Ultimate Beef & Bean Chili Delight
This robust and hearty beef chili combines a medley of spices, tender ground beef, and nutritious kidney beans for a satisfying dish that warms the soul. Inspired by recipes from America's Test Kitchen, this version features a carefully balanced blend of flavors that improve over time, making it a perfect candidate for meal prep or serving at gatherings. Customize your chili experience with a selection of fresh condiments, ideal for topping. From crisp diced tomatoes to creamy avocado, each bite can be tailored to your taste. Make this chili a day in advance for enhanced flavor or freeze leftovers for future enjoyment. For an extra kick, feel free to adjust the heat with added spices to suit your palate.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
16
Ingredients
Ingredients
vegetable corn oil
2 tablespoons (for cooking)
onions
2 medium (chopped fine (about 2 cups))
red bell pepper
1 medium (stemmed, seeded, and cut into 1/2-inch dice)
garlic cloves
6 medium (minced (about 2 tablespoons))
chili powder
1/4 cup (spice)
ground cumin
1 tablespoon (spice)
ground coriander
2 teaspoons (spice)
red pepper flakes
1 teaspoon (spice)
dried oregano
1 teaspoon (spice)
cayenne pepper
1/2 teaspoon (spice)
lean ground beef
2 lbs (80% lean)
dark red kidney beans
2 cans (15 ounces each) (drained and rinsed)
diced tomatoes
1 can (28 ounces) (with juice)
tomato puree
1 can (28 ounces)
salt
to taste
limes
2 (cut into wedges)
Instructions
1
In a large, heavy-bottomed Dutch oven, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat until shimmering but not smoking.
2
Add the chopped onions, diced bell pepper, minced garlic, chili powder, ground cumin, ground coriander, red pepper flakes, dried oregano, and cayenne pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally until the vegetables are softened and starting to brown, about 10 minutes.
3
Increase the heat to medium-high and add half of the ground beef. Break it up with a wooden spoon and cook until there is no pink remaining and it begins to brown, about 3 to 4 minutes.
4
Add the remaining ground beef to the pot, continuing to break it into small pieces with a spoon until fully browned, about another 3 to 4 minutes.
5
Stir in the drained and rinsed kidney beans, diced tomatoes (with juice), tomato puree, and half a teaspoon of salt.
6
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let it simmer for 1 hour, stirring occasionally.
7
After an hour, remove the lid and allow it to continue simmering for another hour, stirring occasionally. If the chili begins to stick to the pot, stir in 1/2 cup of water to maintain consistency.
8
Once the beef is tender and the chili has thickened to your liking, adjust the seasoning with additional salt if needed.
9
Serve hot with lime wedges and a selection of your favorite toppings.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main protein in the Ultimate Beef & Bean Chili Delight?
The main protein in this recipe is 2 lbs of 80% lean ground beef.
What type of beans are used in this chili?
This recipe calls for two 15-ounce cans of dark red kidney beans, which should be drained and rinsed.
Can I make this chili ahead of time?
Yes, making this chili a day in advance is recommended as the flavors improve over time.
How long does the chili need to simmer?
The chili should simmer for a total of two hours: one hour covered and one hour uncovered.
Is this chili recipe spicy?
The recipe features a balanced heat from chili powder, red pepper flakes, and cayenne pepper, which can be adjusted to your palate.
What kind of oil should be used for cooking the vegetables?
You should use 2 tablespoons of vegetable or corn oil.
What vegetables are included in the base of the chili?
The base includes chopped onions and a diced red bell pepper.
How much garlic is required for this recipe?
The recipe uses 6 medium garlic cloves, minced to about 2 tablespoons.
What are the primary spices used in this chili?
The spice blend includes chili powder, ground cumin, ground coriander, red pepper flakes, dried oregano, and cayenne pepper.
Should I drain the diced tomatoes before adding them?
No, you should add the 28-ounce can of diced tomatoes along with their juice.
What should I do if the chili starts sticking to the pot during simmering?
If the chili begins to stick, stir in 1/2 cup of water to maintain the proper consistency.
Is this recipe suitable for freezing?
Yes, leftovers are perfect for freezing for future enjoyment.
What was the inspiration for this chili recipe?
This version is inspired by robust and hearty recipes from America's Test Kitchen.
How should the ground beef be cooked?
The beef should be added in two batches and cooked until fully browned and broken into small pieces.
What type of tomato products are used?
The recipe uses both a 28-ounce can of diced tomatoes and a 28-ounce can of tomato puree.
How do I serve the Ultimate Beef & Bean Chili Delight?
Serve it hot with lime wedges and your choice of fresh condiments like avocado or diced tomatoes.
How much chili powder is in the recipe?
The recipe calls for 1/4 cup of chili powder.
Can I adjust the salt level?
Yes, 1/2 teaspoon of salt is added during cooking, and you can adjust with additional salt to taste at the end.
Is this chili good for meal prep?
Yes, it is a perfect candidate for meal prep because the flavors develop and improve over time.
What type of pot is best for cooking this chili?
A large, heavy-bottomed Dutch oven is recommended for even heat distribution.
How many cans of kidney beans do I need?
You will need two 15-ounce cans of dark red kidney beans.
What is the purpose of simmering the chili uncovered for the second hour?
Simmering uncovered allows the chili to thicken to your desired consistency.
What color bell pepper is specified in the ingredients?
The recipe specifies one medium red bell pepper.
How much ground cumin is used?
The recipe requires 1 tablespoon of ground cumin.
Should the heat be high when browning the beef?
The heat should be increased to medium-high when adding and browning the ground beef.
What is the texture of the finished chili?
The finished chili is described as robust, hearty, and thick.
Are there any specific garnishes recommended?
Lime wedges are recommended for serving, along with toppings like avocado or tomatoes.
How many onions are needed for the recipe?
Two medium onions, chopped fine to yield about 2 cups, are required.
What should the oil look like before adding vegetables?
The oil should be heated until shimmering but not smoking.
Can I increase the spiciness?
Yes, you can feel free to adjust the heat with added spices to suit your personal palate.