Chili With Ground Beef Recipe

Introduction

Chili with ground beef is a hearty and satisfying dish with a rich history in American cuisine. Originating in the Southwestern United States, it quickly gained popularity for its robust flavors, simple ingredients, and ease of preparation. This versatile stew is commonly cooked at home for family dinners, potlucks, and gatherings, offering warmth and comfort, particularly during colder months. Its adaptability allows for personalization with varying spice levels and ingredient additions, making it a beloved staple in many households.

Ingredients

The foundation of a great chili with ground beef recipe includes:

Ground Beef: Approximately 1.5-2 pounds, preferably 80/20 blend for flavor and moisture. Leaner ground beef (90/10 or 93/7) can be used, but may require adding a tablespoon or two of oil during the browning process to prevent dryness.
Onion: 1 large, diced. Yellow or white onions work well.
Garlic: 3-4 cloves, minced.
Canned Tomatoes: 28 ounces, diced or crushed. Fire-roasted tomatoes add a depth of flavor.
Tomato Paste: 6 ounces. This adds richness and body to the chili.
Beans: 15 ounces each of kidney beans, pinto beans, and/or black beans, drained and rinsed. The choice and quantity of beans can be adjusted to preference. Some prefer a beanless chili, while others use only one type of bean.
Chili Powder: 2-4 tablespoons, depending on desired heat level.
Cumin: 2 teaspoons.
Oregano: 1 teaspoon, dried.
Cayenne Pepper: 1/4-1 teaspoon (optional, for added heat).
Beef Broth: 1-2 cups. Adjust to desired consistency.
Salt and Pepper: To taste.
Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon (for browning the beef, if needed).

Possible Substitutions:

Ground Beef: Ground turkey or ground chicken can be substituted, though the flavor profile will be slightly different. Consider adding a touch more oil during browning.
Beans: Canned chili beans (beans in chili sauce) can be used instead of plain beans, but adjust the amount of added chili powder accordingly.
Vegetarian Chili: For a vegetarian option, substitute the ground beef with lentils, crumbled vegetarian burger, or additional beans.

Preparation Steps

Before cooking the chili, proper preparation is essential for optimal flavor and texture.

Vegetables: Dice the onion and mince the garlic. Uniformly sized pieces will cook evenly.
Beans: Drain and rinse the canned beans thoroughly to remove excess starch and sodium.
Meat: If using a leaner ground beef, have a tablespoon or two of olive oil ready to add to the pot during the browning process to prevent sticking.
Spices: Measure out all spices beforehand to ensure they are readily available when needed.
Tomato Paste: Have the tomato paste ready. Sauting the tomato paste with the onions and garlic helps to caramelize it and deepen the flavor of the chili.

Tip: For a richer flavor, consider toasting the chili powder and cumin in a dry skillet over medium heat for a minute or two before adding them to the chili. Be careful not to burn them.

Cooking Instructions

The cooking process for chili with ground beef recipe involves several steps to develop a deep, complex flavor.

Brown the Ground Beef: In a large pot or Dutch oven, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat. Break it up with a spoon as it cooks. Drain off any excess grease.
Saut Aromatics: Add the diced onion and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Bloom Spices: Stir in the chili powder, cumin, oregano, and cayenne pepper (if using). Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly, to bloom the spices and release their flavors.
Add Tomatoes and Paste: Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, and beef broth. Bring to a simmer.
Simmer and Thicken: Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for at least 1 hour, or up to 3 hours. The longer the chili simmers, the more the flavors will meld together. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Add more beef broth if the chili becomes too thick.
Add Beans: Stir in the drained and rinsed beans during the last 30 minutes of cooking time. This prevents them from becoming mushy.
Season to Taste: Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Recommended Times and Temperatures:

Browning Beef: Medium-high heat, 5-7 minutes.
Sauting Vegetables: Medium heat, 5-7 minutes.
Simmering: Low heat, 1-3 hours.

Serving Suggestions

Chili with ground beef recipe is a versatile dish that can be served in a variety of ways.

Traditional Toppings: Shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream or Greek yogurt, chopped green onions, and a dollop of guacamole or avocado slices are classic toppings.
Accompaniments: Serve with cornbread, tortilla chips, or crackers for dipping.
Side Dishes: A simple green salad or coleslaw can provide a refreshing contrast to the richness of the chili.
Plating Ideas: Ladle the chili into bowls and garnish with desired toppings. For a more elegant presentation, use individual ramekins for baking in the oven with a topping of cheese.

Tips and Common Mistakes

To ensure a delicious and successful chili, consider these tips and avoid common mistakes:

Browning the Beef: Do not overcrowd the pot when browning the ground beef. Brown it in batches if necessary to ensure even browning and prevent steaming.
Spice Level: Start with a smaller amount of chili powder and cayenne pepper, then add more to taste. It’s easier to add heat than to remove it.
Simmering Time: Do not rush the simmering process. The longer the chili simmers, the richer and more developed the flavor will be.
Bean Consistency: Adding the beans too early can result in mushy beans. Add them during the last 30 minutes of cooking time.
Salt and Pepper: Seasoning is crucial. Taste the chili throughout the cooking process and adjust the salt and pepper as needed.
Avoiding Burning: Stir frequently during simmering, especially if using a thicker chili base, to prevent sticking and burning on the bottom of the pot.

Explore More Cooking Guides

Mastering the chili with ground beef recipe opens doors to countless variations and culinary adventures. Its comforting flavor, cultural significance, and adaptability make it a perfect dish for any occasion. Whether one prefers a mild and savory chili or a fiery and robust version, the possibilities are endless. Take this newfound knowledge and experiment with different ingredients and techniques to create a signature chili. Discover a treasure of delightful recipes and helpful cooking guides at foodrecipestory.com, and begin a culinary journey today.