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Classic Comfort Food

Category: Recipes That Started My Cooking Journey

Let a mix of ground beef, beans, and crisp veggies bubble away in a tomato-beer sauce for a cozy chili. Ready in just over an hour.

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Clare Recipes
Created By Lily Chen
Updated on Sat, 17 May 2025 17:16:03 GMT
Here’s a steaming bowl of chili dressed up with bright cilantro, chunky veggies, beans, and tasty, crumbly meat. Save
Here’s a steaming bowl of chili dressed up with bright cilantro, chunky veggies, beans, and tasty, crumbly meat. | lilicooks.com

I’m excited to tell you about my go-to chili—packed with juicy beef, tons of beans, and punchy spices! Doesn’t take much work, but the flavors taste deep like it’s been bubbling forever. There’s nothing better than scooping some up with a warm biscuit or a big slice of cornbread for the coziest meal ever.

Irresistible Chili Highlights

What really stands out is how the bold beefy taste dances with the right kick of heat. Beans make it filling, and a splash of beer brings a warm, rich note. You can change it up however you want so everyone’s happy at the table.

Grab These Ingredients

  • Main Players: Your favorite beans, onion and garlic (fresh is best), ground beef (go with 2 pounds), chili powder, cumin
  • Flavor Boosters: Add some diced tomatoes and tomato paste, pour in beef broth, toss in a jalapeño for a zing, and include some beer if you want that deep flavor

Mouthwatering Chili Time

Dig In and Taste:
Once it’s cooked, pile it into bowls, pile on your favorite toppings, and enjoy every bite.
Make It Yours:
Add more or less spice as you taste, so the flavors fit just how you like it.
Bubbling Simmer:
Let everything cook away uncovered until you get a nice, thick chili.
Layer Flavors:
Now add in extra spices, broth, beer if you like, beans, and tomatoes.
Browning Beef:
First, cook the ground beef with the onions, garlic, and spices, then drain off any fat.

Chili Tricks I Swear By

Letting it bubble away uncovered gives it that hearty texture. In a rush? Stir in a little cornmeal to thicken up. Want it hotter? Leave all those jalapeño seeds in there. Taco seasoning adds a fun new kick, too.

Upgrade Every Bowl

Heap on plenty of cheese, green onions, and that cool sour cream. Pop leftovers in the fridge for up to four days or stash some in the freezer for a no-fuss meal later. This is great when you want to plan ahead!

A big bowl piled with chili—there’s ground meat, mixed beans, veggies, and a sprinkle of cilantro on top. Save
A big bowl piled with chili—there’s ground meat, mixed beans, veggies, and a sprinkle of cilantro on top. | lilicooks.com

Chili FAQs—Fast

  • Use ground turkey or pork if you like
  • Mild is easy—skip jalapeños and cut back on chili powder
  • Chili beans bring extra punch
  • No beer? Just swap it for more broth

Ultimate Cozy Meal

This one’s my staple for cold nights, big gatherings, or easy lunches. It’s always filling, super tasty, and never lets me down. Try it once and you’ll want to keep making it!

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I skip the beer?

Totally, just use more beef broth instead so you don’t mess with the liquid balance.

→ What meat can I use?

Go for any ground meat you’ve got — chicken, turkey, pork, or beef. It all works.

→ Can I make this ahead?

Yep! It actually gets tastier if you let it chill overnight. Stays good for up to 4 days in the fridge.

→ How can I adjust spiciness?

Just dial up or down the jalapeños and chili powder until it hits your sweet (or spicy) spot.

→ What toppings work best?

Toss on whatever you like: cheese, avocado, chips, fresh onions, cilantro, jalapeños, or a spoonful of sour cream.

Classic Comfort Food

Warm up with a bold, beefy bowl of chili that’s packed with soft beans, tasty veg, and a beer-tomato base. Feels like a big food hug. So good for any night in.

Preparation Time
20 min
Cooking Time
45 min
Overall Time
65 min
Created By: Lily Chen

Category: Grandma's Legacy

Skill Level: Beginner-Friendly

Cuisine Type: American

Output: 8 Serves (8)

Dietary Options: Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free

Ingredients

01 2 pounds of ground beef, the lean kind.
02 1 diced onion.
03 1 jalapeño, diced after removing seeds.
04 4 garlic cloves, finely chopped.
05 2 1/2 tablespoons chili powder, split.
06 1 teaspoon ground cumin.
07 1 diced green bell pepper.
08 One 14.5-ounce can of crushed tomatoes.
09 One 19-ounce can of kidney beans, rinsed and drained.
10 One 14.5-ounce can of diced tomatoes, with liquid.
11 1 1/2 cups of beef stock.
12 1 cup of your favorite beer.
13 A tablespoon of tomato paste.
14 Brown sugar, 1 tablespoon if using (optional).
15 Salt and pepper, as much as you like.

Steps

Step 01

Combine 1 1/2 tablespoons chili powder with the meat.

Step 02

In a big pot, cook the beef, onion, jalapeño, and garlic together. Drain any extra grease.

Step 03

Pour in the rest of the ingredients.

Step 04

Turn the heat up until it boils.

Step 05

Lower the heat to keep it at a simmer. Leave uncovered for 45-60 minutes until it thickens up.

Step 06

Finish by adding anything you like on top.

Tips

  1. Replace the beer with broth if preferred.
  2. You can use any type of ground meat.
  3. Tastes even better the day after making it.
  4. Each serving is about 1 1/2 cups.

Required Tools

  • A big cooking pot.

Allergy Information

Always check each ingredient for allergens, and consult a medical professional if unsure.
  • None found.

Nutritional Information (per serving)

These details are shared for general guidance and don’t replace professional advice.
  • Calories: 395
  • Fats: 17 g
  • Carbohydrates: 27 g
  • Proteins: 29 g