal with something sweet, Mexican rice pudding is always a crowd-pleaser.
Why You’ll Love It
Experience the ultimate comfort food with our two-meat, two-bean chili recipe. With its rich blend of spices and seasonings, every spoonful is a delight. The best part? This dish is incredibly versatile – adjust the protein, heat level, or add your favorite toppings to create a unique flavor profile that suits your taste. While the ingredient list may be extensive, the cooking process is surprisingly straightforward, requiring only occasional stirring and patience as the flavors meld together.
How to Make the Best Beef Chili Recipe
To begin, cook the meat by searing the ground beef in a sauté pan, seasoning it as you go, then transferring it to a large pot or Dutch oven. Repeat this process with the stew meat. Next, prepare the vegetables by adding oil to the pan and cooking them for a few minutes before deglazing with beer. Once the veggies are tender, add a mixture of sugar, bouillon cube, garlic, tomato paste, and spices to the meat, giving it a brief stir. Finally, combine the meat mixture with the remaining ingredients – including the beer mixture, water, canned tomatoes, and vinegar – and add the beans. Allow the chili to simmer gently for about an hour, or until the meat is tender, periodically tasting and adjusting the seasonings as needed. If the chili becomes too thick, consider adding a bit more liquid; if it’s too thin, you can always thicken it with cornstarch.
Substitutions and Variations
The beauty of this recipe lies in its adaptability. Feel free to experiment with different ingredients to make it your own. Swap out the seasonings for another chili seasoning mix, substitute water for beer, or replace the chicken with game meat, chicken, or a vegetarian protein option that suits your taste. The possibilities are endless! For added depth, consider substituting fire-roasted crushed tomatoes for plain ones, or adding a pinch of cocoa powder for a unique twist. Pinto beans can be swapped in for another type, or omitted altogether if you prefer. When it comes to the broth, beef or chicken work equally well. To give your chili an extra boost, add diced tomatoes towards the end, or introduce new flavors with hot pepper sauce, smoked paprika, or any other spices that strike your fancy. The key is to have fun and make this recipe truly yours!
How to Store Leftover Chili
When it comes to storing leftovers, there are a couple of things to keep in mind. First, when kept in an airtight container in the refrigerator, chili can be safely stored for up to four days. However, if you plan on keeping it for longer than that, freezing is a great option. You can portion out your leftover chili and freeze it for up to three months. While it’s technically safe to store it for even longer, you may start to notice a decline in flavor after a few months. When reheating frozen chili, simply thaw it overnight in the fridge and then warm it back up on the stove or in the microwave.
Hearty Chili Recipe FAQs
You can easily adapt this recipe for slow-cooked perfection by transferring the chili to a crockpot instead of simmering it on the stovetop. Alternatively, consider investing in a top-rated Dutch oven (more recipes await!) if you prefer a stovetop approach. For those seeking to adjust the consistency, fear not! If your chili becomes too watery towards the end of cooking, simply add masa or a mixture of cornstarch dissolved in cold water. Conversely, if it’s too thick, a splash of beer, broth, or water will rectify the situation.
Hearty Beef Chili Recipe
Hearty Beef Chili Recipe
Indulge in the rich flavors of this traditional hearty beef chili, reminiscent of home-cooked goodness. This beloved recipe has been passed down through generations, offering a taste that’s both familiar and comforting. With minimal prep time and a moderate cooking duration, you can savor this satisfying dish with friends and family. Expect to serve 12 generous portions.
Instructions
Combine the ground beef and stew meat in a large soup pot. To prepare the pan, sear the meats individually in a large sauté pan with a little salt and pepper, then set them aside. Next, heat some olive oil in the same pan and cook the red onion, red pepper, and jalapeno until they develop a rich color. Use this beer-based deglazing liquid to add depth to your chili. Now, add the cooked meats back into the pot along with spices, brown sugar, chicken bouillon cube, minced garlic, and tomato paste. Stir everything together and simmer over medium heat for a few minutes before adding the vegetable-beer mixture. Next, add ½ cup of water, crushed tomatoes, and balsamic vinegar, stirring well to combine. Finish by adding both types of beans, then cover the pot and let it all meld together for at least an hour or until the stew meat is tender. After 30 minutes, take a taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. If your chili needs thickening, add some water or beer; if it’s too thin, try a thickener like masa, cornstarch, or flour. When the meat is tender and flavors are robust, serve up!