Ina Garten Beef Chili Recipe
Beef chili is a classic dish made with ground beef, beans, tomatoes, and spices. Ina Garten’s version elevates this favorite with fresh ingredients and perfectly balanced seasonings for a rich and comforting flavor.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 45
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 6
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing and Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- Olive oil – 2 tablespoons
- Yellow onions – 2 large, chopped
- Garlic – 4 cloves, minced
- Bell peppers – 2 (red or green), chopped
- Ground beef – 2 pounds (preferably lean)
- Kosher salt – 2 teaspoons (or to taste)
- Freshly ground black pepper – 1 teaspoon
- Chili powder – 2 tablespoons
- Ground cumin – 1 tablespoon
- Smoked paprika – 1 teaspoon
- Cayenne pepper – ¼ teaspoon (optional for heat)
- Tomato paste – 2 tablespoons
- Canned diced tomatoes – 1 (28-ounce) can
- Beef broth – 2 cups
- Canned kidney beans – 2 (15-ounce) cans, drained and rinsed
- Canned black beans – 1 (15-ounce) can, drained and rinsed
- Fresh cilantro – 2 tablespoons, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
Sauté the Vegetables
- Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onions and bell peppers and sauté for 7-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Brown the Beef
- Add the ground beef to the pot. Cook, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, until browned and no longer pink, about 8-10 minutes.
- Season with kosher salt, black pepper, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper (if using). Stir well to coat the beef with the spices.
Add Tomato Base
- Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes to develop its flavor.
- Add the diced tomatoes and beef broth, stirring to combine.
Simmer the Chili
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and let it simmer for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Add the Beans
- Stir in the kidney beans and black beans. Simmer uncovered for an additional 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
Garnish and Serve
- Ladle the chili into bowls and garnish with chopped cilantro.
- Serve hot with your favorite toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, or tortilla chips.