Ina Garten Beef Chili Recipe

Ina Garten’s Beef Chili is the ultimate comfort food, loaded with bold flavors and hearty ingredients that make it perfect for any occasion. This recipe combines tender ground beef, savory spices, and a mix of vegetables and beans, all simmered together to create a rich, satisfying dish.

The chili is both filling and comforting, making it a favorite for casual dinners or gatherings. It’s a simple one-pot recipe that comes together with minimal effort, allowing the bold flavors to develop as it simmers, leaving you with a deeply flavorful, hearty meal.

What is Ina Garten Beef Chili?

Ina Garten’s Beef Chili is her take on the classic chili dish, featuring ground beef, a mix of savory spices, and kidney beans simmered to perfection. Unlike overly complex chili recipes, this version is straightforward but doesn’t skimp on flavor. With a balance of heat and richness, it’s a comfort food that can be enjoyed as a main meal or a game-day favorite.

Other Popular Recipes

• Pioneer Woman Chicken Tortilla Soup
• Ina Garten Beef Stroganoff
• Ina Garten Brunch Egg Casserole

Why You Should Try This Recipe

• Full of Flavor: The combination of spices, tomatoes, and beef creates a bold, hearty flavor that’s hard to resist.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: It’s great for making ahead and reheating throughout the week, as the flavors deepen over time.
• Easy to Customize: You can adjust the heat level or add your favorite toppings to suit your taste.
• One-Pot Wonder: This recipe is simple, with minimal cleanup needed afterward.
• Family Favorite: It’s a dish that pleases everyone, from kids to adults, making it perfect for family meals.

Ingredients Needed to Make Ina Garten Beef Chili

• 2 pounds of ground beef
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 large onions, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped
• 1 green bell pepper, chopped
• 2 tablespoons chili powder
• 1 tablespoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
• 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
• 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
• 1 cup beef broth
• 2 (15-ounce) cans kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh cilantro, chopped for garnish
• Sour cream, shredded cheese, and diced avocado for serving (optional)

Instructions to Make Ina Garten Beef Chili

Step 1: Brown the Beef

• Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat.
• Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks.
• Remove the beef from the pot and set it aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

• In the same pot, add chopped onions and bell peppers.
• Cook for 5-7 minutes until softened and slightly browned.
• Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.

Step 3: Add Spices and Tomatoes

• Add chili powder, cumin, paprika, oregano, and cayenne pepper to the pot, stirring to coat the vegetables.
• Pour in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and beef broth.
• Stir well to combine the ingredients.

Step 4: Simmer the Chili

• Return the browned beef to the pot, stirring to combine it with the tomato mixture.
• Add the kidney beans, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
• Bring the chili to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 5: Serve and Garnish

• Ladle the beef chili into bowls.
• Garnish with fresh cilantro and your choice of sour cream, shredded cheese, or diced avocado.

What Goes Well With Ina Garten Beef Chili

• Cornbread: A slice of warm, buttery cornbread complements the robust flavors of the chili.
• Tortilla Chips: Serve with crispy tortilla chips for dipping or crumbling on top.
• Rice: Pair the chili with steamed rice for a hearty meal.
• Baked Potatoes: Spoon the chili over a baked potato for a delicious twist.
• Salad: A fresh green salad with a light dressing balances the richness of the chili.

Essential Tips for Perfecting Ina Garten Beef Chili

• Brown the beef well to build a deep, savory flavor in the chili.
• Adjust the spice level by adding more or less cayenne pepper depending on your heat preference.
• Simmer longer if you want the flavors to deepen even more—chili often tastes better the longer it cooks.
• Rinse the beans before adding them to remove excess salt and starch.
• Make it ahead and refrigerate overnight for even richer flavors the next day.

Variations of Ina Garten Beef Chili

• Turkey Chili: Substitute ground beef with ground turkey for a leaner version.
• Vegetarian Chili: Skip the beef and add more beans or vegetables like zucchini and corn.
• Add Chorizo: For a spicier, more robust flavor, mix in some chorizo with the ground beef.
• White Bean Chili: Use white beans instead of kidney beans for a lighter variation.
• Chipotle Chili: Add chopped chipotle peppers in adobo sauce for a smoky, spicy kick.

Storing Ina Garten Beef Chili: Best Practices

• Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freeze the chili in portioned, freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months.
• Cool completely before storing to prevent condensation and moisture buildup.
• Label and date containers for easy identification.

Reheating Ina Garten Beef Chili: Best Practices

• Stovetop method: Reheat on low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through.
• Microwave option: Heat in short intervals, stirring in between to ensure even warming.
• Add a splash of broth or water if the chili has thickened too much during storage.
• Avoid overheating to prevent drying out the chili.

How Can I Make Ina Garten Beef Chili Healthier?

• Use lean ground beef or opt for ground turkey for a lighter alternative.
• Add more vegetables like carrots, zucchini, or spinach to increase the fiber and nutrient content.
• Reduce the amount of oil used for sautéing the vegetables to cut down on fat.
• Skip the sour cream or use Greek yogurt as a topping for a lower-fat option.
• Use low-sodium beans and broth to control the sodium content in the dish.

Nutrition Value (Per Serving)

• Calories: 350
• Protein: 30g
• Carbohydrates: 20g
• Fat: 16g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Cholesterol: 80mg
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fiber: 7g
• Sugar: 6g

FAQs

What can I add to chili to make it unique?

To make your chili unique, consider adding ingredients like dark chocolate or cocoa powder for a subtle richness, smoked paprika for a smoky flavor, or chopped chorizo for added spice. You can also mix in unexpected toppings like avocado, cilantro, or crumbled bacon to elevate the dish.

What makes chili taste rich?

To achieve a rich flavor in chili, focus on using high-quality beef, allowing the dish to simmer for a longer time to develop deep flavors. Adding ingredients like beef broth, tomato paste, and slow-cooked onions enhances the base, while finishing touches like sour cream, dark chocolate, or a splash of balsamic vinegar can add richness and complexity.

What is a secret ingredient for chili?

A popular secret ingredient for chili is a small amount of dark chocolate or unsweetened cocoa powder. This adds a deep, slightly bitter note that balances out the heat and acidity. Other secret ingredients include cinnamon, which gives a warm spice, or a dash of coffee for an earthy undertone.

Can I make Ina Garten’s Beef Chili in a slow cooker?

Yes, you can make Ina Garten’s Beef Chili in a slow cooker. Simply brown the beef and sauté the vegetables on the stovetop as instructed, then transfer everything to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours to allow the flavors to fully develop.

Can I freeze Ina Garten’s Beef Chili?

Yes, beef chili freezes very well. Let the chili cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers or freezer bags. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave.

How do I thicken beef chili?

To thicken beef chili, you can let it simmer uncovered for an additional 10-15 minutes to reduce the liquid. Alternatively, you can stir in a slurry made from 1 tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons of water, or add a few crushed tortilla chips directly into the pot.

Can I make Ina Garten’s Beef Chili without beans?

Yes, you can make this chili without beans. Simply omit the beans from the recipe, and if desired, add more vegetables like bell peppers or diced tomatoes to maintain the texture and bulk of the dish.

Final Words

Ina Garten’s Beef Chili is the perfect recipe for those seeking a hearty, flavorful meal that’s easy to make and customizable to suit any palate.

Make it for dinner tonight, and enjoy the comforting, bold flavors of this classic dish.

Other Yummy Recipes:

• Pioneer Woman Beef Barley Soup
• Pioneer Woman Taco Soup
• Ina Garten Broccoli Cheddar Soup
• Ina Garten Tuna Noodle Casserole

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