Awardwinning Weeknight Ground Beef Chili

Recipe Introduction: Your Award Winning Weeknight Ground Beef Chili Awaits

Fancy a proper Hearty Chili Recipe ? I've got just the ticket! This ground beef chili recipe isn't just food; it's a warm hug on a cold night.

Honestly, is there anything more comforting?

This Classic Chili Recipe is a hug in a bowl. It's a hearty, savory beef hug with a little sweetness and just a touch of a kick.

Why This Chili Rocks

Where does Comfort Food Chili come from? This recipe is a simplified take on the American Southwest tradition, perfect for busy weeknights.

It’s an Easy Weeknight Chili and a proper crowd pleaser. Even better, it only takes about 1 hour and 20 minutes from start to finish.

This recipe makes about 6-8 servings, so there's enough to go around, or have Ground Beef Recipes for lunch the next day!.

Health Boost and Good Times

This Best Chili Recipe is packed with protein and fiber. It is great for keeping you full and satisfied. Serve it up at your next gathering! It's an ideal Beef Dishes for game day or a casual dinner.

It’s special because it’s utterly customizable. You can adjust the spice level or add your favourite toppings. My secret ingredient? A dash of apple cider vinegar to brighten everything up.

It’s a game changer!. Now that is a really good Chili Recipe Easy !

Ready to dive in? Next, we need to talk about ingredients. Trust me; this Homemade Chili is worth it.

Ingredients & Equipment: Let's Get This Show on the Road!

Right, so you wanna whip up some award winning weeknight ground beef chili ? Awesome! It's proper comfort food chili , innit? Nothing beats a steaming bowl on a cold evening.

Here’s what you’ll need. I promise, it’s not scary. Honestly!

Main Ingredients for Your Hearty Chili Recipe

This classic chili recipe is all about building layers of flavor. So, let’s get the shopping list sorted. This chili recipe easy as pie, I swear!

• Olive oil: 1 tbsp (15 ml) – for sautéing, duh!
• Onion: 1 large , chopped (about 1 cup). Brown ones are perfectly fine.
• Garlic: 2 cloves , minced. Jarred stuff is okay in a pinch.
• Bell peppers: 1 green and 1 red , chopped (about 1 cup each). Adds a nice sweetness.
• Ground beef : 1.5 lbs (680 g) . Aim for about 20% fat for the best flavour. Anything leaner and it might be a bit dry, you know ? This is the basis of our beef dishes .
• Salt: 1 tsp (5 ml) . Seasoning is key!
• Black pepper: 1/2 tsp (2.5 ml) . Freshly ground is always better.
• Chili powder: 2 tbsp (30 ml) . This is where the magic happens. Adjust to your taste.
• Cumin: 1 tsp (5 ml) . Adds that warm, earthy flavour.
• Smoked paprika: 1/2 tsp (2.5 ml) . Trust me on this one, it's a game changer.
• Cayenne pepper: 1/4 tsp (1.25 ml) (optional). For that extra oomph !
• Crushed tomatoes: 1 (28 oz) can (800 g) . Whole plum tomatoes, crushed by hand, work a treat too.
• Kidney beans: 1 (15 oz) can (425 g) , rinsed and drained. Gotta have the beans!
• Black beans: 1 (15 oz) can (425 g) , rinsed and drained. A lovely combo in this chili with beans .
• Beef broth: 1 cup (240 ml) . Low sodium is best, so you can control the salt.
• Tomato paste: 1 tbsp (15 ml) . Adds richness and depth.
• Apple cider vinegar: 1 tbsp (15 ml) . A secret ingredient for a bit of tang!

Honestly, sometimes I just chuck in whatever beans I've got knocking about. This recipe's pretty forgiving.

Seasoning Notes to Spice Things Up

This best chili recipe is not about precision, it's about layering flavours, think about it like building a shed. So, don’t be afraid to play around with the spices.

Smoked paprika is my absolute fave, gives it that "campfire" taste. For heat, cayenne pepper's your friend, but go easy, yeah? You can always add more, but you can't take it away! For a more complex flavor, try adding a pinch of cocoa powder.

Trust me!

Equipment Needed: Keep It Simple, Stupid!

You don’t need fancy gadgets to make great homemade chili . Seriously!

• Large Dutch oven or heavy bottomed pot. The key is even heat distribution.
• Cutting board
• Chef's knife. A decent one makes all the difference.
• Wooden spoon or heat resistant spatula. For stirring, obvs.

Honestly, if you don't have a Dutch oven, a large saucepan will do. Just keep an eye on it to prevent sticking.

This easy weeknight chili recipe is all about practicality, after all. Now, let's get cooking! This is also good for other ground beef recipes .

Cooking Method: The Heart of a Champion Ground Beef Chili

Honestly, who doesn't love a good Comfort Food Chili ? It's like a warm hug on a cold day. And this Award Winning Weeknight Ground Beef Chili recipe? It's so easy, even I can't mess it up, and that's saying something.

I'm not gonna lie, my first attempt at chili was a bit of a disaster. Way too watery! But after a few tweaks, I finally nailed it.

This method will give you the Best Chili Recipe you've ever tasted. It really is a champion!

Prep Steps: Your Essential Mise en Place

Alright, first things first: the prep. It's all about getting your ducks in a row. Chop 1 large onion (about 1 cup), mince 2 cloves garlic, and dice 1 green bell pepper and 1 red bell pepper (about 1 cup each).

Rinse and drain 1 (15 oz) can of kidney beans and 1 (15 oz) can of black beans. Measure out your spices.

Time saving tip: I sometimes chop my veggies the night before.

Safety Reminder: Keep those fingers out of the way when chopping! And for goodness sake, wash your hands.

step-by-step Process: Chili Simplified

Here's how we're turning simple ingredients into a spectacular Classic Chili Recipe :

1. Sauté Aromatics: Heat 1 tbsp (15 ml) of olive oil in your Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the onion and cook for 5 minutes , until softened. Then, add the garlic and peppers. Cook for another 3- 4 minutes , until tender.
2. Brown the Beef: Add 1.5 lbs (680 g) of ground beef and break it up. Cook until browned, about 7- 10 minutes . Drain off any excess grease! I use 20% fat ground beef for flavour.
3. Season the Beef: Stir in 1 tsp (5 ml) salt, 1/2 tsp (2.5 ml) black pepper, 2 tbsp (30 ml) chili powder, 1 tsp (5 ml) cumin, 1/2 tsp (2.5 ml) smoked paprika, and 1/4 tsp (1.25 ml) cayenne pepper (if you're feeling brave!). Cook for 1 minute , letting those spices wake up.
4. Add Remaining Ingredients: Stir in 1 (28 oz) can of crushed tomatoes, those rinsed beans, 1 cup (240 ml) beef broth, 1 tbsp (15 ml) tomato paste, and 1 tbsp (15 ml) apple cider vinegar.
5. Simmer : Bring to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook for at least 1 hour , or even up to 2 hours . The longer it simmers, the better it tastes! This Hearty Chili Recipe is all about those flavours melding.

Pro Tips: From Novice to "Chili Champ"

• Don't skimp on the browning. A good sear adds SO much flavor.
• Common mistake: Not tasting and adjusting! Make sure to taste and add more seasoning if needed. This Chili Recipe Easy is all about personal taste!
• make-ahead: Chili is amazing the next day. The flavors just deepen. So, go ahead and make it a day ahead for even better results! This one of the best Beef Dishes around, you can use for so many other recipes.

So there you have it my super simple, incredibly tasty Homemade Chili . Give it a go, and let me know what you think! You'll be crowned the Chili Champ in no time!

Recipe Notes for the Best Chili Recipe

Alright, so you’re about to make some ground beef chili . Sorted! But before you dive in headfirst, let’s chat about a few bits and bobs that’ll take your hearty chili recipe from good to "Oh my gosh, this is the best chili I’ve ever had!" Honestly, a few tweaks can make all the difference.

Plating and Presentation: Make it Look Good!

Presentation matters, you know? Even for comfort food chili . I like to ladle my chili into a rustic bowl. Then I'll add a dollop of sour cream.

A sprinkle of cheddar cheese finishes it perfectly. For a bit of freshness, throw on some chopped green onions. A few tortilla chips sticking out make it feel special.

It's amazing what a little effort can do. I tell you.

What to Serve with Your Chili

Ground beef chili is great on its own. But a few sides make it a proper feast. Cornbread is a classic, naturally.

But you know what’s surprisingly lush? Cinnamon rolls! Don't knock it till you've tried it. The sweet and spicy combo is something else.

Guacamole and tortilla chips also add a fresh contrast. Don't underestimate some buttered bread.

Storing Your Classic Chili Recipe

Got leftovers? Ace! This chili is even better the next day. Let it cool completely before popping it in the fridge.

It'll keep for about 3-4 days. For longer storage, freeze it. Portion it into freezer bags or containers. It'll stay good for up to 3 months.

To reheat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Then heat it on the stove or in the microwave. Always make sure it’s piping hot.

Adapt Your Chili

Fancy a change? Easy peasy. For a spicy kick, add a chopped jalapeño or some red pepper flakes. Making this easy weeknight chili vegetarian? Just swap the ground beef for plant based mince.

Alternatively, add more beans. Another ground beef recipes twist? Try using ground turkey instead. No beef broth? Chicken broth works a treat.

Nutrition Basics: Goodness in a Bowl

This chili with beans is surprisingly good for you. It's packed with protein from the beef and beans. Fiber keeps you feeling full and happy.

It's full of vitamins from the veggies. Keep an eye on the sodium levels though. Using low-sodium beef broth helps.

And remember, everything in moderation, yeah?

So, there you have it! Some extra tips to make your award winning weeknight ground beef chili truly special. Now get cooking, and enjoy every single bite! You've got this!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this ground beef chili spicier? I like a bit of a kick!

Absolutely! If you're after a bit more of a "cheeky" kick, try adding a finely chopped jalapeño pepper along with the onions and peppers. A pinch or two of red pepper flakes works wonders too.

You can also increase the amount of cayenne pepper to your liking just add a little at a time until it's reached your spice tolerance. Just like adding gravy to your Sunday roast, it's all about personal preference!

What's the best way to store leftover ground beef chili? Will it keep 'til next Tuesday?

Leftover ground beef chili is great for meal prepping! Let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It will keep in the fridge for 3-4 days, so yes, it should be good until next Tuesday. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months.

Just thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating gently on the stovetop or in the microwave a right proper time saver!

Is there a vegetarian version of this ground beef chili recipe? My mate's gone veggie.

No worries, you can easily adapt this recipe for your vegetarian friend. Substitute the ground beef with plant based ground meat alternatives (like Quorn) or simply add more beans for extra protein and texture. You could even throw in some diced sweet potatoes or squash for added heartiness.

Make sure to use vegetable broth instead of beef broth, and Bob's your uncle, you've got a cracking veggie chili!

Can I use a different type of bean in this ground beef chili? I'm not a big fan of kidney beans.

Of course! Feel free to swap out the kidney beans for other types of beans like pinto beans, cannellini beans (white kidney beans), or even great northern beans. Each type of bean will add a slightly different flavour and texture to the chili, so experiment and see what you prefer.

Think of it like choosing your favourite biscuit to dunk in your tea it's all about what makes you happy!

What are some good toppings to put on this ground beef chili?

The possibilities are endless! For a classic touch, go for shredded cheddar cheese, a dollop of sour cream (or Greek yogurt for a healthier option), and some chopped green onions. If you're feeling fancy, try adding a spoonful of guacamole, some crumbled tortilla chips for crunch, or even a drizzle of hot sauce for extra heat.

It's like building your own Full English breakfast customise it to your heart's content!

How can I thicken up my ground beef chili if it's too watery? Mine is a bit like soup.

If your ground beef chili is a bit more "soup" than "stew," there are a few tricks you can try. First, simmer it uncovered for a bit longer to allow some of the liquid to evaporate.

You can also mix a tablespoon of cornstarch (cornflour) with a little cold water to create a slurry and stir that into the chili during the last 15 minutes of cooking. Another option is to mash some of the beans to release their starch, adding body and thickness to the chili.

Much like thickening up your favourite gravy!