Classic Beef Chili Recipe
A cosy one pot meat, this Classic Beef Chili contains cubes of beef, bell peppers, onions, paprika, tomatoes, and red kidney beans. The mixture is slightly spicy with the addition of chili peppers and has an herbaceous undertone from the dried oregano. This dish makes a wonderful dinner along with some fresh bread and a tossed green salad. To make this beef chili, the onion, garlic, and peppers get cooked in oil before the beef and spices are added. At this point, the pot gets covered and the chili gets cooked for 20 minutes. Then, the tomatoes, brown sugar, and dried oregano are added, before being allowed to simmer for 1 hour. Finally, the cooked kidney beans are added and allowed to cook for another 20 minutes before serving.
What is Beef Chili?
Beef chili or chili con carne is a dish of Mexican origins and usually contains a mixture of beef, chili powder or chilis, and beans. It has come out of a long history of chili pepper based stews in Mexican cuisine. The use of beef in chili is likely a fossil from when Spain colonized the country.
Beef chili is the type of chili that is best known throughout the world but there are many different types of chili. For example, some varieties include only vegetables with varying types of beans while white chili usually includes chicken or turkey along with white beans and green chili peppers.
While beef chili is delicious all year round, it is particularly good and heartwarming when it is cold outside. You can scoop it into bowls with your favorite garnishes, such as cheddar cheese, sliced jalapenos, and dollops of sour cream, and serve it alongside cornbread and a lettuce salad.
Pro Tips
- Choose a mix of different colored bell peppers to add more color to the dish.
- Serve the chili with your favorite garnishes such as pickled jalapeno slices, shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, sliced avocado, or crushed tortilla chips.
- Use different types of chili peppers for different levels of heat. For example, jalapenos and fresnos are best if you prefer less spice whereas habanero or scotch bonnets will make a more fiery chili.
- Feel free to use different types of beans in your chili. Chickpeas, black beans, navy beans, and cannellini beans all work well in homemade chili.
- For more Mexican flavor, consider garnishing the chili with chopped cilantro and squeezing fresh lime juice over the top.
- If you would prefer a vegetarian chili, simply omit the beef or replace it with a plant-based alternative.
What to Serve with Beef Chili?
To make this beef chili a meal, you can serve it with bread such as homemade biscuits, cornbread, or garlic bread. It is also wonderful with a side salad such as a Caesar salad.
What's The Best Type of Beef for Beef Chili?
The best type of beef to use for this chili is ground beef, specifically a medium-fat content (around 80/20) for the right balance of flavor and moisture. This type of beef allows the dish to remain juicy and tender, while also absorbing the spices and flavors well during the slow cooking process. You could also use beef chuck or brisket for a heartier, chunkier texture.
Can Beef Chili Be Made Ahead of Time?
Yes, it can! In fact, chili often tastes the best after it has sat in the fridge for a day or two. To reheat it, simply heat it on the stove over medium heat until heated through.
Can Beef Chili Be Frozen?
Yes, it can! If you would like to store leftovers in the freezer, you can place them in airtight containers and then set them in the freezer for up to 3 months.
How Spicy is This Beef Chili?
You can make this beef chili however spicy you like. The recipe doesn’t specify the types of chili peppers to use, leaving you with the option of using milder chili peppers like jalapenos or fresnos, or hotter ones like serranos, scotch bonnets, or habanero.
How to Reheat Beef Chili?
You can reheat beef chili in the microwave or on the stove. If reheating it in the microwave, place the amount you would like to reheat in a microwave-safe container and heat it, stirring it every minute or so, until heated through. Meanwhile, if you choose to reheat it on the stove, you can place it in a saucepan and heat it over medium heat, stirring once in a while, until it is hot throughout.
How to Store Beef Chili
To store your beef chili, simply place it in a covered pot or bowl in the fridge where it should stay fresh for 3 to 4 days. You can also divide it between containers to store in the freezer. It is best to enjoy freezer chili within 3 months as the flavors and textures may deteriorate during a lengthier storage time.
Ingredients
How to make Beef Chili
Dice the onion.
Dice the onion.
Dice the bell peppers.
Dice the bell peppers.
Cook the onions, garlic, bell peppers, and chili peppers in oil in a skillet on the stove.
Cook the onions, garlic, bell peppers, and chili peppers in oil in a skillet on the stove.
Stir in the beef, dried oregano, salt, paprika, and pepper; cover and cook for 20 minutes.
Stir in the beef, dried oregano, salt, paprika, and pepper; cover and cook for 20 minutes.
Stir in the tomatoes, light brown sugar, and dried oregano. Cover it and allow it to cook for 1 hour.
Stir in the tomatoes, light brown sugar, and dried oregano. Cover it and allow it to cook for 1 hour.
Stir in the beans and continue to cook the chili for 20 minutes.
Stir in the beans and continue to cook the chili for 20 minutes.
Serve immediately!
Serve immediately!
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