Sweet and Spicy Apple Beef Chili
Warm up your evenings with this Sweet and Spicy Apple Beef Chili, where a delightful blend of ground beef, tart apples, and aromatic spices come together in a hearty dish that's perfect for sharing. The unexpected addition of apples adds a subtle sweetness that balances the heat from the spices, creating a unique chili experience that's sure to be a hit at gatherings. Pair it with crusty bread or a fresh side salad for a complete meal.
6
Servings
N/A
Calories
15
Ingredients
Ingredients
Olive oil
2 tablespoons (none)
Smoked paprika
1 tablespoon (none)
Chili powder
2 teaspoons (none)
Cumin
2 teaspoons (none)
Dried oregano
2 teaspoons (none)
Garlic powder
2 teaspoons (none)
Cinnamon
1 teaspoon (none)
Ground beef
2 lbs (none)
Apples
2 (peeled, cored, and diced)
Yellow onion
1 (diced)
Tomato paste
6 ounces (none)
Chicken broth
3 cups (none)
Cider vinegar
2 tablespoons (none)
Salt
to taste (none)
Pepper
to taste (none)
Instructions
1
In a large saucepan over medium-high heat, add the olive oil and allow it to warm up.
2
Add smoked paprika, chili powder, cumin, dried oregano, garlic powder, and cinnamon to the oil. Stir constantly for about 30 seconds until the spices are fragrant.
3
Add the ground beef to the pan, breaking it apart with a spatula. Cook until browned, about 6 minutes. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
4
Stir in the diced apples and onions. Sauté for 5 minutes until the onions are translucent and the apples have softened slightly.
5
Mix in the tomato paste, chicken broth, and cider vinegar. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
6
Reduce the heat and let it cook uncovered for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chili thickens slightly. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7
Serve hot, garnished with your choice of toppings like shredded cheese or fresh cilantro.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Sweet and Spicy Apple Beef Chili?
It is a hearty dish that combines ground beef, tart apples, and a blend of aromatic spices for a unique, balanced flavor profile.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe yields approximately 6 servings.
What kind of apples should I use?
The recipe recommends tart apples, which should be peeled, cored, and diced.
What are the primary spices in this chili?
The spice blend includes smoked paprika, chili powder, cumin, dried oregano, garlic powder, and cinnamon.
Is there cinnamon in this beef chili?
Yes, one teaspoon of cinnamon is used to enhance the sweetness of the apples and the warmth of the beef.
How long does it take to brown the ground beef?
It takes about 6 minutes to cook the ground beef until it is browned.
What type of broth is used?
The recipe calls for 3 cups of chicken broth.
Can I substitute the chicken broth?
Yes, beef broth or vegetable broth can be used as a substitute if preferred.
What kind of vinegar is added to the chili?
Two tablespoons of cider vinegar are added to provide a touch of acidity.
How should I prepare the onions and apples?
The onions should be diced, and the apples should be peeled, cored, and diced before sautéing.
How long do the apples and onions need to sauté?
They should be sautéed for about 5 minutes until the onions are translucent and the apples soften slightly.
Do I need to drain the fat from the beef?
The instructions suggest draining any excess fat after browning the beef if necessary.
How long should the chili simmer?
The chili should simmer uncovered for about 10 minutes to allow it to thicken.
What is the role of the tomato paste?
Tomato paste is used to add depth of flavor and help thicken the chili base.
What oil is recommended for cooking?
Two tablespoons of olive oil are used to sauté the spices and beef.
Can I add toppings to this chili?
Yes, it is recommended to serve the chili with toppings like shredded cheese or fresh cilantro.
Is this chili spicy?
Yes, the combination of chili powder and smoked paprika gives it a spicy kick, which is balanced by the sweet apples.
What should I serve with this dish?
It pairs well with crusty bread or a fresh side salad for a complete meal.
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes, ground turkey or ground chicken can be used as a leaner alternative to ground beef.
What type of onion is best for this recipe?
The recipe specifically calls for one diced yellow onion.
How many apples are needed?
The recipe requires 2 apples.
How much tomato paste is required?
One 6-ounce container of tomato paste is needed for this recipe.
Can I use fresh garlic instead of garlic powder?
Yes, you can substitute the 2 teaspoons of garlic powder with 3 to 4 cloves of minced fresh garlic.
Is this recipe suitable for a gathering?
Yes, it is described as a hearty dish that is perfect for sharing at gatherings.
When should I add the spices?
The spices should be added to the warm olive oil and stirred for 30 seconds before adding the beef.
Should the chili be covered while simmering?
No, the instructions state to cook it uncovered for 10 minutes to help it thicken.
What is the texture of the finished chili?
It is a hearty, slightly thickened chili with softened bits of apple and savory ground beef.
Can I make this chili in advance?
Yes, chili often tastes even better the next day after the flavors have had more time to meld.
How do I season the final dish?
You should season with salt and pepper to taste after the simmering process is complete.
Is this a good comfort food recipe?
Absolutely, it is tagged as a comfort food and is ideal for warming up chilly evenings.