Ina Garten Beef Chili Recipe

If you’re looking for a comforting, flavorful meal that warms the soul, Ina Garten’s beef chili recipe is your answer. Perfect for busy weeknights, cozy family dinners, or meal prepping for the week, this chili combines rich flavors with a simple cooking process. With just a handful of fresh ingredients and pantry staples, you can create a hearty dish that everyone will love.

This chili is more than just a meal it’s a canvas, just like the Ina Garten Chicken Chili we made earlier. You can customize it by adjusting the spice level, swapping meats, or even changing up the beans to suit your taste. Its versatility makes it a go-to for families and seasoned home cooks alike.

The beauty of Ina Garten’s Barefoot Contessa Chili lies in its balance of flavors. From the sweet aroma of sautéed onions and bell peppers to the savory depth of ground beef and spices, every bite is satisfying. Plus, it’s easy to serve with rice, pasta, or just on its own with your favorite toppings.

What’s the Flavor Profile of This Ina Garten Beef Chili?

Ina Garten’s beef chili is a classic American comfort food with a modern twist. Made with lean ground beef, beans, tomatoes, and a blend of spices, this chili is both hearty and deeply flavorful. Each spoonful offers a rich, savory taste with hints of sweetness from brown sugar and a subtle depth from cocoa powder.

The texture is wonderfully balanced. Soft, tender vegetables meld with perfectly cooked beans and succulent ground beef, making it satisfying to eat. The chili’s consistency can be adjusted cook it longer for a thicker stew-like chili or leave it slightly saucier for serving over rice or Artichoke Green Chili Dip.

This recipe is also highly adaptable. Want a spicier kick? Add extra cayenne or chili powder. Prefer a milder version for kids? Simply reduce the heat. You can also experiment with different types of beans or meats to make this chili uniquely your own.

Ingredients Required for Ina Garten Beef Chili Recipe

Gather all the following ingredients, before you start making this Ina Garten Beef Chili

• 1 large onion, diced
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• 4–5 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 lb ground beef (90/10 lean)
• 1 tbsp tomato paste
• 3 tbsp chili powder
• 1 tbsp cumin
• ¼ tsp cayenne pepper
• 1 ½ tsp oregano
• 1 tsp salt
• ¼ tsp cracked black pepper
• 1 tbsp cocoa powder (optional, for depth)
• 1 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 15 oz can diced tomatoes
• 1 8 oz can tomato sauce
• 2 cans (15.5 oz each) beans (pinto and black or kidney), drained and rinsed
• 2 cups beef broth
• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Sour cream
• Chopped green onions

Kitchen Utensils Required

1. Dutch oven or large pot
2. Wooden spoon
3. Knife and cutting board
4. Garlic press (optional)
5. Measuring spoons and cups

Preparation & Cooking Time

Prep time: 15–20 minutes
Cook time: 45 minutes
Total time: 1 hour

Copycat Ina Garten Beef Chili Recipe

Just follow this simple step by step guideline to make your homemade version of Ina Garten Beef Chili in a delicious way.

1. Prep the Vegetables: Dice 1 large onion and 1 bell pepper. Mince 4–5 garlic cloves. Set aside. A sharp knife makes prep faster and safer.

2. Sauté Vegetables: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add onions and bell peppers and cook for 5 minutes until slightly softened. Stir in garlic and cook for 1 more minute until fragrant.

3. Cook the Beef: Add 1 pound of ground beef (90/10) to the pot. Break it into small pieces and cook until fully browned. Leaner beef reduces greasiness, while fattier cuts can be used for richer flavor.

4. Add Spices and Tomato Paste: Stir in 1 tablespoon tomato paste, 3 tablespoons chili powder, 1 tablespoon cumin, ¼ teaspoon cayenne, 1 ½ teaspoons oregano, 1 teaspoon salt, ¼ teaspoon black pepper, 1 tablespoon cocoa powder, and 1 tablespoon brown sugar. Mix well for 1–2 minutes to bloom the spices.

5. Combine Beans, Tomatoes, and Broth: Add 1 15-oz can diced tomatoes, 1 8-oz can tomato sauce, 2 drained cans of beans (pinto and black), and 2 cups beef broth. Scrape the pan bottom, bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low and cook uncovered for 25–30 minutes.

6. Serve and Garnish: Taste for seasoning, then ladle chili into bowls. Top with shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, and chopped green onions. Enjoy warm and hearty!

Delicious Ways to Customize and Serve This Ina Garten Beef Chili

Here are some Variations and Customizations ideas you can try to enjoy this Ina Garten Beef Chili deliciously

1. Classic Chili Bowl
Honestly, sometimes you just want it straight from the pot. Ladle it into bowls, top with shredded cheddar, a dollop of sour cream, and a sprinkle of green onions. It’s cozy, hearty, and just perfect.

2. Over Rice
We love serving chili over a bed of fluffy white or brown rice. It soaks up all those spicy, savory flavors and makes every bite extra comforting.

3. With Cornbread
Oh, nothing beats chili with warm, buttery cornbread on the side. We always make a quick skillet cornbread it’s slightly sweet and pairs beautifully with the bold chili.

4. Chili Dogs
Pour chili over grilled hot dogs, add a little shredded cheese, and you’ve got an instant crowd-pleaser. We’ve done this for casual family dinners, and it’s always a hit.

5. Topped on Baked Potatoes
Bake a potato until soft, scoop it open, and pile the chili on top. Add a little sour cream, and it’s like a loaded potato you actually look forward to eating.

6. With Tortilla Chips
Turn it into a chili nachos situation. Spread chips on a tray, spoon chili over them, sprinkle cheese, and broil until melty. We do this for movie nights it’s indulgent and fun.

7. Over Pasta
Believe it or not, chili over spaghetti or penne works surprisingly well. The pasta gives it a different texture, and we love it as a change from the usual bowl.

8. Stuffed Peppers
Hollow out bell peppers and fill them with chili. Top with cheese and bake for a colorful, flavorful twist. We tried this for a lunch meal prep it’s so satisfying.

9. In a Chili Grilled Cheese
Take your grilled cheese to the next level by adding a spoonful of chili inside before grilling. Oozy, cheesy, and just a little messy but oh-so-good.

10. Chili Tacos
Warm up some soft tortillas and fill them with chili, cheese, and a bit of avocado. We love making this for Taco Tuesday it’s a fun way to mix up your weeknight routine.

My Personal Experience and Some Tips on This Ina Garten Beef Chili Recipe

I made Ina Garten’s beef chili last week, and wow it was amazing! The house smelled so good while the onions and peppers cooked. My kids loved helping me stir the pot, and they couldn’t wait to eat it.

When I topped it with cheese and sour cream, everyone’s eyes lit up. It was warm, cozy, and filling. I even had leftovers for lunch the next day, and it tasted even better!

1. Use a sharp knife for easy chopping.

2. Don’t burn the garlic it gets bitter fast.

3. Brown the meat well for the best flavor.

4. Taste and adjust salt and spice at the end.

5. Make ahead: chili tastes even better the next day.

6. Freeze leftovers in small portions for quick meals.

7. Try different beans or meats to make it your own.

How to Store and Reheat Leftover Ina Garten Beef Chili Properly?

If you have any leftover (hopefully you don’t have) you can process them properly as follows,

Store chili in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. It also freezes well for up to 3 months portion into single servings for easy reheating. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave until warmed through.

FAQs on this Ina Garten Beef Chili Recipe

When you give this Ina Garten Beef Chili Recipe a try, you might have a few questions. Don’t worry-we’ve rounded up answers to the most common ones to help you out.

1. What kind of beef should I use?

We usually use 90/10 lean ground beef it cooks nicely without being too greasy. Sometimes we mix in a little fattier beef for extra flavor.

2. Can I use other meats?

Yes! We’ve tried turkey, chicken, and even venison. Just remember leaner meats can get tough, so fattier cuts work best for tenderness.

3. Do I have to use beans?

Not at all! We love beans in ours, but if you’re making a Texas-style chili, you can skip them. It’s still hearty and tasty.

4. Can I make this chili ahead of time?

Absolutely. We often make it a day ahead. The flavors deepen overnight, and it reheats beautifully.

5. How spicy is this chili?

It depends on your chili powder and cayenne. We like a mild-medium heat, but you can adjust to taste.

6. Can I freeze leftovers?

Yes! We freeze portions in airtight containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently.

7. What should I serve with it?

Rice, pasta, cornbread, baked potatoes, or tortilla chips we’ve tried them all, and they’re all winners!

8. Do I need a Dutch oven?

It helps, but any large pot works fine. We just like how it spreads heat evenly.

9. How long should I simmer it?

We usually simmer uncovered for about 25–30 minutes. It thickens nicely and the flavors really come together.

10. Can I adjust the flavors?

Definitely! We sometimes add extra brown sugar for balance, more chili powder for heat, or even a splash of cocoa powder for depth. Make it your own!

Ina Garten’s beef chili is a timeless recipe that’s simple to make, endlessly customizable, and full of flavor. Whether you’re serving it for dinner tonight or meal prepping for the week, this chili will satisfy everyone at the table.

Grab your pot, follow this recipe, and enjoy a bowl of rich, hearty goodness today! Don’t forget to share your chili creations in the comments below! We’d love to hear how this recipe turns out for you! Give it a try, then drop a comment below to share your thoughts and tips with us.

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