Description
Ina Garten’s beef chili delivers robust southwestern comfort with complex layers of hearty meat and deep spice profiles. Simmered to perfection, this crowd-pleasing dish brings warmth and satisfaction straight from her Barefoot Contessa kitchen to your table.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat:
- 1 pound (453.6 grams) 90% lean ground beef
Spices and Seasonings:
- 2 ½ tablespoons chili powder
- 2 tablespoons ground cumin
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 ½ teaspoons salt
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon ground cayenne pepper (optional)
Additional Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium red onion, diced
- 1 ½ cups (355 milliliters) beef broth
- 1 (16 ounces / 454 grams) can red kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 (15 ounces / 425 grams) can petite diced tomatoes
- 1 (8 ounces / 227 grams) can tomato sauce
Instructions
- Warm 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) of extra virgin olive oil in a spacious cooking vessel over medium-high temperature for approximately two minutes, creating a smooth cooking surface.
- Gently introduce finely chopped onions into the heated oil, allowing them to soften and become translucent while stirring intermittently for 4-5 minutes.
- Incorporate lean ground beef into the pot, methodically breaking down the meat using a sturdy wooden utensil, ensuring even browning and cooking for 6-7 minutes until no pink remains.
- Sprinkle a robust blend of spices including 2 tablespoons (30 grams) chili powder, 1 tablespoon (15 grams) ground cumin, 1 teaspoon (5 grams) granulated sugar, 2 tablespoons (30 grams) tomato paste, 1 teaspoon (5 grams) garlic powder, 1 teaspoon (6 grams) kosher salt, 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 grams) black pepper, and optional 1/4 teaspoon (1.25 grams) cayenne pepper for heat.
- Pour in 2 cups (480 milliliters) beef broth, 1 can (14.5 ounces/411 grams) diced tomatoes with liquid, 1 can (15 ounces/425 grams) drained kidney beans, and 1 cup (240 milliliters) tomato sauce, stirring thoroughly to integrate all ingredients.
- Allow the mixture to reach a gentle bubbling state, then reduce heat to maintain a low, consistent simmer for 20-25 minutes, occasionally stirring to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
- After cooking, remove from heat and let the chili rest for 7-10 minutes, allowing flavors to meld and develop a rich, complex taste profile before serving.
Notes
- Transforms ordinary weeknight meals into a restaurant-worthy culinary experience.
- Offers maximum flavor with minimal kitchen effort and cleanup.
- Packs incredible protein punch that satisfies hunger and delights taste buds.
- Freezes beautifully for stress-free meal planning and future dinners.
- Adapts easily to personal spice preferences and dietary needs.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 332 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 537 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 32 g
- Fiber: 8 g
- Protein: 21 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg