Quick Ina Garten Beef Chili Recipe: Hearty Homemade Magic

Sizzling beef chili ignites comfort and camaraderie at any gathering, turning ordinary dinners into extraordinary feasts.

Winter’s chill melts away with this soul-warming concoction bursting with bold, hearty flavors.

Crafting this culinary masterpiece requires nothing more than passion and a handful of transformative ingredients.

Ground beef dances with aromatic spices, creating a symphony of taste that beckons hungry diners.

Every ladle reveals layers of complexity, telling stories of traditional cooking techniques passed through generations.

The rich, robust blend promises to satisfy even the most discerning palate with its depth and warmth.

Spice up your evening and watch as this chili becomes the star of your dinner table, drawing everyone closer with its irresistible aroma and tantalizing flavor profile.

One taste, and you’ll understand why this recipe is a beloved classic that never fails to impress.

Adjustments for Beef Chili Recipe

Expert Tips and Delicious Twists

Swap ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based crumbles for a leaner protein option that keeps the robust flavor profile intact.

Adjust heat by reducing or increasing cayenne pepper. For mild versions, skip cayenne completely. Brave souls can add diced jalapeños or hot sauce for extra kick.

Transform this stovetop recipe into a hands-off meal by transferring all ingredients to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours, allowing flavors to develop deeply without constant monitoring.

Prepare chili up to 3 days in advance. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Flavors actually improve with time, making this a perfect meal prep option for busy weeknights or weekend gatherings.

How to Serve Ina Garten Beef Chili

• Garnish with Creamy Toppings: Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese, dollop cool sour cream, or add a swirl of Greek yogurt to balance the chili's warm heat and create delightful texture contrasts.
• Pair with Crunchy Companions: Serve alongside crispy corn tortilla chips, buttery cornbread squares, or toasted rustic bread slices to provide satisfying crunch and help scoop up every delicious bite.
• Create a Hearty Meal Combo: Transform this chili into a complete dinner by adding fluffy white rice, baked sweet potato, or warm quinoa as a comforting base that soaks up all the rich, spicy flavors.
• Add Fresh Herbal Touches: Brighten the dish with chopped fresh cilantro, sliced green onions, or a squeeze of zesty lime juice to introduce vibrant, refreshing notes that enhance the chili's deep, robust profile.

Meal Prep and Storage for Chili

• Maximize Meal Prep: Prepare a large batch of chili and portion into meal-sized containers for convenient future meals.
• Refrigerate Wisely: Store leftover chili in airtight containers and consume within 3-4 days for optimal freshness and flavor preservation.
• Freeze for Later: Transfer cooled chili to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, removing excess air to prevent freezer burn. Properly stored chili maintains quality for up to 3 months.
• Reheat with Care: Thaw frozen chili in the refrigerator overnight, then warm gently in a pot over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to maintain texture and prevent scorching. Add a splash of beef broth if the chili seems too thick during reheating.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Calories: 400 kcal

Servings: 5

Ingredients Breakdown for Ina Garten Beef Chili

• Onions: Select firm, glossy bulbs without soft spots for maximum flavor punch.
• Olive Oil: Opt for extra virgin for rich, fruity undertones.

• Ground Beef: Choose lean cuts with good marbling for robust taste.
• Chili Powder, Cumin, Garlic Powder: Seek fresh, vibrant spices from specialty stores for intense flavor.
• Sugar: Balances heat and adds subtle depth.
• Tomato Paste: Look for deep red color indicating concentrated sweetness.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Freshly ground delivers more complex notes.
• Cayenne Pepper: Use sparingly for controlled heat kick.

• Beef Broth: Select low-sodium for better control of saltiness.
• Diced Tomatoes: Pick San Marzano or fire-roasted varieties for extra richness.
• Beans: Drain and rinse thoroughly to reduce excess sodium.
• Tomato Sauce: Smooth, thick varieties enhance overall texture.

Cooking Equipment for This Chili

• Large Soup Pot: Perfect for cooking and simmering chili with plenty of room to stir.
• Wooden Spoon: Essential for breaking up ground beef and stirring ingredients without scratching the pot.
• Cutting Board: Needed for chopping onions safely and cleanly.
• Chef's Knife: Sharp tool for precise vegetable and ingredient preparation.
• Measuring Spoons: Helps accurately measure spices for consistent flavor.
• Measuring Cups: Ensures correct liquid and ingredient quantities.
• Colander: Used for draining beans before adding to the chili.
• Can Opener: Required for opening canned tomatoes and beans.
• Ladle: Convenient for serving the hot chili into bowls.
• Kitchen Towel: Useful for handling hot pot and cleaning up spills.

Instructions to Cook Beef Chili Step-by-Step

Kickstart The Flavor Explosion

Heat up a large cooking pot with olive oil over medium-high heat. Drop in chopped onions and dance them around until they turn soft and see-through, about 5 minutes.

Create Meaty Magic

Tumble ground beef into the pot and crush it into tiny pieces. Let it sizzle and brown completely, making sure no pink remains. This takes around 6-7 minutes of occasional stirring.

Spice Up Your Chili

Sprinkle in a wild mix of spices – chili powder, cumin, sugar, tomato paste, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. For adventurous souls, add a dash of cayenne to amp up the heat. Stir everything until the spices hug every morsel of meat and onion.

Build The Liquid Foundation

Pour in beef broth, diced tomatoes, beans, and tomato sauce. Stir the mixture until it looks like a delicious, unified creation ready to wow taste buds.

Let The Chili Dance

Bring the pot to a gentle bubble, then lower the heat. Let everything simmer uncovered for 20-25 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent anything from sticking and to let flavors mingle and party.

Final Touch And Serve

Pull the pot off the heat and let it rest for a few minutes. This allows all those incredible flavors to get to know each other. Serve steaming hot and top with whatever makes your heart sing – maybe some cheese, a dollop of sour cream, or fresh cilantro.

Robust Ina Garten Beef Chili Recipe

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4.5 from 18 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Ina Garten’s hearty beef chili combines rich ground beef with aromatic spices and robust tomatoes. Warm comfort comes through each spoonful, inviting you to savor this classic American dish.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb (453.6 g) ground beef (90% lean)
• 1 ½ tsp salt
• 2 ½ tbsps chili powder
• 2 tbsps ground cumin
• 2 tbsps granulated sugar
• 1 tbsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp ground black pepper
• ¼ tsp ground cayenne pepper (optional)
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 medium red onion, diced
• 1 ½ cups (355 ml) beef broth
• 1 (16 oz / 454 g) can red kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 2 tbsps tomato paste
• 1 (15 oz / 425 g) can petite diced tomatoes
• 1 (8 oz / 227 g) can tomato sauce

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Instructions

1. Sauté Base: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add onions and cook until softened and translucent, creating a fragrant foundation for the chili.
2. Brown Protein: Introduce ground beef to the pot, methodically breaking down the meat and cooking until completely browned, eliminating any pink coloration.
3. Spice Infusion: Sprinkle chili powder, ground cumin, sugar, tomato paste, garlic powder, kosher salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper over the meat. Stir vigorously to distribute spices evenly and awaken their complex aromatics.
4. Liquid Integration: Pour in beef broth, diced tomatoes, kidney beans, and tomato sauce. Blend thoroughly, ensuring all components are well combined and create a harmonious mixture.
5. Simmer and Develop: Bring the chili to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to a low, consistent simmer. Allow the ingredients to meld and intensify their flavors for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching.
6. Rest and Serve: Remove from heat and let the chili rest for 7-10 minutes, allowing the flavors to deepen and create a rich, robust taste profile before serving.

Notes

• Optimize Meat Browning: Ensure ground beef cooks completely without overcrowding the pan, breaking it into small crumbles for even caramelization and maximum flavor development.
• Spice Balance Technique: Toast spices briefly before adding liquids to enhance their depth and release aromatic compounds, creating a more robust and complex chili taste.
• Slow Simmer Secret: Maintain a gentle, low heat during simmering to prevent burning and allow ingredients to meld together, developing rich, deep flavors throughout the dish.
• Resting Ritual: Let chili rest after cooking to allow spices and ingredients to fully integrate, resulting in a more harmonious and intensely flavored final dish.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 8 g
• Protein: 28 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg