Small Batch Beef Chili Recipes

BEEF CHILI

Steps:

• Remove seeds from ancho, guajillo, and pasilla chiles and place in a medium bowl. Pour in 3 cups boiling water and cover bowl tightly with plastic wrap; let sit until chiles are softened, 20-25 minutes. Transfer chiles and soaking liquid to a blender and blend on high until smooth, about 1 minute; set aside.
• Heat oil in a large Dutch oven or other heavy pot over medium-high. Season beef all over with salt and pepper. Working in 2-3 batches, cook, turning pieces once, until browned, about 5 minutes per side. Transfer to a plate.
• Reduce heat to medium; add onions and garlic to pot. Cook, stirring often to loosen browned bits from bottom of pot, until onions are translucent and very soft, 6-8 minutes. Add cumin and oregano and cook, stirring, until spices start to stick to pot, about 1 minute. Add tomatoes and brown sugar and scrape bottom of pot to loosen spices, then add lager. Bring to a lively simmer and cook, stirring occasionally, until beer is almost completely evaporated, 10-15 minutes.
• Meanwhile, cut beef into 1/2" pieces, discarding any large bits of fat or gristle.
• Add beef, reserved chile purée, and 2 cups water to pot; season with salt and pepper. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer gently, uncovered, until liquid is thickened and meat is very tender, 1 1/2-2 hours. Taste chili and season with more salt and pepper if needed. Remove from heat and stir in vinegar. Divide chili among bowls and top as desired.
• Do Ahead
• Chili can be made 4 days ahead. Let cool; cover and chill. Reheat gently over low, stirring occasionally, and adding a splash of water to loosen if needed.

CHILI FOR TWO

Steps:

• In a large saucepan, cook beef and onion over medium heat until meat is no longer pink. Add garlic; cook one minute longer. Drain. Stir in beans, tomatoes and spices; bring to a boil. , Reduce heat; cover and simmer until heated through, 10-15 minutes. If desired, top with sour cream, shredded cheddar cheese and chopped cilantro.

EASY BEEF CHILI

Steps:

• Cook ground beef in a large pot over medium-high heat until browned and crumbly, 5 to 7 minutes. Add bell pepper and onion. Cook and stir until the pepper and onion have softened, about 5 minutes. Drain and discard grease.
• Add corn, kidney beans, pinto beans, diced tomatoes, water, brown sugar, chili seasoning mix, and mustard to the pot. Cover and cook over medium heat for 20 minutes. Uncover, reduce heat to low, and cook until beans are tender, about 20 minutes more.