By Dr. Leah Alexander | Published on June 13, 2023 | Last Updated on March 24, 2024
If you are a fan of robust flavors, you will love this Ina Garten beef chili recipe. This dish is a flavorful combination of flavorful ingredients. The whole meal comes together in one pot making it easy and delicious to serve for dinner every night.
You can savor every bite because it’s made with such spices to give it some kick. This recipe also calls for kidney beans which add an extra layer of flavor and texture.
If you want to try this at home, here we have the perfect guide for you. Read on to learn every detail regarding this dish and follow the instructions properly.
What Is Ina garten beef chili?
Ina Garten Beef Chili is a delicious combination of ground beef, tomatoes, spices, beans, and vegetables. It is rich in flavor and has the perfect amount of heat from chili powder, cumin, and red pepper flakes.
The dish is then topped with some fresh herbs like basil and parsley to enhance the flavor even more. It’s a wonderful comfort food that can be enjoyed any day of the week.
This recipe is also great for those who are trying to eat healthier as it includes plenty of vegetables and lean protein. Plus, it’s so easy to make – all you need is one pot!
Want more Chili Recipes? Check them out!
- Bob’s Big Boy Chili Spaghetti
- Mexene Chili Powder
- Thai Duck With Chili Basil
- Applebee’s Sweet Asian Chili Sauce
Where Did I First Try Ina Garten beef chili?
I first tried Ina Garten Beef Chili when I was in college. It was during one of the coldest days of winter and my friend who had found the recipe on the popular website, Barefoot Contessa many times suggested that we try out the recipe.
At first, I was a bit hesitant because I had never cooked anything complicated before but as I read through the ingredients and instructions, I was immediately sold. The list of spices sounded amazing and I knew that this dish would be incredibly mouthwatering.
Because we were on a college budget, we had to get creative with our ingredients. We ended up substituting red onions for yellow ones, bell peppers for jalapeños, and ground beef for turkey. We also added some extra spices like cumin, garlic powder, and onion powder to give it even more flavor.
The result was a flavorful and filling meal that warmed our hearts on the cold winter night. We all enjoyed every bite of it and decided to make it again soon. Since then, I’ve made this beef chili many times for my friends and family. Each time, I get a little bit creative with the ingredients so it’s always different but still incredibly delicious.
After that, Ina Garten’s beef chili became a staple in my kitchen. I love to make it for potlucks, dinner parties, and even just as an easy weeknight meal. It always turns out amazing and is the perfect dish to keep everyone full and satisfied.
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Ingredients
- Olive oil: Fresh olive oil is the key to getting a great flavor for this chili. It also helps to make sure that the vegetables don’t stick to the pan while cooking.
- Yellow onions: They add a nice sweetness to the chili and make it more flavorful. Not only that, but they are also a great source of fiber and vitamins.
- Red bell peppers: They add a nice bit of crunch and sweetness to the chili. Plus, they are high in vitamin C which helps support your immune system.
- Ground chuck: This is the main protein for the chili and gives it some heartiness. Make sure to buy grass-fed beef to get the most flavor and health benefits.
- Tomato paste: This gives the chili a nice thickness and adds some umami flavor.
- Kosher salt: This is essential for bringing out all of the flavors in the dish. Just remember to not add too much salt as it can overpower the other flavors.
- Whole peeled plum tomatoes in puree: This is how you get a great tomato flavor without adding too much liquid to the chili.
- Chili powder, cumin, dried red pepper flakes, and cayenne pepper: These are all spices that add heat and depth of flavor to the dish.
- Fresh basil and parsley: Both herbs bring out the flavors of the chili and add a nice touch of color.
- Garlic cloves: They give a great underlying flavor to the dish as well as boost its overall health benefits.
- Red kidney beans: These are an excellent source of protein and fiber, making this dish even more nutritious. Plus, they are full of flavor and texture which makes the chili even more enjoyable.
- Sour cream, grated cheddar, and chopped scallions: These are all optional ingredients that can be used as toppings for the chili. All of them add flavor and make this dish even better!
Cooking Directions
Step 1
Heat the oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion and bell peppers to the pot and cook for about 5 minutes, until they are softened.
Step 2
Add the ground chuck, tomato paste, salt, tomatoes with their puree, chili powder, cumin, red pepper flakes, and cayenne pepper.
Step 3
Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring frequently to break up the beef. Add the basil, parsley, garlic, and beans, and cook for 10 minutes more.
Step 4
Taste for seasoning and adjust with salt or other spices if necessary. Serve hot with sour cream, grated cheese, and scallions.
Cooking Tips
• Make sure to use fresh ingredients as it will make the chili more flavorful and helps the dish stay together.
• Don’t be afraid to experiment with different spices and herbs as it will add more complexity to the chili.
• If you want a spicier chili, add some extra cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes. It adds a nice kick of heat without overpowering the other flavors.
What Ingredients Can I Replace or Substitute While Making It?
If you don’t have any of the ingredients listed above, you can easily substitute them for other items. For instance:
- If you don’t have ground beef, you can use ground turkey or chicken instead.
- If you need a vegetarian option, try using crumbled tofu as a replacement.
- Other substitutions include canned diced tomatoes rather than fresh, jalapenos instead of bell peppers, and different herbs such as oregano or thyme.
- You can also use a variety of beans such as black beans, pinto beans, or even chickpeas if you don’t have red kidney beans.
Ina Garten Beef Chili Recipe
Equipment
- large skillet
- bowls
- Spatula
- knife
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon of fragrant dried oregano imbuing the dish with a delightful herbal note, adding freshness to the mix.
- 1 tablespoon of aromatic smoked paprika lending a distinct smokiness that adds depth and complexity to the dish.
- 1 tablespoon of freshly ground black pepper providing a bold and peppery kick to elevate the overall flavor profile.
- 1/4 cup of aromatic cumin infusing the dish with its warm and earthy notes, adding a touch of exotic flair.
- 1/2 cup of flavorful paprika infusing a vibrant red color and a smoky undertone, creating a rich and robust base.
- 1 tablespoon of aromatic dried thyme imparting a subtle and floral undertone, elevating the overall aroma of the dish.
- 1/4 cup of bold and spicy chili powder delivering a fiery kick and a robust flavor, igniting the taste buds.
- 1/4 cup of aromatic garlic powder infusing the dish with its pungent and savory essence, enhancing the taste.
- 1 tablespoon of fine sea salt enhancing the natural flavors of the other ingredients, ensuring a well-balanced taste.
- 1/4 cup of savory onion powder contributing a sweet and earthy flavor, complementing the other spices perfectly.
Instructions
- Heat the oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion and bell peppers to the pot and cook for about 5 minutes, until they are softened.
- Add the ground chuck, tomato paste, salt, tomatoes with their puree, chili powder, cumin, red pepper flakes, and cayenne pepper.
- Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring frequently to break up the beef. Add the basil, parsley, garlic, and beans, and cook for 10 minutes more.
- Taste for seasoning and adjust with salt or other spices if necessary. Serve hot with sour cream, grated cheese, and scallions.
Notes
- Make sure to use fresh ingredients as it will make the chili more flavorful and helps the dish stay together.
- Don’t be afraid to experiment with different spices and herbs as it will add more complexity to the chili.
- If you want a spicier chili, add some extra cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes. It adds a nice kick of heat without overpowering the other flavors.
Nutrition Information
Each serving has around
- Calories: 92 kcal
- Total Fat: 1.4 g
- Saturated Fat: 0.2 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
- Sodium: 82 mg
- Total Carbohydrate: 17.2 g
- Dietary Fiber: 2.1 g
- Sugars: 1 g
How to Store Leftover Ina garten beef chili recipe?
You can store leftover Ina Garten Beef Chili in an airtight container and keep it in the refrigerator for up to four days. It can also be frozen for up to three months.
If you plan on freezing it, make sure to cool the chili completely before transferring it into a freezer-safe container. When you’re ready to enjoy it, let the chili thaw in the refrigerator overnight and then reheat it on the stove.
FAQs
Can pregnant women eat this?
Yes, as long as the beef is cooked all the way through. Make sure to check that it’s cooked thoroughly before eating. Indeed, it is important for pregnant women to follow a healthy diet and this Ina Garten chili is a great option.
Can I make this in the slow cooker?
Yes, you can! Just add all of the ingredients to the slow cooker and cook on low heat for 6-8 hours. This will give you a delicious beef chili that is easy to make and even easier to enjoy.
Is this recipe suitable for a vegan diet?
Unfortunately, this recipe is not suitable for vegans as it contains beef and dairy. However, you can easily make a vegan version by substituting the ground beef with crumbled tofu or vegetable crumbles and omitting the sour cream from the toppings.
Wrapping Up
For sure this dish is full of flavor and makes a great meal for any occasion. Whether you’re looking to make an impressive dinner or just need a simple weeknight dinner, Ina Garten’s beef chili will surely be a hit!
Don’t forget to add some of your own special touches with additional spices or toppings. Even if you’ve never cooked chili before, this recipe is easy to make and requires minimal effort. Plus, it’s full of nutrients and flavor so you can be sure everyone will enjoy it!
So give this recipe a try and let us know what you think in the comments below. Don’t forget to share this recipe with your friends and family.
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Dr. Leah Alexander, M.D., is a board-certified Pediatrician in New Jersey and has been working at Elizabeth Pediatric Group of New Jersey since 2000.
She also has a passion for culinary arts that extends beyond the medical realm. After completing culinary school at the French Culinary Institute, she started Global Palate, LLC, a catering firm, in 2007. She ran her own six-year-old catering company and served small group parties as an owner and executive chef.
