Hearty Beefy Chili Stew (Printer-friendly)
Tender beef, beans, and vegetables simmered in a rich, spicy chili sauce for a hearty, warming meal.
# What You’ll Need:
→ Meats
01 - 2 lbs beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes
→ Vegetables
02 - 1 large onion, chopped
03 - 1 green bell pepper, diced
04 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
05 - 2 carrots, sliced
06 - 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
07 - 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
08 - 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
→ Spices & Seasonings
09 - 3 tbsp chili powder
10 - 1 tsp ground cumin
11 - 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
12 - 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper, to taste
13 - Salt and pepper, to taste
→ Liquids
14 - 4 cups beef broth
15 - 2 tbsp tomato paste
→ Oils
16 - 2 tbsp olive oil
# How-To Guide:
01 - Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the beef cubes in a single layer and brown on all sides, working in batches to avoid overcrowding. Remove the seared beef and set aside.
02 - Add the chopped onion, diced green bell pepper, sliced carrots, and minced garlic to the pot. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are softened and fragrant.
03 - Stir in the tomato paste, chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the spices are fragrant and well combined.
04 - Return the browned beef to the pot. Pour in the diced tomatoes and beef broth, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
05 - Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and cook for 1 hour, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
06 - Stir in the drained kidney beans and black beans. Continue simmering uncovered for 20-30 minutes until the stew has thickened and the beef is fork-tender.
07 - Taste the stew and adjust salt, pepper, and chili heat to your preference. Ladle into bowls and serve hot, garnished with chopped cilantro, sour cream, or shredded cheese if desired.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- It tastes like it simmered all day but only needs about two hours from start to finish.
- The spices create a deep, layered heat that warms you without overwhelming the whole pot.
02 -
- Do not rush the searing step because that caramelized crust is where half the depth of flavor lives.
- Adding the beans too early will turn them to mush, so hold them until the final stretch.
03 -
- Swap a half pound of the beef for smoked sausage if you want an even deeper, more complex flavor profile.
- Check your canned broth and beans for gluten if that matters to you, because hidden gluten shows up in unexpected places.