Classic Beef Chili
- Preparation 10 min
- Cooking 35 min
- Servings 8 cups
- Freezing Absolutely
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Classic Beef Chili – The Ultimate Comfort Food!
When it comes to hearty, flavorful meals that warm you from the inside out, nothing beats a classic beef chili. With its rich, slow-simmered sauce, perfectly seasoned ground beef, and a mix of tender beans, sweet corn, and fire-roasted tomatoes, this dish is the perfect balance of comfort and bold flavors. Whether you’re making a big batch for meal prep, hosting a casual get-together, or just craving a cozy dinner, this chili delivers every time.
The secret to a truly legendary chili? Sautéing the vegetables until lightly caramelized, browning the beef properly to develop deep, savory flavors, and letting everything simmer long enough for the spices to work their magic. With a perfect blend of chili powder, cumin, and a touch of heat, this chili is packed with layers of flavor that get even better the next day.
Serve it with a side of crusty bread, tortilla chips, or a dollop of sour cream and shredded cheese, and you’ve got yourself a meal that’s easy, satisfying, and impossible to resist. So grab a spoon and get ready for a bowl of pure comfort! 🍲🔥
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🔥 Tips & Tricks for the Best Classic Beef Chili!
✅ Pro Tips
- Sear the beef for maximum flavor 🥩 : Browning the beef properly before adding the other ingredients helps develop a deep, rich taste. Don’t rush this step!
- Let it simmer for the best taste 🌶️ : The longer it cooks, the better it tastes. Let your chili simmer at low heat to allow the flavors to blend beautifully.
- Too thin? Too thick? If your chili is too watery, let it simmer uncovered to reduce excess liquid. If it’s too thick, add a splash of broth or a can of diced tomatoes.
🥦 Vegetarian Option!
- Swap the beef for brown lentils, black beans, or chickpeas for a hearty, protein-packed chili.
- Add crumbled tofu or tempeh to mimic the texture of ground beef.
- Toss in cubed sweet potatoes or mushrooms for extra depth and a slightly sweet contrast to the spices.
🧊 Storage & Meal Prep
- Keeps for 4 to 5 days in an airtight container in the fridge.
- Freezes beautifully 🧊 for up to 3 months. Reheat slowly on the stovetop, adding a bit of water or broth if needed.
- Tastes even better the next day! The spices and flavors intensify overnight, making it perfect for meal prep.
🧀 Customization & Variations
- Want extra heat? 🔥 Add crushed red pepper, chipotle powder, or a dash of hot sauce.
- Looking for a smoky twist? A sprinkle of smoked paprika or a small piece of dark chocolate will add unexpected depth.
- Prefer a richer flavor? A splash of coffee, beer, or Worcestershire sauce can enhance the umami factor.
🍽️ Best Ways to Serve Chili
- In a quesadilla 🫓 : Spread chili between tortillas with shredded cheese and grill until golden. Try my quesadillas recipe right here.
- Over crispy nachos 🧀 : Top with melted cheese, sour cream, and jalapeños for the ultimate game-day snack.
- Stuffed in a baked potato 🥔 : A warm, hearty way to enjoy your chili.
- Over rice or quinoa 🍚 : Makes the meal even more filling.
- Inside a burger or hot dog 🌭 : Chili dogs and chili burgers take comfort food to the next level!
With these tips, your classic beef chili will be even more flavorful, versatile, and impossible to resist! 🍲🔥
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Ingredients
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, finely chopped
- Olive oil
- Salt and ground pepper
- 1 tablespoon cumin
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 500 g medium lean ground beef
- 1 green pepper, diced
- 1 can (796ml) diced tomatoes with Italian spices
- 1 can (540ml) red beans, very well rinsed and drained
- 1 1/4 cup frozen corn
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Preparation
- In a big sauce pan at medium heat, cook the onion and garlic in a drizzle of olive oil for about 5 minutes. Add the spices, season with salt and pepper then stir well.
- Add the meat and cook for 5 minutes or until slightly pink. Break in small chunks.
- Add the pepper and cook for 3 minutes, stir well.
- Add the tomatoes, the red beans and the corn. Season with salt and pepper then stir well! Simmer for about 15-20 minutes, while stirring often, until a nice and thick texture. Rectify seasoning if necessary!
Of course you can! You can use :
– Ground chicken for a lighter version.
– Ground pork for a more tender texture.
– Braised shredded beef for a more rustic effect.
Replace the meat with :
– Brown lentils or quinoa for texture and protein.
– Black beans or chickpeas for a heartier version.
– Crumbled tofu to mimic the texture of ground beef.
Reheat on low heat on the stovetop, adding a little water or broth if necessary to achieve the right consistency. In the microwave, heat in 30-second intervals, stirring well between each.
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