Ina Garten Beef Chili Recipe

Ina Garten Beef Chili Recipe

This Ina Garten Beef Chili recipe is a rich and hearty recipe, which is made with lean ground beef and kidney beans. It’s the ultimate comfort food recipe, ready in about 1 hour.

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Ina Garten Beef Chili Recipe Ingredients

  • Olive oil – 2 tablespoons
  • Yellow onions – 2 large, chopped
  • Garlic – 4 cloves, minced
  • Bell peppers – 2 (red or green), chopped
  • Ground beef – 2 pounds (preferably lean)
  • Kosher salt – 2 teaspoons (or to taste)
  • Freshly ground black pepper – 1 teaspoon
  • Chili powder – 2 tablespoons
  • Ground cumin – 1 tablespoon
  • Smoked paprika – 1 teaspoon
  • Cayenne pepper – ¼ teaspoon (optional for heat)
  • Tomato paste – 2 tablespoons
  • Canned diced tomatoes – 1 (28-ounce) can
  • Beef broth – 2 cups
  • Canned kidney beans – 2 (15-ounce) cans, drained and rinsed
  • Canned black beans – 1 (15-ounce) can, drained and rinsed
  • Fresh cilantro – 2 tablespoons, chopped (for garnish)
Ina Garten Beef Chili Recipe

How To Make Ina Garten Beef Chili Recipe

  1. Sauté the Vegetables: Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and bell peppers and sauté for 7-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  2. Brown the Beef: Add the ground beef to the pot. Cook, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, until browned and no longer pink, about 8-10 minutes.
  3. Add Spices: Season with kosher salt, black pepper, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper (if using). Stir well to coat the beef with the spices.
  4. Add Tomato Base: Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes to develop its flavor. Add the diced tomatoes and beef broth, stirring to combine.
  5. Simmer the Chili: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and let it simmer for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  6. Add the Beans: Stir in the drained and rinsed kidney beans and black beans. Simmer uncovered for an additional 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
  7. Garnish and Serve: Ladle the chili into bowls and garnish with chopped cilantro. Serve hot.
Ina Garten Beef Chili Recipe

Recipe Tips

  • How do you get the best flavor? Allowing the chili to simmer for the full time is key to developing a rich, robust taste. The flavors will meld and deepen the longer it gently cooks.
  • Why use lean ground beef? Using lean ground beef reduces the amount of excess grease in the final dish, resulting in a cleaner flavor without sacrificing richness.
  • How do I make the spices more flavorful? Toasting the spices by cooking them directly with the browned beef for a minute before adding the liquids helps to wake them up and enhance their aroma and flavor.
  • Can I make this ahead of time? Yes, and it’s highly recommended. Chili tastes even better the next day as the flavors have more time to meld together.

What To Serve With Ina Garten Beef Chili

This hearty chili pairs perfectly with a variety of classic accompaniments.

  • Cornbread: A classic pairing that complements the chili’s bold flavors.
  • Rice: Serve over steamed rice for a hearty meal.
  • Tortilla Chips: Adds crunch and works as a scoop for the chili.
  • Green Salad: A fresh side dish that balances the richness of the chili.
  • Toppings: Creamy avocado slices, sour cream, and shredded cheese are popular choices.
Ina Garten Beef Chili Recipe

How To Store Ina Garten Beef Chili

  • Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
  • Freeze: Cool the chili completely and freeze it in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Ina Garten Beef Chili Nutrition Facts

  • Calories: ~350 per serving
  • Protein: 28g
  • Carbohydrates: 20g
  • Fats: 18g
  • Fiber: 7g

Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on ingredients and cooking methods used.

FAQs

Can Beef Chili Be Frozen?

Beef chili freezes exceptionally well. Allow it to cool completely, then store it in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat before serving.

How Can I Thicken Beef Chili?

To thicken beef chili, simmer it uncovered for an additional 10-15 minutes to reduce excess liquid. You can also mash some of the beans or stir in a slurry of cornstarch and water for a thicker consistency.

What Toppings Go Well With Beef Chili?

Popular toppings for beef chili include shredded cheese, sour cream, diced onions, avocado slices, tortilla chips, chopped cilantro, and a squeeze of lime juice. These toppings enhance the flavor and texture of the dish.

Ina Garten Beef Chili Recipe

Recipe by SarahCourse: DinnerCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy
Servings

6

servings
Prep time

15

minutes
Cooking time

45

minutes
Calories

350

kcal

A rich and hearty chili with tender ground beef, a robust blend of spices, and satisfying beans, perfect for a comforting meal.

Ingredients

  • 2 tbsp Olive oil

  • 2 large Yellow onions, chopped

  • 4 cloves Garlic, minced

  • 2 Bell peppers (red or green), chopped

  • 2 pounds Ground beef (preferably lean)

  • 2 tsp Kosher salt

  • 1 tsp Black pepper

  • 2 tbsp Chili powder

  • 1 tbsp Ground cumin

  • 1 tsp Smoked paprika

  • ¼ tsp Cayenne pepper (optional)

  • 2 tbsp Tomato paste

  • 1 (28-ounce) can Canned diced tomatoes

  • 2 cups Beef broth

  • 2 (15-ounce) cans Canned kidney beans, drained and rinsed

  • 1 (15-ounce) can Canned black beans, drained and rinsed

  • 2 tbsp Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)

Directions

  • Sauté onions and peppers in olive oil until soft. Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute.
  • Add ground beef and cook until browned. Stir in all spices to toast them.
  • Stir in tomato paste, then add diced tomatoes and beef broth.
  • Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 30 minutes.
  • Add the drained and rinsed beans and simmer uncovered for another 10-15 minutes to thicken.
  • Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro and your favorite toppings.

Notes

  • Using lean ground beef will give you a rich flavor with less grease.
  • Simmering the chili for the full time is crucial for developing deep, complex flavors.
  • This chili tastes even better the next day, making it a perfect make-ahead meal.
  • Customize the heat by adjusting the amount of cayenne pepper to your preference.

Sarra

I’m Sarra Jhonson, the cook behind Tasty Treats Daily. In my tiny apartment kitchen, I try all kinds of recipes—weeknight dinners, baked treats, and quick sides—then refine them until they’re reliable. I write clear, step-by-step instructions in plain language, and I share what worked, what didn’t, and the tips that make it easier at home.