Hearty Beefy Chili Stew (Printable)

Tender beef cubes, beans, and vegetables simmered in a rich, spicy chili sauce for a warming meal.

# What You Need:

→ Meats

01 - 2 lbs beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes

→ Vegetables

02 - 1 large onion, chopped
03 - 1 green bell pepper, diced
04 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
05 - 2 carrots, sliced
06 - 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
07 - 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
08 - 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed

→ Spices & Seasonings

09 - 3 tbsp chili powder
10 - 1 tsp ground cumin
11 - 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
12 - 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, to taste)
13 - Salt and pepper, to taste

→ Liquids

14 - 4 cups beef broth
15 - 2 tbsp tomato paste

→ Oils

16 - 2 tbsp olive oil

# How To Make It:

01 - Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the beef cubes in batches, browning on all sides. Remove and set aside.
02 - Add the onion, green bell pepper, carrots, and garlic to the pot. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until vegetables are softened.
03 - Stir in the tomato paste, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 2 minutes until fragrant.
04 - Return the browned beef to the pot. Add diced tomatoes and beef broth. Bring to a simmer.
05 - Reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 1 hour, stirring occasionally.
06 - Add kidney beans and black beans. Continue to simmer uncovered for 20-30 minutes until the stew thickens and the beef is tender.
07 - Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Serve hot, garnished with optional toppings such as chopped cilantro, sour cream, or shredded cheese.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • It tastes even better the next day, which means leftovers are something you will actually look forward to.
  • The heat level is completely in your hands, so whether you like a gentle warmth or a full sweaty forehead situation, this stew adapts.
  • One pot means one pot to wash, and that alone is worth celebrating on a cold evening.
02 -
  • Do not rush the searing step because pale beef will give you a flat tasting stew no matter how long you simmer it.
  • If your broth seems thin after the full cooking time, just let it go another ten minutes uncovered and it will pull together beautifully.
03 -
  • Pat the beef completely dry with paper towels before searing because moisture is the enemy of a good crust.
  • Toast your chili powder in a dry skillet for thirty seconds before adding it to the pot and you will unlock a deeper, rounder flavor that feels almost magical.