Craving a hearty, flavorful meal that's both satisfying and surprisingly easy to make? Look no further than this Smoked Beef Chili recipe! This isn't your average chili; we're infusing deep smoky notes into a rich and complex chili that's perfect for a chilly evening or a cozy weekend gathering. Whether you're a seasoned home cook or just starting your culinary journey, this recipe is designed to be accessible and delicious. Get ready to impress yourself and your loved ones with this amazing healthy meal!
Ingredients:
This recipe yields about 8 servings of this delicious and healthy meal.
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 bell peppers (any color), chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lb smoked beef chuck roast, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
- 1 (15-ounce) can kidney beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 (15-ounce) can pinto beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 cup beef broth
- 2 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tbsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp oregano
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
This easy recipe requires minimal effort for a big flavor impact.
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Sauté the Vegetables: Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the onion and bell peppers and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. This step builds the base flavor of your chili.
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Brown the Beef: Add the smoked beef cubes to the pot and cook until browned on all sides. This step helps to develop a deeper, richer flavor.
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Simmer the Chili: Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, kidney beans, pinto beans, beef broth, chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, oregano, and cayenne pepper (if using). Season with salt and pepper to taste. 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 tender and the flavors have melded together. The longer it simmers, the richer the flavor will become.
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Serve and Enjoy: Once the chili has simmered, taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Ladle into bowls and garnish with fresh cilantro. Serve with your favorite chili toppings, such as shredded cheese, sour cream, or avocado.
Cooking Tips for the Best Smoked Beef Chili:
- For a deeper smoky flavor: Use a good quality smoked beef chuck roast. If you don't have access to smoked beef, you can add a few drops of liquid smoke to enhance the smoky flavor.
- Don't rush the simmering process: Allow the chili to simmer for at least 1.5 hours to allow the flavors to fully develop. The longer it simmers, the better it will taste.
- Adjust the spice level: The amount of cayenne pepper is optional. Add more or less depending on your preferred level of heat.
- Make it your own: Feel free to experiment with different beans, vegetables, or spices to create your own unique chili recipe. Adding a can of diced tomatoes or corn are both delicious options.
Variations:
- Vegetarian Chili: Replace the smoked beef with 1 cup of cooked lentils or your favorite vegetarian meat substitute.
- Spicy Chili: Increase the amount of cayenne pepper or add a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce.
- White Chili: Omit the cayenne pepper and use white beans instead of kidney and pinto beans.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Protein: Approximately 25-30g
- Fat: Approximately 15-20g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 30-35g
This easy recipe for delicious and healthy smoked beef chili is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a hearty weekend meal. Enjoy this crowd-pleasing dish!