Our Favorite 5-Star Beef Chili

Family Favorite + Secret Ingredient!

I grew up enjoying 2 kinds of chili: Cincinnati Style and “Regular” Beef Chili.

Cincinnati Chili has a different type of spice blend (think chili powder + warm spices like cinnamon…) and is generally served over spaghetti with various toppings.

I’ve been stirring big pots of beef chili for as long as I remember, helping my Mom make dinner for our large family or cooking for my own family – but I never recall following a specific recipe. I’ve tweaked my own version over the years trying different spices and such and I finally have it the way we love it!

This version is my best! Here’s my 5-Star Flavor Plan!

• Dry Spices + fresh garlic = best of both worlds, lots of flavor *
• Sautéing tomato paste and dry spices brings out more flavor **
• Using beef broth instead of water adds more flavor as well ***
• Long simmer – 3 hours – gives time for all the flavors to blend ****
• Balsamic vinegar (my secret ingredient!)- adds a touch of sweet/rich/tangy brightness at the end of cooking *****

Simmer low and slow for 3 hours – adjust thickness with beef broth

Our Favorite 5-Star Beef Chili

Super flavorful classic beef chili with a secret ingredient! Not super spicy. Adjust thickness to your liking. Freezes really well! Great to make ahead!

Tina Verrelli – epicuricloud.com

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Course: Dinner

Cuisine: American

Keyword: Beef, crowd pleaser, make ahead

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 3 hours

Servings: 8

Equipment

• 6-qt. pot

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon oil
• 2 pounds ground beef I generally use about 85% lean.
• 1 medium onion, chopped (2 cups)
• 1 large bell pepper, chopped (2 cups) I prefer yellow or orange for color.
• 4 cloves garlic minced
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste

Dry Spices & Seasonings:

• 1 tablespoon brown sugar packed
• 1/4 cup chili powder
• 2 teaspoons onion powder
• 2 teaspoons cumin
• 2 teaspoons garlic powder
• 2 teaspoons dry oregano
• 2 teaspoons salt more to taste
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper

Canned Goods:

• 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomato fire roasted if u can find
• 1 (28-ounce) can tomato puree
• 2 cups low-sodium beef stock plus more as needed
• 1 (16-ounce) can light red kidney beans drained & rinsed
• 1 (16-ounce) can pinto beans drained & rinsed

Secret Ingredient – (Add at end of cooking process)

• 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar optional

Instructions 

• Add oil to 6 qt. pot over medium heat. Add ground beef, onion and bell pepper. Stir and break up ground beef – until it's almost all browned. Drain off any excess fat if desired.
• Add garlic, tomato paste, brown sugar and spices. Stir for a minute or two. I like the mixture to sizzle a little so the spices release their flavors and the tomato paste darkens a little.
• Add crushed tomatoes, tomato puree and 1 cup beef stock and beans – stir to combine.
• Bring to a low boil, then reduce heat to simmer. Simmer covered for 3 hours. Stir frequently.
• Add more beef stock as need to reach desired consistency. Before serving, I stir in the 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar. I like the little bit of acid/sweet flavor added to the rich chili. You can omit if you desire.

Notes

Freezes really well for up to 6 months.

Nutrition (approx. data estimated via online nutritional calculator.)

Calories: 365kcal (18%) | Carbohydrates: 12g (4%) | Protein: 23g (46%) | Fat: 26g (40%) | Saturated Fat: 9g (56%) | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 11g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 81mg (27%) | Sodium: 933mg (41%) | Potassium: 714mg (20%) | Fiber: 4g (17%) | Sugar: 4g (4%) | Vitamin A: 2316IU (46%) | Vitamin C: 45mg (55%) | Calcium: 77mg (8%) | Iron: 5mg (28%)

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