Ida'S Chili
Hearty beef chili packed with bold spices, vegetables, and rich tomato flavors, perfect for warming up and satisfying a crowd with its robust taste.
Ingredients
- 2 to 2 1/2 lb. beef, cut into cubes ⓘ
- 1 clove garlic, minced ⓘ
- 1 small onion, chopped ⓘ
- 1/4 cup chopped celery ⓘ
- 1/4 cup chopped carrots ⓘ
- 2 to 3 cups beef stock ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon cumin ⓘ
- 2 bay leaves ⓘ
- 1/3 cup tomato paste ⓘ
- 2 red peppers ⓘ
- salt to taste ⓘ
- 3 tablespoons oil ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons flour ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons chili powder ⓘ
Instructions
- Brown beef in a large skillet with oil.
- Remove the beef and set aside.
- Lightly brown onion, celery, carrots, and garlic in the same skillet.
- Add dried oregano, cumin, crushed bay leaves, flour, tomato paste, and chili powder.
- Cook for about 2 minutes, stirring frequently.
- Return the browned beef to the skillet and add beef stock.
- Bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat to a simmer and add red peppers and salt to taste.
- Cook until beef is tender and flavors meld.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using marbled beef for added tenderness. If you're short on time, substitute fresh red peppers with canned diced tomatoes or roasted red peppers. For a vegetarian version, replace beef with lentils and use vegetable stock. Adjust the spice level by adding more chili powder or fresh jalapeños, as desired.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Ida's Chili with crusty bread or over rice for a filling meal. It pairs beautifully with Sue'S Spicy Meatballs With Sauce for a hearty dinner spread. Top with shredded cheese, sour cream, or fresh cilantro for added flavor. Enjoy alongside a side salad or cornbread for a complete meal.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover chili can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stovetop over medium heat or in the microwave until heated through. For longer storage, freeze the chili for up to 3 months, and thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Ida'S Chili contains roughly 646 calories, with 20g protein, 88g carbohydrates, and 32g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (222% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (80% of the Daily Value), and calcium (79% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2272mg per serving (99% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use other meats for this chili?
Yes, you can use ground turkey, chicken, or even pork as alternatives to beef. Each will impart a unique flavor to the chili, so feel free to experiment based on your preference.
How can I make this recipe spicier?
To increase the heat, add more chili powder or include diced jalapeños or serrano peppers. You could also stir in some hot sauce or cayenne pepper while cooking to get the desired spice level.
Can I make this chili in a slow cooker?
Absolutely! After browning the beef and sautéing the vegetables, transfer everything to a slow cooker. Add the beef stock and spices, then cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours for a delicious, slow-cooked chili.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).