American · Dinner · Medium
Braised Beef Chili
- Total
- 3 hr 55 min
- Prep
- 25 min
- Serves
- 8
- Calories
- 520
Chunks of beef and smoky chorizo soften in an ancho-tomato sauce with beans, warm spices and a small touch of brown sugar.
Slow braising gives Braised Beef Chili a different texture from ground-meat versions: the beef pulls into strands while the sauce reduces around it. Ancho chiles add fruitiness and moderate heat rather than a sharp burn.
Use chuck and keep the beans for the final part of cooking. Whole spices are easy to remove afterward, while too much ground clove can overwhelm the tomato sauce.
Method
Heat the oven to 325°F (165°C). Brown beef chuck in olive oil in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat in two batches for each. Remove, then brown chorizo for .
Add onions and cook over medium heat for until soft. Stir in garlic, cumin, allspice, cloves, cinnamon stick, bay leaves, oregano and ancho chiles; cook for until fragrant.
Return beef and add vinegar, canned tomatoes, ketchup, brown sugar, water, salt and black pepper. Bring to a simmer, cover and braise for .
Stir in borlotti beans and braise for more until the beef shreds easily and is well above 145°F. Remove cinnamon and bay leaves, pull the larger beef pieces apart and rest for .
Forkue tips
- For a thicker chili, leave the lid slightly ajar during the last half-hour, checking that the bottom does not dry out.
Storing and reheating
Refrigerate for 4 days or freeze for 3 months. Reheat covered over low heat with a splash of water, stirring gently to keep some beef pieces intact.
Kitchen gear
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Braised Beef Chili: FAQ
Can I use another bean?
Pinto or kidney beans work well. Use cooked beans and add them at the same stage so they do not break down during the full braise.
What if I cannot find ancho chiles?
Use a mild pure chile powder to taste. It will lack some of the ancho's dried-fruit character, so start with a small amount.
How do I store and reheat Braised Beef Chili?
Refrigerate for 4 days or freeze for 3 months. Reheat covered over low heat with a splash of water, stirring gently to keep some beef pieces intact.
How long does Braised Beef Chili take?
About 3 hr 55 min in total: 25 min prep and 3 hr 30 min cooking.
What do I need to make Braised Beef Chili?
The key ingredients are beef chuck, chorizo, onions, garlic, ground cumin and ground allspice, plus pantry basics.
Any tips for Braised Beef Chili?
For a thicker chili, leave the lid slightly ajar during the last half-hour, checking that the bottom does not dry out.
