Beef and pinto bean chili is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for chilly evenings or gatherings with friends. This hearty one-pot meal not only fills the belly but also warms the soul with its rich, spicy flavors and tender, satisfying texture. Imagine biting into the juicy ground beef paired with tender beans and an array of vegetables, all simmered to perfection! This recipe is my go-to when I need something quick, delicious, and sure to please a crowd.
Reasons to try it
Why should you whip up this delicious beef and pinto bean chili? Here are just a few reasons:
- Quick and Easy: Despite its flavorful complexity, this dish comes together in about an hour. Perfect for busy weeknight dinners.
- Budget-Friendly: Utilizing affordable ingredients like beans and ground beef, it’s easy on the wallet without sacrificing taste.
- Kid-Approved: The mild spice and abundance of flavors make it a hit with children, who love the hearty surprise of the beans and vegetables.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: Make a big batch and enjoy leftovers throughout the week, simplifying your meal planning.
“This chili has become a staple in my home! It’s rich in flavor and provides a warm hug in a bowl. I love how simple it is to make, and it’s ideal for feeding a crowd.” – Jessica L.
The cooking process explained
Making beef and pinto bean chili may sound intimidating, but I promise you it’s quite straightforward. Here’s how it’s done:
- Start by sautéing the vegetables to lay the flavor foundation.
- Brown the ground beef and incorporate various spices to elevate the taste.
- Stir in tomatoes and beans, then let everything simmer together so the flavors meld beautifully.
- Finally, season to taste and prepare for serving!
This combination of steps guides you to a delicious end product while allowing for fun creativity along the way.
What you’ll need
Gather these items to get started on your flavorful chili adventure:
- 1 large onion, finely diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 1 large carrot, diced
- 455g (1lb) of ground beef, 5% fat
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 tablespoon cumin
- 1/2 tablespoon oregano
- 1/2 tablespoon chipotle chili powder
- 1/2 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 8 tablespoons tomato puree
- 1 red pepper, finely diced
- 1 yellow or orange pepper, finely diced
- 2 jalapeños, deseeded and diced
- 2 x 400g (14oz) cans chopped tomatoes
- 1 cup (240ml) chicken stock
- 1 x 400g (14oz) can pinto beans, drained
- cooking oil spray
- salt and black pepper
- 2 spring onions, diced
Feel free to substitute ground turkey or chicken for beef, or swap out the pinto beans with black beans for a different twist.
