Ina Garten’s Beef Chili is a comforting, rich, and hearty dish that embodies the essence of home cooking. Known for her simple yet elegant approach to traditional recipes, Ina Garten, also known as the Barefoot Contessa, offers her take on this classic American staple. Her beef chili is packed with flavor, combining tender beef, beans, tomatoes, and a blend of spices that create a warming and satisfying meal. This recipe is perfect for cold weather, game days, or any time you’re in the mood for a flavorful and filling dish.
What Goes Best with Ina Garten Beef Chili Recipe
Ina Garten’s Beef Chili pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides and toppings:
Cornbread: A classic companion to chili, offering a sweet and savory balance.
Rice: Serve the chili over a bed of steamed white or brown rice for a hearty meal.
Sour Cream, Shredded Cheese, and Chopped Green Onions: Perfect for topping your chili, adding creaminess, flavor, and a pop of color.
Avocado Slices or Guacamole: For a creamy and healthy addition.
Tortilla Chips: Adds crunch and is great for dipping.
Ingredients
To make Ina Garten’s Beef Chili, you’ll need:
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 2 cups chopped yellow onions (2 onions)
– 2 pounds ground beef
– 4 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 tablespoons chili powder
– 2 teaspoons ground cumin
– 2 teaspoons dried oregano
– 2 teaspoons kosher salt
– 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
– 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
– 1 (4-ounce) can tomato paste
– 1 (28-ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
– 1/4 cup minced fresh basil leaves
– 2 (15-ounce) cans red kidney beans, drained and rinsed
– 2 cups beef broth
How to Prepare Ina Garten Beef Chili Recipe
1. Cook the Onions: Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the onions and cook until they are translucent, about 10 minutes.
2. Brown the Beef: Add the ground beef to the pot and cook until the beef is no longer pink. Break it up with a spoon as it cooks.
3. Add Garlic and Spices: Stir in the garlic, chili powder, cumin, oregano, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Cook for 1 minute.
4. Mix in Tomato Paste and Tomatoes: Add the tomato paste and cook for another minute, stirring well. Then add the diced tomatoes, basil, kidney beans, and beef broth.
5. Simmer: Bring the chili to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer, uncovered, for at least 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. The chili will thicken as it simmers.
Ina Garten Beef Chili
Ingredients
- - 2 tablespoons olive oil
- - 2 cups chopped yellow onions 2 onions
- - 2 pounds ground beef
- - 4 cloves garlic minced
- - 2 tablespoons chili powder
- - 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- - 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- - 2 teaspoons kosher salt
- - 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- - 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- - 1 4-ounce can tomato paste
- - 1 28-ounce can diced tomatoes, undrained
- - 1/4 cup minced fresh basil leaves
- - 2 15-ounce cans red kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- - 2 cups beef broth
Instructions
- Cook the Onions: Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the onions and cook until they are translucent, about 10 minutes.
- Brown the Beef: Add the ground beef to the pot and cook until the beef is no longer pink. Break it up with a spoon as it cooks.
- Add Garlic and Spices: Stir in the garlic, chili powder, cumin, oregano, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Cook for 1 minute.
- Mix in Tomato Paste and Tomatoes: Add the tomato paste and cook for another minute, stirring well. Then add the diced tomatoes, basil, kidney beans, and beef broth.
- Simmer: Bring the chili to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer, uncovered, for at least 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. The chili will thicken as it simmers.
Notes
How to Serve Ina Garten Beef Chili
Serve the chili hot in bowls, garnished with your choice of toppings such as sour cream, shredded cheese, chopped onions, or avocado. Accompany with cornbread or over rice for a complete meal.
How to Reheat Ina Garten Beef Chili
Microwave: Place the chili in a microwave-safe container and cover loosely. Heat on high for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer the chili to an oven-safe dish, cover with aluminum foil, and bake for about 20-25 minutes or until heated through.
Stovetop: Pour the chili into a pot and warm over medium heat, stirring frequently, until hot.
How to Store Leftovers
Cool the chili to room temperature, then transfer it to airtight containers. Refrigerate for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator if frozen before reheating.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of bean?
Yes, you can substitute kidney beans with black beans, pinto beans, or a mix.
Is it possible to make this chili vegetarian?
For a vegetarian version, omit the beef and add more beans or a meat substitute like lentils or textured vegetable protein.
How can I make the chili spicier?
Increase the amount of red pepper flakes, or add diced jalapeños or hot sauce to taste.
Nutritional Information
A serving of Ina Garten’s Beef Chili approximately contains:
– Calories: 350-400
– Protein: 25g
– Fat: 15g-20g
– Carbohydrates: 30g-35g
– Fiber: 8g-10g
– Sugar: 5g-7g
Please note, these values are estimates based on the recipe provided and can vary depending on the specific ingredients and portion sizes used. It’s important to consider the nutritional content of any additional toppings or sides when calculating the overall nutritional intake of the meal.
Ina Garten’s Beef Chili recipe offers a delightful balance of flavors and textures, making it a comforting and satisfying meal for any occasion. Its versatility in serving and the ease with which it can be customized to suit different dietary preferences and spice tolerances make it a popular choice for family dinners, gatherings, and meal prep. By following the tips for preparation, serving, reheating, and storage, you can enjoy this delicious dish to its fullest while maintaining its quality and taste. Whether you’re a fan of Ina Garten or simply looking for a reliable and tasty beef chili recipe, this dish is sure to please a wide range of palates and become a go-to in your culinary repertoire.
