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Classic Beef Chili Recipe

Classic Beef Chili Recipe
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★★★★★

4.9 from 9 reviews

Classic Beef Chili is a hearty and flavorful dish featuring lean ground beef simmered in a rich blend of spices, crushed tomatoes, and beef broth. Enhanced with ancho and chipotle chile powders, cumin, and smoked paprika, this chili offers a perfect balance of smoky, spicy, and slightly sweet flavors. Perfect for a comforting meal, garnished with fresh cilantro, lime wedges, sour cream, cheese, and scallions.

Ingredients

Scale

Meat & Seasoning

  • 2.5 pounds 85% lean ground beef
  • 2 teaspoons salt
  • ¾ teaspoon baking soda

Vegetables & Aromatics

  • 1 large yellow onion (or 2 small), minced
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 red bell pepper, minced

Spices

  • 2 tablespoons ancho chile powder
  • 1 tablespoon chipotle chile powder
  • 1 tablespoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • ½ teaspoon ground coriander
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ¼ teaspoon cinnamon (optional, for a sweeter chili)

Other Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 2 tablespoons cornmeal
  • 3 cups beef broth
  • 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
  • ¼ cup tomato paste
  • 1 tablespoon molasses, such as Grandma’s Original (optional, for a sweeter chili)
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice, from 1 lime

Garnishes

  • Cilantro
  • Lime wedges
  • Sour cream
  • Cheese
  • Scallions

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Beef Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, salt, baking soda, and 1 tablespoon of water. Using your hands, mix until evenly combined. Let the mixture sit on the counter for 20 minutes to allow the baking soda to tenderize the meat and improve texture.
  2. Sauté Vegetables and Brown Beef: Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the minced onions, garlic, and red bell pepper and cook, stirring frequently, until they soften, about 4 to 6 minutes. Add the beef mixture and increase the heat to high. Break the beef into ¼-inch pieces with a wooden spoon and cook until browned, approximately 10 to 12 minutes. Do not drain the liquid released by the beef; this will be skimmed later.
  3. Add Spices: Stir in ancho chile powder, chipotle chile powder, ground cumin, dried oregano, ground coriander, smoked paprika, and cinnamon if using. Cook, stirring frequently, for 1 to 2 minutes until the spices are fragrant and well combined with the beef and vegetables.
  4. Add Liquids and Simmer: Mix in the cornmeal, beef broth, crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, and molasses if desired. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low and cover. Let it simmer gently for 2 hours, allowing flavors to meld and the chili to thicken.
  5. Finish and Adjust Seasoning: Skim excess fat off the chili’s surface using a spoon, leaving some for flavor. Stir in fresh lime juice, then taste and adjust seasoning as needed. For a thinner chili, add a little water. If a thicker consistency is preferred, simmer uncovered until desired thickness is reached.
  6. Make Ahead and Storage: To prepare ahead, cool the chili slightly and refrigerate uncovered until cold. Cover and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  7. Freezing Instructions: Freeze the chili for up to 3 months in an airtight container. Defrost overnight in the refrigerator before reheating on the stovetop over medium heat until hot and bubbly.

Notes

  • Allowing the beef mixture to rest with baking soda tenderizes the meat, enhancing the chili’s texture.
  • Do not drain the liquid from the browned beef; it adds depth of flavor and will be skimmed later.
  • The optional cinnamon and molasses add subtle sweetness and complexity to the chili.
  • Adjust the level of chipotle chile powder according to your desired heat preference.
  • Garnish with cilantro, lime wedges, sour cream, cheese, and scallions for added freshness and flavor contrast.
  • The chili tastes even better the next day as flavors further develop.
  • To make this recipe gluten-free, ensure the beef broth and cornmeal are certified gluten-free.

Nutrition

Keywords: Beef Chili, Classic Chili, Hearty Chili, Spicy Beef Stew, Ground Beef Chili, Comfort Food, Simmered Chili

Find it online: https://www.sanacooks.com/classic-beef-chili-recipe/