Get ready to satisfy your taste buds with this mouth-watering Classic Homemade Beef and Bean Chili recipe. Packed with rich flavors and hearty ingredients, this chili is the perfect comfort food to warm you up on a chilly night. Made with tender cuts of beef, a medley of aromatic spices, and a blend of beans, this recipe is a classic favorite that never fails to impress. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply looking to treat yourself, this homemade beef and bean chili is sure to hit the spot. Get your apron on and let’s start cooking!
Ingredients
To make a delicious homemade beef and bean chili, you will need the following ingredients:
Ground beef
Start with a good quality ground beef. This is the base of your chili and will provide a rich and meaty flavor.
Kidney beans
Kidney beans are a classic addition to chili. They add texture and a hearty taste to the dish.
Onion
The onion provides a delicious aroma and a sweet and savory flavor to the chili. Make sure to chop it finely to ensure it blends well with the other ingredients.
Garlic
Garlic is a key ingredient in many savory recipes, including chili. It adds a distinct flavor and brings out the best in the other spices.
Tomato sauce
Tomato sauce creates a smooth and rich base for the chili. It adds moisture and a tangy flavor to balance out the richness of the meat and spices.
Tomato paste
Tomato paste is a concentrated form of tomatoes. It adds depth and richness to the chili, enhancing the overall flavor.
Diced tomatoes
Diced tomatoes provide texture and a burst of freshness to the chili. They add a slight tang and balance out the other ingredients.
Beef broth
Beef broth adds additional richness and flavor to the chili. It helps to create a savory and well-rounded taste.
Chili powder
Chili powder is the star of the show when it comes to flavoring chili. It adds a delicious kick and depth of flavor.
Cumin
Cumin is a warm and earthy spice that complements the other ingredients in the chili. It adds a distinct and aromatic flavor.
Paprika
Paprika provides a subtle smokiness and adds a beautiful red color to the chili. It enhances the overall visual appeal of the dish.
Oregano
Oregano is a versatile herb that adds a fragrant and slightly bitter taste to the chili. It complements the other spices and adds complexity to the dish.
Salt
Salt enhances the flavors of the other ingredients and helps to balance out the overall taste of the chili.
Black pepper
Black pepper adds a subtle heat and depth of flavor to the chili. It pairs well with the other spices and adds a kick to each bite.
Cayenne pepper
Cayenne pepper is optional but adds an extra level of spiciness to the chili. Adjust the amount according to your personal taste preference.
Preparation
Before you start cooking, it’s important to know the preparation time, cook time, and total time required for your homemade beef and bean chili.
Prep time
The prep time for this recipe is about 15 minutes. This includes chopping the onions, mincing the garlic, and gathering all the necessary ingredients.
Cook time
The cook time for the chili is approximately 1 hour. This allows the flavors to develop and the meat to cook thoroughly.
Total time
The total time required to make this homemade beef and bean chili is about 1 hour and 15 minutes. This includes both the prep and cook time.
Instructions
Now that you have all your ingredients ready, let’s go through the step-by-step instructions to make your delicious homemade beef and bean chili.
Cook the ground beef
In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Break up the meat into small pieces using a wooden spoon or spatula.
Saute the onions and garlic
Add the chopped onions and minced garlic to the pot with the cooked ground beef. Saute until the onions become translucent and the garlic becomes fragrant.
Add the spices and seasonings
Sprinkle the chili powder, cumin, paprika, oregano, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper into the pot. Stir well to coat the meat and onions with the spices.
Add the beans and tomatoes
Pour in the kidney beans, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and tomato paste. Stir everything together to combine all the ingredients thoroughly.
Simmer the chili
Reduce the heat to low and let the chili simmer uncovered for about 45 minutes to 1 hour. This allows the flavors to meld together and the chili to thicken slightly.
Serve and enjoy
After simmering, your homemade beef and bean chili is ready to be enjoyed. Serve it hot with your favorite toppings and garnishes.
Tips and Variations
Now that you’ve mastered the basic recipe for homemade beef and bean chili, here are some tips and variations to make it even more delicious and tailored to your preferences.
Adding bell peppers for extra flavor
For added flavor and texture, consider adding diced bell peppers to your chili. This will give it a fresh and vibrant taste.
Using different types of beans
While kidney beans are traditional in chili, feel free to experiment with other types of beans. Black beans, pinto beans, or a combination can add variety and depth to your dish.
Increasing or decreasing the spice level
Adjust the amount of chili powder and cayenne pepper based on your spice tolerance. If you prefer a milder chili, reduce the amount or omit the cayenne pepper altogether.
Adding toppings and garnishes
Top your homemade chili with your favorite garnishes, such as grated cheese, sour cream, diced onions, or fresh cilantro. These toppings will add extra flavor and texture to your dish.
Making it vegetarian or vegan
If you prefer a vegetarian or vegan chili, simply replace the ground beef with plant-based alternatives, such as textured vegetable protein (TVP) or soy crumbles. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth for a fully vegetarian or vegan option.
Storage and Reheating
If you have leftovers or want to make a big batch of chili for future meals, here’s how you can store and reheat it.
Refrigerating leftovers
Let the chili cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm it up on the stove.
Freezing for future use
To freeze your homemade beef and bean chili, allow it to cool completely. Divide it into individual portions and place them in freezer-safe containers or freezer bags. Label them with the date and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat as needed.
Reheating
To reheat the chili, simply transfer it to a pot and warm it over low heat until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions by covering them and heating in 30-second intervals until hot.
Conclusion
Congratulations! You now have a comprehensive recipe for classic homemade beef and bean chili. This comforting and flavorful dish is perfect for a cozy night in or for entertaining friends and family. With a few variations and your favorite toppings, you can make it truly your own. Enjoy the delicious taste of homemade chili and savor the moments shared around the dinner table.
