This thick bowl of red bean chili will taste anything but simple . Tender beef and large red kidney beans simmered in stewed tomatoes, onions, jalapenos, spiced simply with a classic chili blend that ignites all the senses.
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Beef
Beef chili is a classic dish because it is hearty, flavorful, and easy to make. It is also a great way to use up leftover beef. The chili powder, black pepper, and garlic give the chili its classic flavor, while the beans,coffee and tomatoes add depth and richness. Beef chili is perfect for a cold winter day, and it can be easily customized to your liking.
Red Beans
Red beans have a mild, earthy flavor that pairs well with the other flavors in chili. They also add a creamy texture to the chili and add to the heartiness.
Root Beer
Root beer has a sweet, slightly bitter flavor that is often compared to vanilla. It is made from the root of the sassafras tree, which gives it its unique flavor. Root beer is often used as a flavoring in chili, and it can add a depth of flavor and sweetness to the dish. It can also help to balance out the heat from the chili powder and other spices.
Here are some tips for using root beer in chili:
- Start with a small amount of root beer and add more to taste.
- Cook the chili for a long time so that the flavors can meld together.
- Use a good quality root beer, such as Barq’s or A&W.
- Avoid using root beer that is too sweet, as this can overpower the other flavors in the chili. If you wouldn’t drink it – don’t use it.
Root beer is a delicious and versatile ingredient that can be used to make a variety of dishes, including chili. If you’re looking for a way to add a unique flavor to your chili, give root beer a try!
Spicy Brown Mustard
Skip the classic yellow for this chili, brown mustard adds some depth and complexity to the flavor. Not only does a little get mixed into the chili but skip the sour cream and add a few dollops on top to take the chili to the next level.
Espresso Powder
Coffee adds a rich, smoky flavor to chili. It also helps to balance out the heat from the chili powder and other spices. If you’re looking for a way to add a unique flavor to your chili, give coffee a try!
Chili Powder
This recipe uses Ancho chili powder but the best chili powder to use in chili is a matter of personal preference. Some of the most popular chili powders include:
- Ancho chili powder: This is a mild, smoky chili powder with a slightly sweet flavor.
- Guajillo chili powder: This is a medium-hot chili powder with a fruity flavor.
- Chipotle chili powder: This is a hot chili powder with a smoky flavor.
- New Mexico chili powder: This is a mild to medium-hot chili powder with a slightly earthy flavor.
- Pasilla chili powder: This is a medium-hot chili powder with a slightly bitter flavor.
You can also use a combination of chili powders to create your own unique flavor. Just be sure to start with a small amount and add more to taste.
Here are some tips for using chili powder in chili:
- Use a good quality chili powder. Cheap chili powders can be bitter and bland.
- Start with a small amount of chili powder and add more to taste.
- Cooking the chili powder in the fat of the meat will help to bring out the flavor of the chili powder.
Pepper and Onions
Peppers and onions add flavor and depth to chili. They also help to balance out the heat from the chili powder and other spices. Peppers add a touch of sweetness and acidity, while onions add a savory flavor. Both peppers and onions also help to thicken the chili and make it more hearty.
TIPS & TRICKS FOR THE BEST SPICY RED BEAN CHILI
What to top your chili with?
- Shredded cheddar cheese
- Sour cream
- Brown Mustard
- Chopped onions
- Chopped cilantro
- Cornbread
- Guacamole
- Queso fresco
- Crema
- Pico de gallo
- Saltines
- Lime
There are plenty of bean options to select from
- Black beans
- Kidney beans
- Pinto beans
- Garbanzo beans
- White beans
Using Fresh or Canned Beans in Chili
Both fresh and canned beans can be used in chili, but there are some key differences between the two.
Fresh beans
- Pros:
- Fresh beans have a more pronounced flavor than canned beans.
- Fresh beans are less likely to be mushy.
- Cons:
- Fresh beans take longer to cook.
- Fresh beans require more prep work, such as soaking and draining.
Canned beans
- Pros:
- Canned beans are quick and easy to use.
- Canned beans are less likely to be tough or grainy.
- Cons:
- Canned beans can have a bland flavor.
- Canned beans can be mushy.
Which type of beans to use in chili
The best type of beans to use in chili depends on your personal preference. If you want a chili with a more pronounced flavor, use fresh beans. If you want a chili that is quick and easy to make, use canned beans.
How to use fresh beans in chili
- Soak the beans in water for at least 8 hours, or overnight.
- Drain the beans and rinse them well.
- Add the beans to the chili pot and cook them according to the directions.
- Add the other ingredients to the chili and cook until the chili is done.
How to use canned beans in chili
- Rinse the beans well.
- Add the beans to the chili pot and cook until the chili is done.
To soak and soften beans:
- Rinse the beans in a colander.
- Place the beans in a large bowl or pot.
- Cover the beans with water by at least 2 inches.
- Soak the beans for 8-12 hours, or overnight.
- Drain the beans and rinse them well.
- Cook the beans covered in a pot till tender.
Note: If you are short on time, you can also cook the beans without soaking them. However, the beans will take longer to cook and may not be as tender.
The best meat for chili is:
- Ground beef: This is the most popular choice for chili, and it’s easy to see why. Ground beef is flavorful and versatile, and it can be cooked quickly and easily.
- Chunky beef: This is another good option for chili. Chunky beef is more tender than ground beef, and it adds a nice texture to the chili.
- Beef stew meat: This is a good choice if you want a more flavorful chili. Beef stew meat is typically cooked for a long time, which gives it a rich, beefy flavor.
- Lamb: Lamb is a delicious and flavorful option for chili. It’s also a good source of protein.
- Pork: Pork is another good option for chili. It’s a bit fattier than beef, but it adds a lot of flavor to the dish.
When to season the chili
When browning the meat, season it with salt, pepper, and all the remaining spices and seasoning. This will help to create a flavorful crust on the meat, which will then be infused into the stewing liquid. If you season the chili after adding in the stewing liquid, the spices will not have as much of an opportunity to interact with the meat.
What to serve with chili
Chili is a hearty and flavorful dish that can be enjoyed on its own, but there are many delicious ways to serve it with sides. Here are a few of our favorites:
- Cornbread: Cornbread is a classic side dish for chili. It is light and fluffy, and the sweetness of the cornbread complements the spiciness of the chili.
- Frito Pie: A southern staple! Fritos are another popular side dish for chili. The crunchy corn chips add a nice texture to the chili, and they help to soak up the sauce.
- Tortillas: Tortillas are a great way to eat chili. You can use them to scoop up the chili, or you can make a burrito or taco with them.
- Rice: Rice is a filling and flavorful side dish for chili. It helps to soak up the sauce and provides a nice contrast to the spiciness of the chili.
- Beans: Beans are a natural pairing for chili. They add protein and fiber to the dish, and they help to thicken the sauce.
- Salad: A salad is a refreshing and healthy side dish for chili. It helps to balance out the richness of the chili and provides some much-needed nutrients.
- Salsa: Salsa is a flavorful and spicy condiment that can be added to chili to give it a kick.
- Cheese: Cheese is a delicious and creamy way to top chili. You can add shredded cheese to the chili before serving, or you can serve it on the side for people to add as they please.
No matter how you choose to serve it, chili is sure to be a hit at your next gathering. So gather your ingredients, fire up the stove, and start cooking!
EQUIPMENT NEEDED TO MAKE THIS RECIPE
- Large pot or Dutch oven
- Large spoon
- Colander
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Knife
- Cutting board
SIMILAR INGREDIENTS TO
Grilled Sweet Chili Chicken Thighs
Meat & Cheese Lasagna + Stewed Garlic Olives
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INGREDIENTS
- 2 pounds ground beef
- 1/2 pound red beans, softened and unseasoned
- 1 yellow onion, chopped
- 2 jalapenos, seeded and chopped
- 6 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 can root beer
- Chili seasoning
- 1/4 cup Ancho chili powder
- 1 tablespoon chicken bouillon powder
- 2 teaspoons espresso powder
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon black pepper
- 28 ounces crushed tomatoes
- 2Tb Spicy brown mustard
- 1/2 cup water
- Salt, to taste
- 1 tablespoon white vinegar
INSTRUCTIONS
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, brown the ground beef with the chili seasoning blend over medium- high heat. Don’t drain anything!.
- Add the onion, jalapenos, and garlic to the pot and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the root beer, mustard, crushed tomatoes, beans, water, and salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 2-3 hours, or until the beef is cooked through and the chili has thickened.
- Once thickened, season with salt and pepper to taste and add in vinegar then give it one last stir.
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