Let’s talk about a kitchen staple that saves dinner time and time again: ground beef. It is affordable, versatile, and the foundation for so many wonderful meals. If you’re looking for new Dinner Ideas With Ground Beef, you have come to the right place. We are going to explore one of the most comforting Ground Beef Dishes of all time.
This classic chili is one of those fantastic Ground Beef Recipes that feels like a warm hug in a bowl. It is simple enough for a beginner to make on a weeknight, yet it is packed with so much rich flavor that everyone will think you spent all day on it. Get ready to add a new favorite to your rotation.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
You are going to appreciate this recipe for so many reasons. First off, it is incredibly easy. There are no complicated steps or fancy techniques involved. It is a straightforward recipe that delivers big results, making it one of the best Easy Meals With Ground Beef.
Another reason is the flavor. The combination of chili powder, cumin, and other spices creates a deep, savory taste that is just so satisfying. It is hearty and filling, which is exactly what you want from a comforting meal. It is a one pot wonder that saves you from a sink full of dishes.
Plus, it is completely customizable. You can adjust the spice level to your liking, add different beans, or pile on your favorite toppings. This flexibility is what makes it such a standout among Ground Beef Recipes. It is a dish that you can truly make your own, and it is a crowd pleaser every single time.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 1 pound 90% lean ground beef
- 2 1/2 tablespoons chili powder
- 2 tablespoons ground cumin
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper (optional)
- 1 1/2 cups beef broth
- 1 (15 oz.) can petite diced tomatoes
- 1 (16 oz.) can red kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (8 oz.) can tomato sauce
Step By Step Instructions
Step 1: Sauté The Onion
First things first, grab a large soup pot or Dutch oven. Add your olive oil and set the pot over medium high heat. Let it warm up for a couple of minutes. You will know it is ready when the oil shimmers a little. Now, add your diced onion and cook it for about 5 minutes, giving it a stir every now and then until it is soft and fragrant.
Step 2: Brown The Ground Beef
Next, add the ground beef to the pot with the onions. Use a wooden spoon to break the meat apart into smaller crumbles. Continue cooking for 6 to 7 minutes. You want the beef to be nicely browned all over. This step is key for developing flavor in many Ground Beef Dishes. Drain off any excess grease if you need to.
Step 3: Add The Spices And Tomato Paste
Time to build that amazing chili flavor. Add the chili powder, cumin, sugar, tomato paste, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. If you like a little kick, go ahead and add the cayenne pepper too. Stir everything together until the ground beef is completely coated with the spices and the tomato paste is well mixed in.
Step 4: Combine The Remaining Ingredients
Now pour in the beef broth, the can of diced tomatoes with their juice, the drained and rinsed kidney beans, and the tomato sauce. Give it all a good stir to make sure everything is combined. The pot should be looking and smelling amazing at this point. This is how simple Easy Meals With Ground Beef can be.
Step 5: Simmer The Chili
Bring the chili to a low boil. Once it starts bubbling, reduce the heat to low or medium low. You want it to be at a gentle simmer. Let it cook uncovered for about 20 to 25 minutes. This simmering time allows all the flavors to meld together beautifully. Be sure to stir it occasionally to prevent anything from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
Step 6: Rest And Serve
After simmering, remove the pot from the heat. Here is a little tip: let the chili rest for 5 to 10 minutes before you serve it. This short rest lets it thicken up a bit and allows the flavors to settle even more. Then, ladle your delicious homemade chili into bowls and get ready to enjoy one of the best Ground Beef Recipes ever.
How To Store Leftovers
If you have any chili left over, you are in luck because it tastes even better the next day. Let the chili cool down completely to room temperature first. Then, transfer it to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 4 days.
For longer storage, you can freeze the chili. Place it in a freezer safe container or a heavy duty freezer bag. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you are ready to eat it, just thaw it in the fridge overnight and reheat it on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Tips
Want to switch things up? You can easily customize this chili. Try using a mix of beans like pinto or black beans along with the kidney beans. For extra veggies, you could add some diced bell peppers along with the onion at the beginning.
Do not be afraid to play with the seasonings. If you like it spicier, add a bit more cayenne or even a chopped jalapeño. If you prefer a smokier flavor, a little smoked paprika would be a great addition. Making great Ground Beef Dishes is all about adjusting to your own taste.
Toppings are half the fun of chili. Set up a little topping bar with shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream or plain Greek yogurt, chopped green onions, and maybe some crushed tortilla chips for crunch. This makes it a really interactive meal, especially for families. Great Dinner Ideas With Ground Beef often involve some fun customization.
Conclusion
There you have it, a truly wonderful and straightforward chili that stands out among Ground Beef Recipes. It is a hearty, comforting meal that is perfect for any night of the week. It proves that you do not need a long list of complicated ingredients to create something delicious.
This recipe is a reminder of how dependable ground beef is for creating satisfying meals. Whether you are a seasoned cook or just starting out, this chili is a great recipe to have in your collection. I hope you and your family enjoy this tasty dish as much as I do.
FAQ
Can I Use A Different Type Of Ground Beef?
Absolutely. While 90% lean ground beef is a good choice to minimize grease, you can use other types. If you use an 80/20 blend, just be sure to drain the excess fat after browning the meat to keep the chili from becoming too oily. Ground turkey or chicken could also work as a substitute.
Is This Chili Spicy?
This recipe has a mild to medium spice level. The optional 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper adds a gentle warmth. If you are sensitive to heat, you can leave it out entirely. If you love spicy food, feel free to add more cayenne or even a pinch of red pepper flakes.
Can I Make This In A Slow Cooker?
Yes, this is one of those Easy Meals With Ground Beef that adapts well to a slow cooker. You will still want to brown the beef and sauté the onions on the stovetop first, as this develops a lot of flavor. After that, transfer everything to your slow cooker and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours.
What Are Some Good Toppings For Chili?
Topping options are nearly endless. Some popular choices include shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese, a dollop of sour cream, fresh cilantro, sliced jalapeños, diced avocado, and crushed tortilla chips or corn chips for a nice crunch. Serving it with a side of cornbread is also a classic pairing.
Classic Hearty Beef Chili
This classic chili is a comforting, easy-to-make dish, perfect for any weeknight. Packed with rich, savory flavors from ground beef and a blend of spices, it’s a family-friendly meal that tastes like it simmered all day. Customize it with your favorite toppings!
Requirements
Ingredients
Instructions
- First things first, grab a large soup pot or Dutch oven. Add your olive oil and set the pot over medium high heat. Let it warm up for a couple of minutes. You will know it is ready when the oil shimmers a little. Now, add your diced onion and cook it for about 5 minutes, giving it a stir every now and then until it is soft and fragrant.
- Next, add the ground beef to the pot with the onions. Use a wooden spoon to break the meat apart into smaller crumbles. Continue cooking for 6 to 7 minutes. You want the beef to be nicely browned all over. This step is key for developing flavor in many Ground Beef Dishes. Drain off any excess grease if you need to.
- Time to build that amazing chili flavor. Add the chili powder, cumin, sugar, tomato paste, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. If you like a little kick, go ahead and add the cayenne pepper too. Stir everything together until the ground beef is completely coated with the spices and the tomato paste is well mixed in.
- Now pour in the beef broth, the can of diced tomatoes with their juice, the drained and rinsed kidney beans, and the tomato sauce. Give it all a good stir to make sure everything is combined. The pot should be looking and smelling amazing at this point. This is how simple Easy Meals With Ground Beef can be.
- Bring the chili to a low boil. Once it starts bubbling, reduce the heat to low or medium low. You want it to be at a gentle simmer. Let it cook uncovered for about 20 to 25 minutes. This simmering time allows all the flavors to meld together beautifully. Be sure to stir it occasionally to prevent anything from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
- After simmering, remove the pot from the heat. Here is a little tip: let the chili rest for 5 to 10 minutes before you serve it. This short rest lets it thicken up a bit and allows the flavors to settle even more. Then, ladle your delicious homemade chili into bowls and get ready to enjoy one of the best Ground Beef Recipes ever.
Notes
Want to switch things up? You can easily customize this chili. Try using a mix of beans like pinto or black beans along with the kidney beans. For extra veggies, you could add some diced bell peppers along with the onion at the beginning.
Do not be afraid to play with the seasonings. If you like it spicier, add a bit more cayenne or even a chopped jalapeño. If you prefer a smokier flavor, a little smoked paprika would be a great addition. Making great Ground Beef Dishes is all about adjusting to your own taste.
Toppings are half the fun of chili. Set up a little topping bar with shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream or plain Greek yogurt, chopped green onions, and maybe some crushed tortilla chips for crunch. This makes it a really interactive meal, especially for families. Great Dinner Ideas With Ground Beef often involve some fun customization.
Nutrition
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