The Coziest Ina Garten Beef Chili Recipe for Chilly Nights

Beef chili represents the ultimate comfort food that transforms ordinary ingredients into a soul-warming masterpiece.

Robust and complex, this culinary creation brings together deep, layered flavors that dance across your palate with remarkable intensity.

The perfect blend of spices and tender meat creates a harmonious dish that speaks to our fundamental desire for satisfying meals.

Rich and hearty, beef chili embodies a rustic approach to cooking that connects generations through its timeless appeal.

Each component contributes a unique characteristic, building depth and complexity with every carefully selected ingredient.

Warm and inviting, this meal transcends simple sustenance, becoming a celebration of culinary tradition and home-cooked goodness: prepare to fall in love with every delicious spoonful.

Why You’ll Love Ina Garten Beef Chili Recipe

• Spice Up Your Comfort: Ina Garten's chili delivers a warming blend of bold spices that dance across your taste buds, creating a rich and deeply satisfying flavor profile with chili powder, cumin, and cayenne pepper.
• Hearty One-Pot Wonder: This recipe simplifies cooking by using a single Dutch oven, minimizing cleanup while developing complex flavors through slow simmering, making it perfect for busy home cooks who want maximum taste with minimal effort.
• Customizable Crowd-Pleaser: The chili's versatile nature allows for easy personalization with optional toppings like sour cream and cheddar cheese, ensuring everyone can create their perfect bowl of comfort food that suits individual preferences.
• Slow-Cooked Perfection: The extended cooking time of 90 minutes allows ingredients to meld together, transforming simple ground beef and beans into a luxuriously thick and intensely flavored dish that gets better with each passing minute.

Ingredients for Ina Garten Beef Chili Recipe

• Ground Beef: Hearty protein base that adds rich meaty flavor and substance to the chili, choose lean ground beef for less grease.

• Onions, Bell Pepper: Foundational vegetables that provide depth and sweetness, select fresh and firm produce for best results.
• Garlic: Adds intense aromatic flavor and complexity to the dish, fresh garlic cloves are recommended.
• Chili Powder, Cumin, Cayenne Pepper: Classic spice blend that creates signature chili warmth and depth, adjust heat level to personal preference.

• Kidney Beans: Classic chili bean that adds protein and texture, canned beans work well for convenience.
• Diced Tomatoes, Tomato Puree: Creates rich sauce base and adds moisture, choose high-quality canned tomatoes for best flavor.
• Vegetable Oil: Neutral cooking fat for sautéing vegetables and meat, helps prevent sticking.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings for enhancing overall flavor profile.

• Sour Cream, Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Classic chili toppings that add creamy and tangy elements, fresh cheese recommended.

How to Make Ina Garten Beef Chili Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Veggie Base

• Onions
• Bell peppers
• Chili powder
• Cumin
• Cayenne pepper
• Salt

Cook for 7 minutes until vegetables become soft and fragrant.

Step 2: Introduce Garlic

Stir in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds, releasing its aromatic flavors.

Step 3: Brown the Beef

Increase heat to medium-high and add ground beef. Break up meat with a wooden spoon, cooking for 10 minutes until completely browned and no pink remains.

Step 4: Create the Chili Base

• Kidney beans
• Diced tomatoes
• Tomato puree
• Remaining salt

Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook for 5 minutes.

Step 5: Slow Simmer

Reduce heat to low, cover the pot, and let the chili simmer for 45 minutes. Then remove the lid and continue simmering for another 45 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

Step 6: Final Touches

Season with additional salt and black pepper to match your taste preferences.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Ladle into warm bowls. Optional toppings include sour cream and shredded cheddar cheese for extra richness.

Smart Tips for Ina Garten Beef Chili Recipe

• Control the Heat: Adjust cayenne pepper quantity to match your spice tolerance, from mild to fiery hot.
• Boost Flavor Depth: Simmer chili uncovered during the final 45 minutes to concentrate rich, robust tastes and thicken the sauce.
• Select Quality Meat: Pick lean ground beef to reduce grease while maintaining delicious, hearty flavor.
• Creamy Topping Trick: Dollop sour cream and sprinkle sharp cheddar cheese for a luxurious, cooling contrast to the warm chili.
• Easy Customization: Experiment with additional toppings like chopped green onions or fresh cilantro to personalize your dish.

Storage Guide for Ina Garten Beef Chili Recipe

• Freezer Method: Transfer completely cooled chili into heavy-duty freezer bags or airtight containers. Remove excess air before sealing to prevent freezer burn and maintain optimal flavor quality. Label each container with date and contents for easy tracking.
• Refrigeration Method: Store chili in glass or ceramic containers with tight-fitting lids. Keep chili at consistent temperature between 34-40°F. Consume within 3-4 days for best taste and food safety.
• Portioning Method: Divide chili into individual serving sizes before storing. This strategy prevents repeated reheating, which can degrade texture and nutritional value. Small portions cool faster and reheat more evenly, preserving the dish's delicious complexity.

Flavor Variations on Ina Garten Beef Chili Recipe

• Hearty Turkey Chili: Swap ground beef with lean ground turkey for a lighter protein option. Keep all other ingredients and cooking methods the same, maintaining the rich flavor profile.
• Vegetarian Bean Chili: Replace ground beef with a mix of black beans, pinto beans, and extra firm tofu. Add diced zucchini and mushrooms for additional texture and depth of flavor.
• Spicy Chipotle Chili: Incorporate chopped chipotle peppers in adobo sauce for a smoky, intense heat. Include a splash of dark beer to enhance the complex flavor and add richness to the chili.
• Green Chile Chicken Chili: Use shredded chicken instead of beef. Add roasted green chiles, swap kidney beans for white beans, and include a touch of cumin and oregano for a southwestern-style variation.

Final Scoop of Ina Garten Beef Chili Recipe

Chili lovers rejoice!

Ina Garten’s beef chili recipe promises comfort in every spoonful, blending robust flavors with hearty ingredients.

Warm spices dance through tender beef and beans, creating a symphony of southwestern comfort.

Complex layers of cumin, chili powder, and cayenne pepper elevate this classic dish beyond ordinary expectations.

Home kitchens will buzz with excitement as this recipe transforms simple ingredients into a memorable meal.

Comfort meets culinary art in this carefully crafted chili masterpiece.

Craving more?

Share this mouthwatering recipe, leave comments celebrating its deliciousness, and spread chili love with fellow cooking enthusiasts!

Easy Ravioli Sauce Recipe

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4.6 from 21 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Homemade ravioli sauce brings classic Italian comfort to your kitchen. Creamy tomato base with fresh basil and garlic creates a rich, authentic flavor profile that elevates pasta dishes and delights dinner companions.

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Ingredients

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Pasta:

• 20 ounces (567 grams) refrigerated cheese-filled ravioli

Dairy and Liquid Ingredients:

• 1.5 cups (360 milliliters) half-and-half
• 3 tablespoons (45 milliliters) softened cream cheese
• 0.33 cup (40 grams) grated Parmesan cheese
• 3 tablespoons (45 grams) salted butter

Seasonings and Additional Ingredients:

• 10 ounces (283 grams) Rotel tomatoes with green chilies (juices reserved)
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 0.75 cup (180 milliliters) chicken broth (or vegetable broth for a vegetarian option)
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 2 teaspoons all-purpose flour
• 0.5 teaspoon onion powder
• 0.5 teaspoon dried oregano
• 0.5 teaspoon dried basil
• 0.5 teaspoon mustard powder
• 1 pinch red pepper flakes (optional)

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Instructions

1. In a spacious skillet, melt unsalted butter over medium-low heat until it becomes smooth and slightly translucent, around 30-45 seconds.
2. Add finely chopped garlic and sauté gently, stirring continuously to prevent browning, creating a fragrant base for approximately 1-2 minutes.
3. Sprinkle all-purpose flour evenly across the butter-garlic mixture, whisking consistently to create a roux with a pale golden appearance for 2 minutes.
4. Introduce tomato paste along with onion powder, dried basil, oregano, and ground mustard, stirring to distribute seasonings and intensify their aromatic qualities for 45-60 seconds.
5. Gradually stream chicken broth into the skillet, whisking methodically to prevent lumps and ensure a silky smooth consistency, allowing the mixture to thicken slightly.
6. Pour half-and-half cream into the sauce, stirring gently and maintaining a consistent temperature to prevent separation.
7. Add cream cheese in small cubes, stirring until completely melted and integrated into the sauce, creating a rich and creamy texture.
8. Incorporate Rotel tomatoes with their natural juices, mixing thoroughly to distribute flavor evenly throughout the sauce.
9. Cook ravioli according to package directions in a separate pot, draining carefully without rinsing to preserve their delicate texture.
10. Reduce sauce heat and blend in grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until fully melted and creating a luxurious, velvety consistency.
11. Optional: Sprinkle red pepper flakes for an added spicy dimension if desired.
12. Gently fold cooked ravioli into the sauce, ensuring each piece is evenly coated without breaking the pasta.
13. Serve immediately, garnishing with additional grated Parmesan cheese for an extra layer of flavor and visual appeal.

Notes

• Elevate your ravioli game with this luxurious, restaurant-worthy sauce packed with layers of rich, complex flavors.
• Creamy texture comes from carefully melting cream cheese and Parmesan, creating a velvety base that clings perfectly to pasta.
• Rotel tomatoes bring unexpected zingy brightness, complementing the deep, buttery garlic undertones in the sauce.
• Subtle spice from red pepper flakes and mustard powder adds gentle warmth without overwhelming the delicate ravioli.
• Strategic layering of ingredients builds depth, transforming simple pantry staples into a gourmet-style sauce that impresses every time.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Sautéing, Simmering
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 608 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 973 mg
• Fat: 38 g
• Saturated Fat: 22 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 48 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 19 g
• Cholesterol: 96 mg