Hearty Beef Chili

Hearty Beef Chili Recipe - Made in USA with Tomatoes, Beef, and Spices

Region / culture: USA | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 8-10 hours on low or 4-5 hours on high | Servings: 6-8

Introduction

Hearty Beef Chili is a classic comfort food that is perfect for a cozy night in or a gathering with friends. This recipe is packed with flavor and hearty ingredients that will leave you feeling satisfied and warm inside.

History

Chili has a long history in American cuisine, with roots dating back to the early settlers and cowboys who would cook up pots of meat and spices over an open flame. Over the years, chili has evolved into a beloved dish that is enjoyed by people all over the world.

Ingredients

1 x 29 oz (822 g) can of tomatoes, cut up
1 x 10 oz (283 g) can of chopped tomatoes and green chile peppers
2 cups of vegetable juice or tomato juice
1 to 2 tbsp of chili powder
1 tsp of ground cumin
1 tsp of dried oregano, crushed
3 cloves of garlic, minced
1.5 lb (680 g) of beef or pork stew meat, cut into 1-inch cubes
2 cups of chopped onion
1.5 cups of chopped celery
1 cup of chopped green sweet pepper
2 x 15 oz (425 g) cans of black, kidney, and/or garbanzo beans, drained and rinsed

Optional toppers

shredded Mexican cheese or cheddar cheese
dairy sour cream
thinly sliced green onion
snipped cilantro
thinly sliced jalapeño peppers
sliced pitted ripe olives

How to prepare

In a 6 qt (5.68 liter) slow cooker, combine both cans of undrained tomatoes, vegetable or tomato juice, chili powder, cumin, oregano, and garlic.
Stir in the meat, onion, celery, and bell pepper.
Cover and cook on low heat for 8 to 10 hours or on high heat for 4 to 5 hours.
Stir in the beans. If using low heat, switch to high heat and cook for an additional 15 minutes.
Spoon into bowls. If desired, serve with toppings.

Variations

Substitute ground beef or turkey for the cubed meat.
Add in different types of beans such as kidney beans or pinto beans.
Experiment with different spices like smoked paprika or chipotle powder.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

For a richer flavor, brown the meat before adding it to the slow cooker.

- Adjust the amount of chili powder to suit your taste preferences.

- For a thicker chili, add a can of tomato paste or cornstarch slurry towards the end of cooking.

Serving Suggestions

Hearty Beef Chili is delicious on its own, but you can also serve it with cornbread, rice, or a side salad for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

This recipe uses a slow cooker to simmer the ingredients together, but you can also make it on the stovetop or in an Instant Pot for a quicker cooking time.

Ingredient Substitutions

Feel free to customize this recipe with your favorite ingredients. You can add in more vegetables like corn or zucchini, or swap out the meat for a vegetarian option like tofu or tempeh.

Make Ahead Tips

Hearty Beef Chili can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish your Hearty Beef Chili with a dollop of sour cream, a sprinkle of cheese, and a few slices of jalapeño for a colorful and appetizing presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Hearty Beef Chili pairs well with a cold beer, a glass of red wine, or a refreshing iced tea.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Hearty Beef Chili contains approximately 300 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Hearty Beef Chili contains approximately 30 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Hearty Beef Chili contains approximately 10 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Hearty Beef Chili contains approximately 25 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Hearty Beef Chili is a good source of Vitamin C, Iron, and Potassium.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy (cheese and sour cream) and may contain gluten if served with bread or crackers.

Summary

Hearty Beef Chili is a balanced meal that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats. It is also rich in essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Hearty Beef Chili is a delicious and satisfying dish that is perfect for any occasion. Packed with flavor and nutrients, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

I can still recall the sense of amazement I felt when I first saw this recipe for Hearty Beef Chili. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl living in a small town in the Midwest. My mother had invited some friends over for a potluck dinner, and I was tasked with helping her prepare the dishes.

As we were gathering the ingredients for the chili, one of our neighbors, Mrs. Jenkins, came over with a big smile on her face. She handed my mother a tattered old recipe card and said, "You simply must try this chili recipe. It's been passed down in my family for generations."

I watched as my mother carefully read the recipe, her eyes widening in surprise. She turned to Mrs. Jenkins and said, "This is unlike any chili recipe I've ever seen. Are you sure it's authentic?"

Mrs. Jenkins chuckled and replied, "Oh, it may seem unusual, but I promise you it's delicious. Just trust me and give it a try."

And so, we followed the recipe to the letter, chopping onions and bell peppers, browning the ground beef, and adding in the spices. The aroma that filled our kitchen was intoxicating, and I couldn't wait to taste the finished dish.

When we finally sat down to eat, I took my first bite of the Hearty Beef Chili and was blown away by the flavors. The combination of tender beef, spicy chili powder, and tangy tomatoes was unlike anything I had ever tasted before. It was rich, hearty, and satisfying in a way that warmed me from the inside out.

From that moment on, I was hooked. I begged my mother to make the Hearty Beef Chili for dinner at least once a week, and soon enough, I had memorized the recipe by heart. I would often make it for my friends and family, who would marvel at how such simple ingredients could come together to create such a delicious dish.

As the years went by, I continued to make the Hearty Beef Chili whenever I needed a comforting meal or wanted to impress guests at a dinner party. I even entered it into a local chili cook-off once, and to my delight, it won first place.

But what truly made this recipe special was the memories that were attached to it. Every time I made the Hearty Beef Chili, I would think back to that day when Mrs. Jenkins had introduced us to the recipe and how it had become a staple in our household ever since.

Now, as I sit here in my kitchen, preparing the Hearty Beef Chili for my grandchildren, I can't help but feel a sense of gratitude for all the wonderful experiences and people that have come into my life through this recipe. It may just be a simple dish, but to me, it represents so much more – a connection to my past, a source of joy and comfort, and a way to share my love of cooking with those I hold dear.

So as my grandchildren eagerly gather around the table, their mouths watering in anticipation, I serve them each a steaming bowl of Hearty Beef Chili with a smile on my face. And as they take their first bites and their eyes light up in delight, I know that this recipe will continue to be a cherished part of our family for generations to come.