Get ready to warm up your taste buds with a steaming bowl of Classic Beef Chili. This timeless recipe is a celebration of hearty, wholesome flavors, combining tender beef, robust spices, and a medley of beans into a satisfying, comforting dish. It’s the ultimate comfort food that fills your home with an irresistible aroma and your heart with contentment. Join us as we delve into the art of crafting the perfect bowl of chili.
Ingredients:
- 2 and 1/2 lbs. ground beef (85% lean works best)
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 3/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 large yellow onion, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, minced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon chipotle chili powder
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 2 tablespoons ancho chili powder
- 2 tablespoons cornmeal
- 3 cups beef broth
- 1 28-oz can crushed tomatoes
- 4 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice, from 1 lime
Optional garnishes: Shredded cheddar cheese, cilantro, sour cream, diced scallions, lime wedges
Directions:
- Using your hands, mix together the beef, salt, baking soda, and 1 tablespoon of water in a large bowl. Let the beef mixture rest on the counter for 20 minutes.
- In a large pot over medium heat, heat the oil. Add the onions, red peppers, and garlic; cook until softened, about 4-6 minutes, stirring frequently.
- Add the beef mixture and increase the heat to high. With a wooden spoon, break the meat into small pieces and cook until the beef is browned, about 10 to 12 minutes.
- Add the coriander, paprika, oregano, chipotle chili powder, cumin and ancho chili powder; cook, stirring frequently, for 1 to 2 minutes, until well combined and fragrant.
- Stir in the cornmeal, broth, crushed tomatoes, and tomato paste; bring to a boil.
- Reduce the heat to low and simmer, covered, for 2 hours. Skim any excess fat off the surface as the chili cooks.
- Stir in the lime juice, then taste and adjust the seasoning as desired.
Serves 6-8.