Beef Chili Recipe

Many years ago, when I first met Jake (the other half of Souper Cubes®), I decided to host a casual dinner party at my house. I was relatively new to the Bay Area (where we were living at the time) and was excited to have people over. That night, I made beef chili, two different types of corn bread, and roasted Brussels sprouts for everyone. What I love about this meal is that it doesn't break the bank to put together (even for 6 people) and only requires one pot! Plus, you can make the chili the night before and just heat it up when your friends come over. 

This chili uses the Carroll Shelby Beef Chili Kit (my favorite). I love that it comes out delicious, is very reasonably priced, and makes my life so much easier. You can find it in stores or order online through Amazon or Reily Products.

Be sure to also check out my one-pot chicken chili recipe.

How To Make Beef Chili

Step 1: Brown ground beef

I add a tablespoon of oil (typically grape seed oil but you can use any kind really) to the pot first and let it get hot before I add the ground beef.

We like to use 85% lean ground beef. It's only $4.99/lb at both Whole Foods and Trader Joe's. We often try to wait until it's on sale at Whole Foods because then it's only $5.99/lb.

Step 2: Sauté onions

Step 3: Stir ground beef and onions together

Step 4: Add spices, tomato sauce, and diced tomatoes. Stir together.

Step 5: Mix masa flour with water and add to pot. Then add white corn and kidney beans.

You can really use any type of beans. There have been times where we ran out of kidney beans and have used black beans or garbanzo beans. Each time, the chili came out delicious. I typically will drain the beans first, then put them in the pot.

My favorite corn is white corn because its so sweet. It is tough to find fresh year-round so I almost always buy it frozen.

The masa flour helps thicken the chili a bit. You don't have to add it, but I always do.

Step 6: Cover pot with lid and simmer for 25+ minutes on low heat

If we have time, I almost always try to let it simmer for 40 minutes so it is even more flavorful. But, if you don't have time... 25 minutes is enough.

Step 6: Serve and enjoy

This will make roughly 8 cups of chili.

You can top the chili with freshly diced onions, shredded cheese, avocado, and/or tortilla chips. We also love making fresh cornbread to serve with the chili.

Step 7: Freeze leftovers in your Souper Cubes® tray to enjoy again later

Easy One-Pot Beef Chili Recipe

Ingredients

• 1 box of Carroll Shelby Beef Chili Kit
• 2 lbs of ground meat (we use 85% lean beef)
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 tablespoons of oil
• 1 14oz can of diced tomatoes
• 1 can of tomato sauce
• 1 cup frozen white corn
• 1 14oz can of beans (we like black and kidney beans)

DIRECTIONS:

1. Heat half of oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Once hot, add beef and stir until mostly cooked through. Then add remaining oil and onions and cook until they are soft and translucent. 
2. Add spices, tomatoes, white corn, and beans. Make sure to strain your beans before you add them to the chili. If you want to thicken your chili, add 1/3 cup of water and masa flour in a small bowl. Mix together and add to pot of chili.
3. Stir and bring to a simmer. Reduce heat to low and cover with lid for 25+ minutes. You can make this in advance and let it sit over low heat for a couple of hours for extra flavor!
4. Serve with your favorite toppings. Ours include chopped onion, avocado slices, tortilla chips, and shredded cheddar cheese!

Souper Cubes® Recipe Page (check out other amazing recipes)

Don't forget to order your Souper Cubes® freezing trays for any leftovers.