Delicious and Hearty Ground Beef Chili Recipe for Cold Winter Nights
Guide or Summary：Ingredients:Instructions:Tips and Variations:When the temperature drops and the days get shorter, there's nothing quite like a warm, hearty……
Guide or Summary：
When the temperature drops and the days get shorter, there's nothing quite like a warm, hearty bowl of chili to keep you cozy. This ground beef chili recipe is perfect for those cold winter nights when you need something comforting and satisfying. Packed with flavors and spices, this dish is sure to become a family favorite. Here’s a detailed guide to making the ultimate ground beef chili recipe that will keep you warm all winter long.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 2 cans diced tomatoes (14.5 oz each)
- 1 can kidney beans (15 oz), drained and rinsed
- 1 can black beans (15 oz), drained and rinsed
- 1 can tomato sauce (8 oz)
- 2 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (optional for extra heat)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup beef broth
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Instructions:
1. **Prepare the Ingredients**: Begin by gathering all your ingredients. Chop the onion and bell pepper, and mince the garlic. Drain and rinse the kidney and black beans.
2. **Cook the Ground Beef**: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until it’s browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Once browned, remove the beef from the pot and set it aside, leaving any rendered fat in the pot.
3. **Sauté the Vegetables**: In the same pot, add the chopped onion and bell pepper. Sauté until the vegetables are soft and the onion is translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
4. **Combine Ingredients**: Return the browned ground beef to the pot with the sautéed vegetables. Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, kidney beans, black beans, and beef broth.
5. **Add the Spices**: Sprinkle in the chili powder, ground cumin, paprika, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and pepper. Stir everything together to ensure the spices are evenly distributed.
6. **Simmer**: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let it simmer for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. For a deeper flavor, you can let it simmer for up to an hour, stirring occasionally.
7. **Taste and Adjust**: After simmering, taste the chili and adjust the seasoning as needed. If you prefer a thicker chili, let it simmer uncovered for an additional 10-15 minutes to reduce the liquid.
8. **Serve**: Ladle the chili into bowls and serve hot. You can top it with shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped green onions, or fresh cilantro for added flavor and texture. Serve with cornbread, tortilla chips, or a side salad for a complete meal.
Tips and Variations:
- **Spice Level**: Adjust the cayenne pepper to control the heat level. For a milder chili, omit the cayenne pepper entirely. For extra heat, add more cayenne or a few dashes of hot sauce.
- **Beans**: Feel free to use different types of beans such as pinto beans or navy beans. You can also add an extra can of beans if you prefer a beanier chili.
- **Vegetables**: Add more vegetables like zucchini, corn, or carrots for added nutrition and texture.
- **Slow Cooker Option**: You can also make this chili in a slow cooker. Brown the ground beef and sauté the vegetables first, then transfer everything to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
This ground beef chili recipe is not only delicious but also versatile. It’s perfect for meal prep as it reheats well and can be frozen for later use. Whether you're serving it for a family dinner, a game day gathering, or just a cozy night in, this chili is sure to be a hit. Enjoy the warmth and comfort of a homemade ground beef chili recipe this winter!