The Heartiest Ina Garten’s Beef Chili Recipe for Family Gatherings

Chili nights spark joy for home cooks searching for the ultimate comfort meal, and Ina Garten’s beef chili recipe stands as a delicious testament to hearty cooking.

Warm spices and rich, tender beef create a symphony of flavors that dance across your palate.

Her carefully balanced blend of ingredients promises a bowl brimming with depth and satisfaction.

She understands how classic dishes can become extraordinary with subtle culinary tweaks.

The robust chili simmers slowly, developing complex layers of taste that will make dinner feel like a special occasion.

Bold and satisfying, this recipe transforms simple ingredients into a memorable meal that feeds both body and soul.

Grab your largest pot and get ready to cook a chili that will become your new winter favorite.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 2 hours 10 minutes

Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes

Calories: 410 kcal

Servings: 8

Ingredients in Ina Garten Beef Chili Recipe

• Onions: Builds a robust flavor foundation, choose firm and glossy varieties for maximum sweetness.
• Bell Pepper: Adds vibrant color and crisp texture, select bright, firm peppers without blemishes.
• Garlic: Provides deep, pungent undertones, opt for fresh cloves with tight, unbroken skin.
• Chili Powder: Delivers warm, smoky complexity, look for freshly ground blends.
• Cumin: Contributes earthy warmth, select whole seeds and grind for maximum potency.
• Cayenne Pepper: Introduces subtle heat, adjust quantity based on spice tolerance.

• Ground Beef: Creates hearty, rich protein core, choose lean cuts with good marbling for depth of flavor.

• Kidney Beans: Provides creamy texture and plant-based protein, select canned beans without additives.
• Diced Tomatoes: Offers tangy brightness and moisture, choose no-salt-added varieties.
• Tomato Puree: Thickens and intensifies sauce, select pure, smooth varieties.
• Vegetable Oil: Enables smooth sautéing, use neutral-flavored oils like canola.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor profile, use kosher or sea salt for balanced seasoning.
• Black Pepper: Adds final flavor punch, freshly ground provides most vibrant taste.

Tools Needed for Ina Garten Beef Chili Recipe

• Dutch oven: Large, heavy-bottomed pot perfect for slow cooking and simmering chili.
• Wooden spoon: Essential for stirring and breaking up ground beef while cooking.
• Cutting board: Sturdy surface for chopping onions and bell peppers.
• Chef's knife: Sharp knife for precise vegetable and ingredient preparation.
• Measuring spoons: Accurate tools for adding spices like chili powder and salt.
• Measuring cups: Needed for measuring ingredients precisely.
• Can opener: Useful for opening canned kidney beans and tomatoes.

How to Cook Ina Garten Beef Chili Recipe

• Aromatic Vegetable Base

Warm up a large Dutch oven and create a fragrant foundation by sautéing onions, bell peppers, and spices until the vegetables soften and release their delicious flavors.

• Beef Integration

Introduce ground beef to the pot, breaking it into crumbly pieces and cooking until it transforms from pink to a rich, deep brown color.

• Liquid and Bean Symphony

Pour in kidney beans, diced tomatoes, and tomato puree, blending everything into a harmonious mixture that will simmer and develop deep, complex flavors.

• Slow and Steady Transformation

Allow the chili to gently bubble and meld together, first covered, then uncovered, giving the ingredients time to dance and intermingle for about máximo 90 minutes.

• Final Touch

Taste and adjust seasoning, adding a sprinkle of salt and pepper to elevate the chili’s robust profile. Serve in hearty bowls with optional creamy sour cream and sharp cheddar cheese on top for extra indulgence.

Twist and Tweak Ina Garten Beef Chili Recipe

• Experiment with different chili pepper varieties like ancho, chipotle, or jalapeño to create unique heat levels and depth of flavor.
• Swap ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based meat alternatives for a healthier or vegetarian twist on the classic recipe.
• Mix in additional bean types like black beans, pinto beans, or cannellini beans to add texture and increase nutritional value.
• Transfer all ingredients to a slow cooker after browning the beef and let it simmer on low for 6-8 hours for an effortless, hands-off cooking method.

Serving Bowls of Ina Garten Beef Chili Recipe

• Craft a Cozy Comfort Bowl: Ladle the rich, hearty chili into deep ceramic bowls for a warm, inviting presentation that feels like a hug in a dish.
• Top with Tasty Crunch: Sprinkle crispy tortilla chips, diced red onions, or crushed corn chips around the edges to add a satisfying textural contrast to the smooth chili.
• Create a Chili Feast Spread: Arrange small bowls of toppings like chopped cilantro, sliced jalapeños, diced avocado, and lime wedges so guests can customize their perfect chili experience.
• Pair with Perfect Sides: Serve alongside warm cornbread, buttered toast, or a crisp green salad to round out the meal and balance the chili's rich flavors.

Store and Reheat Ina Garten Beef Chili Recipe

• Refrigerate Wisely: Store leftover chili in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping it fresh in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Freeze for Later: Transfer cooled chili to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, removing excess air to prevent freezer burn. Freeze for up to 3 months for a quick future meal.
• Reheat Safely: Thaw refrigerated chili in the fridge overnight, then warm gently in a saucepan over medium-low heat. Stir occasionally to prevent scorching and ensure even heating.
• Meal Prep Magic: Double the recipe and portion chili into individual containers for grab-and-go lunches or quick weeknight dinners. Label containers with the date to track freshness.

Hearty Ina Garten Beef Chili Recipe

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4.5 from 22 reviews

• Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Ina Garten’s beef chili recipe combines rich ground beef with aromatic spices for a hearty meal. Warm comfort waits in each spoonful, inviting guests to savor classic Southwestern flavors that promise satisfaction.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 lbs (0.91 kg) ground beef, 85-90% lean
• 2 tbsps vegetable oil
• 2 medium yellow onions, finely chopped
• 1 red bell pepper, stemmed, seeded, and finely chopped
• 6 garlic cloves, minced
• 30 oz (0.85 kg) can dark red kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 28 oz (0.79 kg) can diced tomatoes
• 28 oz (0.79 kg) can tomato puree
• ¼ cup chili powder
• 1 tbsp ground cumin
• ½ tsp cayenne pepper
• 1 tsp kosher salt
• Black pepper, to taste
• Sour cream
• Shredded cheddar cheese

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Instructions

1. Initiate Flavor Base: Warm oil in a Dutch oven over medium heat until surface glistens, then sauté onions, bell peppers, chili powder, cumin, cayenne, and salt until vegetables soften and become translucent.
2. Aromatic Enhancement: Introduce minced garlic and briefly toast for less than a minute to amplify the fragrance, creating a robust foundation for the chili.
3. Meat Integration: Crank heat to medium-high and add ground beef, methodically breaking down the meat with a wooden spoon. Cook until thoroughly browned and no pink remains, ensuring deep caramelization.
4. Liquid and Bean Incorporation: Blend kidney beans, diced tomatoes, tomato puree, and remaining seasonings into the mixture. Bring to a gentle simmer and let flavors meld for several minutes.
5. Slow Flavor Development: Reduce heat to low, cover the pot, and allow chili to simmer for approximately 90 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent scorching and promote even flavor distribution.
6. Final Seasoning and Serving: Uncover, taste, and adjust salt and pepper. Serve steaming hot, crowned with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of sharp cheddar cheese for a luxurious finish.

Notes

• Choose the Right Pot: Use a heavy-bottomed Dutch oven to ensure even heat distribution and prevent burning during the long simmering process.
• Develop Layered Flavors: Sauté vegetables and spices before adding meat to create a deep, complex flavor base that elevates the entire chili.
• Master Meat Browning: Break down ground beef into small, uniform pieces while cooking to achieve perfect texture and maximize caramelization.
• Patience Pays Off: Allow the chili to simmer slowly, uncovered in the final stage, to concentrate flavors and achieve a rich, thick consistency that’ll make your taste buds dance.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 2 hours 10 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 410
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 650 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 8 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg