How to Make Delicious Ground Beef Chili: A Flavorful One-Pot Meal
Chili is one of those comfort foods that can warm you up on a chilly day or serve as the perfect hearty meal for a gathering. It’s flavorful, filling, and customizable, making it a go-to dish for many home cooks. This particular Ground Beef Chili recipe is incredibly easy to make and features a rich combination of spices that will take your taste buds on a flavorful adventure. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep work, you can have a savory pot of chili ready in no time.
Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner or a game day feast, this chili recipe is perfect for any occasion. It’s rich, slightly spicy, and has a hint of sweetness thanks to an unexpected secret ingredient—unsweetened cocoa powder! Not only does it add depth to the dish, but it also enhances the overall flavor profile of the chili. Let’s break down the ingredients and step-by-step instructions for making this delicious dish.
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 lb ground beef (use either 90/10 or 80/20 for different fat content)
- 2 cups beef or chicken broth
- 1/2 cup tomato sauce or puree
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
- 2 teaspoons chili flakes
- 2 teaspoons paprika
- 2 teaspoons soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Heat the Oil and Cook the Ground Beef
Begin by heating 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the ground beef to the pot. Use a wooden spoon or spatula to break up the meat as it cooks. Cook the beef for about 3 to 5 minutes, or until most of the pink color has disappeared.
At this point, it’s crucial to let the beef brown slightly. Browning the meat adds more flavor to the chili, so don’t rush this step. As the beef cooks, the fat will render, and you’ll start to get some nice color on the meat.
Step 2: Add the Flavorful Ingredients
Once the ground beef is browned, it’s time to infuse it with rich flavors. Pour in the 2 cups of beef or chicken broth (whichever you prefer) and 1/2 cup of tomato sauce or puree. These ingredients will provide the base for your chili.
Next, it’s time to add the spices that make this chili recipe so irresistible. Add the following to the pot:
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
- 2 teaspoons chili flakes
- 2 teaspoons paprika
- 2 teaspoons soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
Each of these ingredients contributes to the complexity of the chili. The chili powder and paprika give it warmth, the cayenne pepper adds a kick of heat, and the cocoa powder creates a subtle hint of sweetness that complements the beef perfectly.
Step 3: Simmer and Cook
Once all the ingredients are in the pot, bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Lower the heat, cover the pot, and allow the chili to cook for 35 to 40 minutes. Be sure to stir the chili every so often to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
As the chili simmers, the flavors will meld together, creating a rich and savory dish. The longer you let it cook, the more intense the flavors will become, so don’t rush this part of the process. The broth will reduce slightly, thickening the chili into a hearty, delicious meal.
Step 4: Season and Serve
After simmering for 35 to 40 minutes, taste the chili and adjust the seasoning as needed. Add salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Once seasoned to your liking, your chili is ready to serve!
You can enjoy this chili on its own or with toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped green onions, or crushed tortilla chips for added texture and flavor.
Tips for the Best Chili
- Brown the Beef Thoroughly: Be patient when browning the ground beef. A well-browned beef adds a deeper, more robust flavor to your chili. Don’t skip this step or rush it!
- Adjust the Spice Level: If you prefer your chili on the milder side, reduce the amount of cayenne pepper or chili flakes. For those who love a spicy kick, feel free to add extra chili powder or cayenne.
- Cocoa Powder for Depth: The addition of unsweetened cocoa powder might seem unusual, but it brings a subtle richness to the chili without adding sweetness. If you’ve never tried adding cocoa to chili before, this recipe will make you a believer.
- Simmer for Flavor: The longer you simmer your chili, the better it will taste. While 35 to 40 minutes is enough to get a great-tasting chili, you can let it simmer longer if you have the time. Just keep an eye on the liquid level and add more broth if necessary.
FAQs
Can I make this chili in advance?
Absolutely! In fact, chili often tastes even better the next day because the flavors have had more time to develop. You can make the chili ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply reheat it on the stove or in the microwave before serving.
Can I freeze leftover chili?
Yes, chili freezes beautifully. After the chili has cooled, transfer it to an airtight container or freezer bag and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat it, thaw the chili in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stove or in the microwave.
Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?
Absolutely! If you’re looking for a leaner option, ground turkey works well in this recipe. Just note that turkey has a milder flavor than beef, so you may want to increase the seasonings slightly to make up for it.
What can I serve with chili?
Chili is a versatile dish that can be paired with a variety of sides. Some popular options include cornbread, tortilla chips, rice, or baked potatoes. You can also serve it with toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, and chopped onions for extra flavor.
Is chili spicy?
This chili recipe has a moderate amount of spice thanks to the chili powder, cayenne pepper, and chili flakes. However, you can adjust the heat to your liking by adding more or less of these ingredients. If you’re sensitive to spice, start with a smaller amount of cayenne and chili flakes and adjust from there.
Conclusion
This Ground Beef Chili is a simple, flavorful recipe that’s perfect for any occasion. With just a few affordable ingredients, you can create a hearty, satisfying meal that’s sure to please. The combination of spices and the unexpected addition of cocoa powder elevate this dish, making it more than your average chili. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner or meal prepping for the week, this chili is a go-to recipe that everyone will love.
Not only is it easy to make, but it also gets better with time, making it an ideal dish to prepare in advance or freeze for later. Customize it to suit your tastes by adjusting the spice level, adding your favorite toppings, or serving it with classic sides like cornbread or tortilla chips. Give this chili recipe a try, and you’ll soon find it becoming a regular in your meal rotation!