Hearty Beef and Black Bean Chili Recipe: Comfort in a Bowl

Crafting a hearty beef and black bean chili promises to become your new comfort food obsession.

Robust flavors dance through every spoonful, promising warmth and satisfaction.

Tender beef chunks mingle with velvety black beans, creating a symphony of textures.

Warming spices whisper stories of culinary adventure and bold creativity.

Weeknight dinners demand something special, and this recipe delivers with unexpected depth.

Pantry staples transform into a memorable meal that sparks conversation and fills bellies with pure contentment.

You’ll want to savor every delicious bite of this soul-satisfying chili.

Why Bobby Flay’s Beef Chili Is a Bold Classic

Unleash Culinary Adventure: Dive into Bobby Flay’s Bold Chili

• Quick and Effortless Cooking: This recipe transforms complex flavors into a simple, approachable cooking experience that doesn't demand professional chef skills.
• Weekend Comfort Champion: Perfect for lazy weekends, game days, or family gatherings where hearty, warming meals steal the spotlight and create memorable moments.
• Flavor Explosion Guaranteed: Combining multiple chili powders, dark beer, and chipotle creates a robust taste profile that excites taste buds and elevates traditional chili expectations.
• Flexible Meal Solution: Easily adaptable for different preferences, this chili works as a standalone dish, can be topped with various garnishes, and stores wonderfully for next-day leftovers.

Bobby Flay’s Chili: What You Need

• Beef Cubes: Rich, hearty protein for the chili base, choose chuck or sirloin for tender results.

• Onions, Garlic: Foundational flavor builders, fresh and firm produce adds depth.

• Ancho Chili Powder, Pasilla Chili Powder, Ground Cumin: Complex spice blend for authentic southwestern flavor, look for fresh, fragrant spices.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasoning for enhancing overall taste.

• Dark Beer: Adds depth and richness to the chili, choose a robust craft beer.
• Chicken Stock: Creates smooth liquid base, low-sodium preferred for better control.

• Pureed Tomatoes: Provides smooth texture and tangy undertone.

• Chipotle Pepper Puree: Smoky heat element, adds complexity.
• Honey: Subtle sweetness to balance heat, use local honey for best flavor.

• Black Beans: Protein-rich addition, creates classic chili texture.

• Fresh Lime Juice: Bright, acidic finish to balance rich flavors.

Beef and Black Bean Chili Flavorful Prep

Step 1: Sizzle the Beef

Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven over high heat.

Season beef cubes generously with salt and pepper.

Brown the meat thoroughly on all sides until a delicious golden crust forms.

Move the beef to a separate plate and keep 3 tablespoons of fat remaining in the pan.

Step 2: Awaken the Aromatics

Toss diced onions into the reserved fat and cook until they become translucent and soft.

Add chopped garlic and continue cooking for 2 minutes, releasing their fragrant essence.

Step 3: Unleash the Spice Symphony

Sprinkle in ancho chili powder, pasilla chili powder, and ground cumin.

Stir and toast these spices for 2 minutes, allowing their deep flavors to bloom and intensify.

Step 4: Create the Flavor Foundation

Pour dark beer into the pot, using a wooden spoon to scrape up all the delectable browned bits stuck to the bottom.

Let the beer reduce until almost completely evaporated.

Step 5: Merge the Ingredients

Return the seared beef to the pot.

• Chicken stock
• Pureed tomatoes
• Chipotle pepper puree
• Honey

Bring the mixture to a robust boil.

Step 6: Slow and Steady Simmer

Lower the heat to medium, cover the pot, and let the chili simmer for 45 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and develop.

Step 7: Welcome the Black Beans

Fold in the black beans and continue cooking for an additional 15 minutes, letting them absorb the rich, spicy liquid.

Step 8: Final Flourish

Remove from heat.

Squeeze fresh lime juice into the chili and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.

Serve hot and enjoy the explosion of flavors.

Bold Flavor Tips for Bobby Flay’s Chili

• Pat meat dry before cooking to achieve a gorgeous golden-brown crust and maximize flavor development.
• Adjust chili powder quantities based on personal heat preference, tasting as you blend for balanced warmth.
• Rinse canned black beans thoroughly to reduce sodium and prevent excess liquid in the final chili.
• Consider adding a small piece of dark chocolate during simmering to deepen the chili's richness and complexity.
• Chili tastes even better the next day, so prepare in advance and let flavors meld overnight in the refrigerator for maximum deliciousness.

Bobby Flay’s Chili: Storing the Bold Flavor

• Store leftover chili in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping it fresh in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
• Transfer cooled chili to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, removing excess air. Freeze for up to 3 months without losing flavor or texture.
• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then warm gently in a saucepan over medium-low heat. Stir occasionally and add a splash of chicken stock to prevent sticking and maintain moisture.
• Place chili in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a microwave-safe lid, and heat in 1-minute intervals. Stir between intervals to ensure even heating and prevent cold spots.

What to Serve With Beef & Bean Chili

• Perfectly Paired Sips and Bites: Chili Companion Guide
• Spice-Matching Margarita: A zesty tequila-based cocktail with fresh lime and salt rim complements the chili's bold spices, cutting through richness and enhancing overall flavor profile.
• Cornbread Sidekick: Soft, slightly sweet cornbread provides perfect textural contrast, soaking up chili's robust sauce while balancing its intense heat and complexity.
• Cool Creamy Topper: Dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt adds refreshing counterpoint, tempering spiciness and creating smooth, balanced eating experience that lets chili's deep flavors shine.
• Craft Beer Companion: Robust amber ale or porter with malty undertones mirrors the chili's depth, standing up to intense beef and complementing smoky chipotle notes seamlessly.

Bobby Flay’s Chili – New Ways to Enjoy

• Low-Carb Chili Bowl: Replace black beans with cauliflower florets or diced zucchini for a keto-friendly version that maintains the hearty texture and rich flavor profile.
• Vegetarian Protein Power: Swap beef with plant-based alternatives like textured vegetable protein, lentils, or mixed mushrooms to create a protein-packed meatless chili with similar robust spices.
• Lean Protein Option: Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter protein choice that still delivers exceptional taste and keeps the classic chili character intact.
• Slow Cooker Convenience: Transfer all ingredients to a slow cooker after initial searing and sautéing, allowing the chili to develop deeper flavors over 6-8 hours on low heat for maximum tenderness.

FAQs

• What makes Bobby Flay's chili different from other chili recipes?

Bobby Flay uses a combination of ancho and pasilla chili powders, which creates a deeper, more complex flavor profile compared to traditional chili recipes. The addition of dark beer and honey also provides unique depth and subtle sweetness.

• Is this chili spicy?

The chili has a moderate heat level due to the chili powders and chipotle pepper puree. However, the heat can be adjusted by reducing or increasing the amount of spicy ingredients according to personal preference.

• Can I use ground beef instead of beef cubes?

While beef cubes provide better texture and more robust flavor, you can substitute with ground beef. Just ensure you brown the ground beef thoroughly and drain excess fat before proceeding with the recipe steps.

• What type of beer works best for this recipe?

A dark beer like stout or porter works best, as they complement the rich beef flavors and add complexity to the chili. Avoid light or wheat beers, which might not provide the same depth of flavor.

Beef and Black Bean Chili Recipe

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4.9 from 27 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Bobby Flay’s beef and black bean chili delivers a powerhouse of southwestern comfort with robust spices and hearty ingredients. Rich layers of tender beef, smoky chilies, and creamy black beans will satisfy deeper cravings for authentic, soul-warming cuisine.

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Ingredients

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Meats and Proteins:

• 2 pounds beef chuck, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
• 2 cups black beans, cooked or canned, rinsed and drained

Spices and Seasonings:

• 3 tablespoons ancho chili powder
• 1 tablespoon pasilla chili powder
• 1 tablespoon ground cumin
• 1 tablespoon chipotle pepper puree
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 3 tablespoons salt
• 2 tablespoons freshly ground black pepper

Vegetables and Liquids:

• 1 large red onion, finely diced
• 4 cloves garlic, finely chopped
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1 bottle dark beer
• 5 cups chicken stock or low-sodium broth
• 1 (16-ounce) can chopped tomatoes, drained and pureed
• 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice

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Instructions

1. Prep the protein by seasoning beef cubes generously with salt and pepper, creating a flavorful exterior for intense taste development.
2. Establish a robust flavor foundation in a Dutch oven by searing the seasoned beef over high heat until deeply caramelized, developing rich brown edges and creating concentrated meat flavors.
3. Remove browned beef and utilize the residual fat to sauté diced onions until translucent, releasing their natural sweetness and creating a aromatic base.
4. Introduce minced garlic and ground spices, allowing them to bloom and intensify their complex flavor profiles through gentle toasting.
5. Deglaze the cooking vessel with dark beer, expertly scraping accumulated flavor fragments from the bottom, concentrating the preliminary sauce’s depth.
6. Reunite the seared beef with the fragrant mixture, incorporating chicken stock, pureed tomatoes, smoky chipotle pepper puree, and a touch of honey for balanced sweetness.
7. Reduce heat and allow the chili to gently simmer, enabling ingredients to meld and tenderize the meat through slow, patient cooking.
8. Incorporate black beans during the final cooking stage, providing textural contrast and additional protein dimension.
9. Finalize the chili by brightening the robust flavors with fresh lime juice, then meticulously adjust seasoning to achieve a harmonious taste profile.

Notes

• Perfectly Sear Meat: Pat beef cubes dry before searing to achieve a deep golden-brown crust that locks in rich, intense flavors and prevents steaming.
• Spice Layering Technique: Toast spices briefly to awaken their complex aromatics, creating a deeper, more nuanced flavor profile throughout the chili.
• Bean Texture Tip: Rinse canned black beans thoroughly to reduce sodium and prevent a mushy consistency, ensuring a firm, distinct bean texture.
• Diet Adaptability: Swap beef with turkey or plant-based protein for a lighter version, keeping the robust spice blend intact for vegetarian or health-conscious alternatives.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 480
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 27 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 32 g
• Fiber: 10 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg