American
Hearty Beef Chili with Beans and Warm Spices
This is a deep, game-day beef chili built on browned ground chuck, toasted spices, beer, and a little masa for body. The ancho-leaning flavor lands richer than standard chili powder alone, while the beans keep it homey and spoonable.
Gluten-FreeDairy-FreeHigh ProteinMake AheadMeal Prep FriendlyComfort Food
At a Glance
- Time
- 1 hr 30 mins
- Serves
- 8
- Cost
- Low
- Cuisine
- American
- Dietary fit
- Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free
Instructions
- Heat the oil in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the ground chuck in batches and cook without crowding until it is well browned and the bottom of the pot has dark fond, 6 to 8 minutes total. Transfer the meat to a bowl and leave the fat in the pot.
- Add the yellow onion and cook until translucent and starting to color, about 6 minutes, then add the garlic, chili powder, ancho chile powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, dried oregano, and tomato paste. Cook, stirring constantly, until the spices smell toasted and the paste darkens from brick red to rusty brown, about 2 minutes.
- Pour in the beer and scrape the pot hard to dissolve the browned bits, then add the crushed tomatoes and broth. Return the beef to the pot, bring everything to a lively simmer, and cook uncovered for 35 to 40 minutes so the chili thickens and the beer edge cooks off.
- Stir in the beans and the masa slurry, then simmer 10 to 15 minutes more until the chili looks glossy, lightly thickened, and spoon-coating. Finish with lime juice, salt, and black pepper, then ladle into bowls and top with sour cream, cheddar, and cilantro.
Adaptations
Easy Swap- Gluten-Free: Works As Written Works as written; verify packaged ingredients as noted below.
- Dairy-Free: Easy Swap Easy swap; see the adaptation note below.
- Vegetarian: Not Vegetarian Not adaptable; this recipe is built around meat, poultry, or seafood.
How to adapt: Naturally gluten-free and dairy-free when made with certified gluten-free beer and chili powder. Serve sour cream and cheddar separately so each bowl can be finished as needed.