Chunky Beef Chili Recipe

Award-winning Chunky Beef Chili recipe straight from Art Smith's legendary cookbook, "KitchenLife." This hearty, flavorful chili is perfect for a chilly evening and freezes beautifully – one batch fills two gallon-sized freezer bags! Impress your friends and family with this rich, slow-simmered masterpiece. Get ready for tender beef, vibrant spices, and a deep, satisfying flavor that will leave you wanting more.

Prep Time 30 mins
Cook Time 225 mins
Calories 793.8 kcal
Protein 104g
Rating 4.5 (2 Reviews)
Chunky Beef Chili

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Recipe Author

Chef Forktionary, author of this recipe

Passionate home cook & Forktionary contributor.

Ingredients for Chunky Beef Chili

  • Olive Oil
  • Beef Chuck
  • Salt And Pepper
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 1 green bell pepper, chopped
  • 2 jalapeños, minced
  • Garlic Cloves
  • 2 tablespoons chili powder
  • Ground Cumin
  • Dried Oregano
  • Diced Tomatoes
  • Reduced Sodium Beef Broth
  • Lager Beer
  • Pinto Beans
  • Yellow Cornmeal
  • Unsweetened Chocolate

How to Make Chunky Beef Chili

  1. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large Dutch oven over high heat.
  2. Season 2 lbs of beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes, with 1 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper. Brown the beef in batches, ensuring not to overcrowd the pot.
  3. Transfer the browned beef to a bowl or platter.
  4. Add 1 large onion, chopped; 1 green bell pepper, chopped; and 2 jalapeños, minced, to the pot. Cook, stirring often, until softened, about 5 minutes.
  5. Add 4 cloves of minced garlic to the pot and cook for 1 minute more.
  6. Sprinkle the vegetables with 2 tablespoons chili powder, 1 tablespoon ground cumin, and 1 teaspoon dried oregano.
  7. Stir well to combine.
  8. Return the beef and any accumulated juices to the pot.
  9. Stir in 2 (28-ounce) cans crushed tomatoes with their juice, 2 cups beef broth, and 1 cup beer.
  10. Bring the mixture to a boil.
  11. Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the pot, and simmer for 2 hours, or until the meat is very tender.
  12. Remove from heat and let cool for a few minutes.
  13. Skim off any excess surface fat.
  14. Stir in 1 (15-ounce) can of kidney beans, drained and rinsed (optional).
  15. In a small bowl, whisk together 1 cup of chili liquid and 1/4 cup cornmeal until smooth.
  16. Stir the cornmeal mixture and 1 ounce of unsweetened chocolate (chopped) into the pot.
  17. Cook, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened, about 5 minutes.
  18. Serve hot, topped with sour cream, shredded cheddar cheese, and chopped green onions, as desired.

Chef's Tip for Extra Flavor

Want to unlock deeper, more complex flavors? Try toasting your whole spices before grinding them, or blooming ground spices in a little warm oil to enhance their aroma. Deglazing your pan with a bit of stock, wine, or even water after browning ingredients can capture those tasty caramelized bits, adding richness to your dish.

Nutrition Information (Approximate per serving)

Sodium

11 g

Sugar

13g

Fat

114g

Carbs

4g