Description
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.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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 of 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
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.