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Classic Chili Con Carne Recipe First Image

Spicy Beef Chili


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  • Author: Chef John
  • Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x
  • Diet: Paleo

Description

A hearty and spicy beef chili made with guajillo and ancho peppers, perfect for a comforting meal.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 guajillo peppers (or use 11 tbsp ground guajillo powder or chili powder blend)
  • 4 ancho peppers (or use 11 tbsp ground ancho powder or chili powder blend)
  • Salt (to taste)
  • 3 pounds chuck roast (cut into ¾1 inch cubes)
  • 12 tablespoons paprika
  • 1 tablespoon Mexican oregano
  • 1 tablespoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 teaspoon ground coriander
  • Salt (to taste)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 jalapeno peppers (chopped)
  • 1 large onion (chopped)
  • 5 cloves garlic (chopped)
  • 24 cups beef stock (or use tomato sauce or fire roasted tomatoes)
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 cup tomato sauce
  • 12 cups chili or kidney beans
  • 1 tablespoon extra spicy chili powders
  • 1/2 cup Crema or sour cream
  • 1/4 cup fresh chopped herbs
  • 1 tablespoon spicy chili flakes or chopped chiles
  • 1 cup shredded cheese

Instructions

  1. Make your chili sauce. Remove the stems and seeds from the dried guajillo and ancho peppers, then lightly toast in a dry pan about a minute or 2 per side. This will help to release the oils.
  2. Soak the peppers in very hot water for 20 minutes in a heat proof bowl, or until they are nice and soft.
  3. Add the softened peppers to a food processor with 1/2 cup of the soaking water (or use fresh water) and a bit of salt to taste. Process until smooth. Strain if desired. Set aside for now.
  4. Heat the oil in a large pot or Dutch oven to medium heat. Season the beef with salt and pepper, then sear the beef in batches to brown them, a few minutes per side. Set the beef aside onto a plate.
  5. Add 1/4 cup of the beef stock to deglaze the pot, and scrape up the browned bits from the bottom.
  6. Add the jalapenos and onion. Cook them for 6-7 minutes to soften.
  7. Add the garlic and stir. Cook another minute.
  8. Pour in the reserved chili sauce and the seasonings, and stir. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring a bit, to let the flavor develop.
  9. Stir in the remaining beef broth (or tomato sauce) and reserved beef. Bring to a boil. If you’d prefer a soupier chili, add in 4 cups of beef broth. If you are using the optional additions/beans, add them in now.
  10. Reduce the heat, cover and simmer for about 2 hours, or until the beef is very tender.
  11. Serve with your favorite fixins!

Notes

  • This chili can be made ahead of time and reheated. The flavors develop even more after a day in the fridge.
  • Adjust the spice level by adding more or less chili powder as desired.
  • Top with additional cheese, sour cream, and fresh herbs before serving.
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 2 hours
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 bowl
  • Calories: 450
  • Sugar: 4g
  • Sodium: 800mg
  • Fat: 25g
  • Saturated Fat: 8g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 15g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 30g
  • Fiber: 8g
  • Protein: 35g
  • Cholesterol: 90mg