Craving a comforting yet vibrant dish that transports you straight to the heart of Mexico? Look no further! This Authentic Mexican Red Chili Beef recipe is a delicious journey of rich flavors and tender textures, perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. This easy recipe is surprisingly quick to make, proving that healthy meals and quick dinner ideas can coexist beautifully. Get ready to experience the magic of homemade cooking with this simple yet incredibly satisfying dish.
Ingredients: You’ll Need These Gems
- 1.5 lbs beef chuck roast, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
- 1 (4-ounce) can diced green chilies
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 tablespoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (or more, to taste)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 cup beef broth
- Fresh cilantro, for garnish (optional)
- Lime wedges, for serving (optional)
Instructions: Let's Get Cooking!
Step 1: Searing the Beef
Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Season the beef cubes generously with salt and pepper. Sear the beef in batches, ensuring not to overcrowd the pot, until browned on all sides. This step helps develop a deeper, richer flavor in your chili. Remove the seared beef and set aside.
Step 2: Building the Flavor Base
Add the chopped onion and bell peppers to the pot and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Step 3: Combining the Ingredients
Return the seared beef to the pot. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, diced green chilies, chili powder, cumin, oregano, and cayenne pepper. Pour in the beef broth, ensuring everything is well combined.
Step 4: Simmering to Perfection
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for at least 1.5-2 hours, or until the beef is incredibly tender. The longer it simmers, the more the flavors meld together, creating a truly delicious chili. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
Step 5: Serving and Enjoying
Once the beef is tender, taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve hot with lime wedges for a burst of freshness. This best recipe pairs perfectly with warm tortillas, rice, or your favorite sides.
Cooking Tips for Chili Perfection:
- For a richer flavor: Use bone-in beef chuck roast.
- Spice it up: Add more cayenne pepper or a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce.
- Thicken the chili: If you prefer a thicker chili, simmer uncovered for the last 30 minutes of cooking to reduce the liquid.
- Make it ahead: This chili tastes even better the next day! Make it ahead of time and reheat before serving.
Variations: Tailor It to Your Taste!
- Vegetarian Chili: Substitute the beef with 1 (15-ounce) can of kidney beans, 1 (15-ounce) can of black beans, and 1 cup of corn.
- Chicken Chili: Use 1.5 lbs of boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces, instead of beef. Reduce cooking time to about 45-60 minutes.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Protein: Approximately 30-35g
- Fat: Approximately 15-20g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 20-25g
This delicious and authentic Mexican Red Chili Beef recipe is a testament to the beauty of simple, homemade cooking. It's a perfect example of how easy recipes can be both healthy and incredibly flavorful. Enjoy!