There’s something incredibly comforting about a steaming bowl of chili on a cold day. The rich, savory flavors, the hearty ingredients, and the way it warms you from the inside out—it’s pure comfort food.
Today, we’re going to share with you a classic Potato Beef Chili Recipe that’s sure to become a favorite in your household. Imagine this: tender chunks of beef, soft-boiled potatoes, and a medley of spices and vegetables all simmering together in a rich, flavorful sauce.
This dish is a perfect blend of comfort and nourishment, making it ideal for family dinners, potlucks, or even meal prepping for the week ahead. So, grab your apron, and let’s dive into this delightful boiled potato chili recipe!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Hearty and Filling: This potato beef chili is packed with protein and fiber, making it a satisfying and filling meal that keeps you energized throughout the day.
- Easy to Prepare: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe is perfect for both beginners and experienced cooks.
- Versatile Toppings: The toppings for this chili are endless, allowing you to customize it to your taste preferences and dietary needs.
Key Ingredients and Substitutions
Ground Beef
Ground beef is the star of this chili, providing a rich, savory flavor. You can substitute it with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option, or use plant-based ground beef for a vegetarian version.
Potatoes
Potatoes add a comforting, hearty element to the chili. They become tender and almost melt into the sauce, creating a creamy texture. You can use any variety of potatoes, but Russet or Yukon Gold work best.
Spices
The combination of chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper creates a complex, savory flavor profile. Feel free to adjust the spices to suit your taste preferences.
Beans
Kidney beans are a classic choice for chili, but you can use other types of beans like black beans, pinto beans, or even lentils for a different texture and flavor.
How to Make Potato Beef Chili (Step-by-Step)
Step 1: Brown the Beef
Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Drain off any excess fat. This step is crucial for developing the rich, savory flavor base of the chili.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
Add the diced onion, bell pepper, and minced garlic to the pot. Cook until the vegetables are softened, about 5 minutes. This step helps to bring out the natural sweetness and flavors of the vegetables.
Step 3: Add the Spices
Stir in the chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using). Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly to combine the spices with the vegetables. This step infuses the spices into the vegetable mixture, creating a fragrant and flavorful base for the chili.
Step 4: Add the Remaining Ingredients
Add the diced potatoes, kidney beans, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and beef broth. Stir well to combine. This step brings all the ingredients together, creating a hearty and comforting chili base.
Step 5: Simmer the Chili
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let the chili simmer for 1 hour, stirring occasionally. This step allows the flavors to meld together and the potatoes to become tender, creating a creamy and satisfying texture.
Step 6: Adjust Seasoning
Taste the chili and adjust the seasoning if needed. Add more salt, pepper, or cayenne pepper to suit your preferences. This step ensures that the chili is perfectly seasoned and tailored to your taste.
Step 7: Serve
Ladle the chili into bowls and top with your favorite toppings, such as shredded cheese, sour cream, green onions, or avocado. This step adds a delightful contrast of textures and flavors, making the chili even more enjoyable.
Potato Beef Chili
Ingredients
- 1 lb 450g ground beef
- 2 medium potatoes peeled and diced
- 1 large onion diced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 bell pepper diced
- 1 can 15 oz/425g kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can 14.5 oz/411g diced tomatoes
- 1 can 8 oz/227g tomato sauce
- 1 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp cayenne pepper optional
- 2 cups 480ml beef broth
- 2 tbsp 30ml olive oil
Instructions
- Brown the Beef: Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Drain off any excess fat.
- Sauté the Vegetables: Add the diced onion, bell pepper, and minced garlic to the pot. Cook until the vegetables are softened, about 5 minutes.
- Add the Spices: Stir in the chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using). Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly to combine the spices with the vegetables.
- Add the Remaining Ingredients: Add the diced potatoes, kidney beans, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and beef broth. Stir well to combine.
- Simmer the Chili: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let the chili simmer for 1 hour, stirring occasionally. This will allow the flavors to meld together and the potatoes to become tender.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste the chili and adjust the seasoning if needed. Add more salt, pepper, or cayenne pepper to suit your preferences.
- Serve: Ladle the chili into bowls and top with your favorite toppings, such as shredded cheese, sour cream, green onions, or avocado.
Notes
- For a thicker chili, you can mash some of the potatoes before serving.
- You can use ground turkey or chicken as a substitute for ground beef to make this recipe leaner.
Expert Tips for Success
- Use High-Quality Ingredients: Opt for fresh, high-quality ingredients to ensure the best flavor in your chili.
- Don’t Rush the Simmering: Allowing the chili to simmer for at least an hour helps to develop the flavors and tenderize the potatoes. Be patient and let the magic happen!
- Customize Your Toppings: The toppings for this chili are endless, allowing you to customize it to your taste preferences and dietary needs. Get creative and have fun!
Variations and Customizations
Dietary Modifications
- Vegetarian: Omit the ground beef and add more beans or lentils to make this recipe vegetarian-friendly.
- Vegan: Use plant-based ground beef and omit the dairy-based toppings to make this recipe vegan-friendly.
- Gluten-Free: This recipe is naturally gluten-free, but always check your seasoning labels to be sure.
Flavor Twists
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the chili for a spicy twist.
- Smoky Flavor: Add a teaspoon of smoked paprika to the spice mixture for a deeper, smoky flavor.
- Mexican-Inspired: Add corn and black beans to the chili and top with avocado, cilantro, and lime wedges for a Mexican-inspired twist.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Storing Leftovers
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. This chili actually tastes even better the next day, as the flavors have more time to meld together.
Reheating
Reheat in the oven at 350°F (180°C) for about 20-25 minutes, or until heated through. You can also use the microwave, but keep in mind that the texture may change slightly. Add a splash of water or broth to help retain moisture during reheating.
Serving Suggestions
This potato beef chili pairs beautifully with:
- Cornbread: A classic pairing that’s perfect for soaking up the chili sauce.
- Salad: A fresh green salad adds a nice contrast to the hearty chili.
- Coleslaw: Creamy coleslaw complements the spicy flavors of the chili.
Related Recipes
If you enjoyed this potato beef chili recipe, you might also like:
- Herbed Broccoli Mashed Potatoes: Herbed Broccoli Mashed Potatoes! Creamy, dreamy, and oh-so-delicious.
- Potato and Leek Soup: A classic French soup made with potatoes, leeks, and a creamy broth.
- Potato Hash: A hearty breakfast dish made with diced potatoes, onions, bell peppers, and your choice of protein.
Conclusion
The potato beef chili recipe is a hearty and comforting classic that’s sure to become a favorite in your household. With its tender chunks of beef, soft-boiled potatoes, and a medley of spices and vegetables, it’s a perfect blend of comfort and nourishment. Whether you’re prepping for a family dinner, potluck, or meal prepping for the week ahead, this recipe is a crowd-pleaser that’s sure to satisfy. Don’t forget to try out the variations and customizations to make it your own. Happy cooking!