Beef Chili with Red Beans and Rice (AKA Chili Cheese and Rice)
Hearty beef chili with red beans and rice is the perfect warm and delicious dinner recipe for a cold day.
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 2 hours and 30 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours and 35 minutes
Chili Cheese and Rice
Chili cheese and rice is the perfect accompaniment to a cold day. As an alternative, you can use spaghetti instead of rice, sometimes known as "three-way chili."
During the winters in New Mexico, we grew up eating this dish in our cabin, where we cooked the chili and beans in a large cast iron pot and cast iron skillet. The chili was cooked over a wood-burning stove, keeping the temperatures just right with adjustments to the flue and the amount of wood added to the firebox. This recipe has been passed down through three generations. The smell from the kitchen was always amazing, and it brings back many childhood memories. The taco seasoning packet was added in the last generation; it reduces the need to add onion powder, garlic powder, and a bit of a thickening agent such as cornstarch or masa flour.
When is Chili Cheese and Rice Typically Served?
Chili cheese and rice is typically served during colder months, such as fall and winter, as it is a warm and hearty dish that provides comfort on cold days. It can be served as a main course for lunch or dinner. Additionally, it is often enjoyed during family gatherings, potlucks, and casual get-togethers due to its simplicity and ability to feed a crowd.
Tips and Tricks for Making Chili Cheese and Rice
- Use Quality Ingredients: Start with high-quality beef, fresh vegetables, and good-quality cheese to enhance the flavor of your dish.
- Seasoning: Use a mix of spices like cumin, chili powder, paprika, and oregano. A taco seasoning packet can simplify this process and add a consistent flavor.
- Cooking Method: Cook the chili slowly over low heat to allow the flavors to meld together. Using a cast iron pot or skillet can help maintain even heat distribution.
- Beans: Use red beans or kidney beans for a traditional touch. Make sure to rinse canned beans to reduce sodium content.
- Rice: Cook the rice separately and mix it in just before serving to prevent it from becoming mushy.
- Cheese: Use a blend of cheeses like cheddar and Monterey Jack for a rich, creamy texture. Add the cheese just before serving to keep it melty and delicious.
- Thickening: If your chili is too thin, you can thicken it with a bit of cornstarch or masa flour.
- Adjusting Heat: If you like your chili spicy, add some chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce.
- Garnishes: Top with fresh cilantro, sour cream, or green onions for added flavor and presentation.
- Leftovers: Chili often tastes better the next day as the flavors continue to develop. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Chili cheese and rice is a comforting and hearty dish that is perfect for cold days. With its rich flavors and satisfying ingredients, it’s sure to become a family favorite. Whether you stick to the traditional recipe or add your own twist, the key is to use quality ingredients and take your time to let the flavors meld together. Enjoy this dish with your loved ones and create lasting memories, just as it has been done for generations.
Happy cooking!
Ingredients
- 1/3 kilo red beans (3/4 pounds red beans)
- 1 medium sized onion
- 1 green bell pepper
- 3 cloves of garlic
- 1/2 kilo ground beef
- 6 pieces of tomatoes
- 1 ear of corn
- 5 small Thai chili peppers
- salt and pepper to taste
Directions
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Sort and clean your red beans
To sort the beans place 25-50 beans at a time on a clean table or large plate. Look for any rocks or foreign debris and remove.
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Prep your veggies
- Chop your onions in small 3/8 inch squares
- Dice your Thai chili peppers (1/8 inch max)
- Remove the corn kernels from the cob using a large knife
- Smash your garlic cloves and finely chop
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Rinse your beans
Rinse your beans in cold water at least 2-3 times and then drain the water.
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Simmer and cook your red beans
Place the 12 ounces of beans in a large pot and cover with 2 inches of water. Start the beans on medium low heat and simmer for 1 1/2 to 2 hours, stirring to ensure no beans stick on the bottom of the pan.
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Check your beans
Check your beans by removing one bean and letting it cool it should be tender but not mushy. When beans are tender remove from heat.
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Start your beef
Start your chili by adding 1lb of ground beef, onions, garlic and bell peppers to a large skillet on medium heat.
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As meat begins to brown
Add chili power, salt and pepper to the ground beef, onions, and bell peppers.
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Once beef is browned
Add one packet of Taco seasoning and combine with the beef and veggies. Stir well to combine taco seasoning and beef, then continue to cook for 5 mins.
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Start your chili
Do not drain your beans unless there is excess water. The water should be roughly 1 inch above your beans.
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Combine Beans, Fresh Tomatoes, Fresh Corn and Ground Beef
Add the ground beef to the large pot of beans. At this point the chili should be slightly soupy. Add your fresh tomatoes and fresh corn to the pot. Stir well.
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Cook and season
When cooking chili it's important to get the salt, chili and pepper seasoning just right. After 30 mins, use a tasting spoon to taste the chili sauce. If the chili needs additional salt add 1/2 teaspoon at a time every 15-20 mins. Note: As the chili thickens the salt flavor will increase, so always salt your chili less than you think is required.
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Serving Instructions
Place 1/3 to 1/2 cup of cooked rice into a bowl, then top the rice with chili, cheese and a drizzle of sour cream.
Fun Facts about Beef Chili, Red Beans, and Rice
Origins: Chili is believed to have originated in Texas, with influences from Mexican cuisine. It has since become a staple in American comfort food.
Chili Cook-Offs: Chili cook-offs are popular events in the United States, where chefs compete to make the best chili. The International Chili Society hosts the World Championship Chili Cook-off annually.
No Beans Debate: There is a long-standing debate among chili enthusiasts about whether "real" chili should include beans. Traditional Texas chili, known as "chili con carne," typically does not include beans.
Nutrient-Rich: Red beans are a great source of protein, fiber, and essential nutrients like iron and potassium. Combined with beef, chili becomes a nutrient-dense meal.
Versatility: Chili can be served in various ways, such as over rice, spaghetti (known as "Cincinnati chili"), or even on hot dogs and fries.
Spice Levels: The heat level of chili can be adjusted to suit different tastes. Adding jalapeños, chili powder, or hot sauce can increase the spiciness, while ingredients like sour cream or cheese can help mellow it out.
Historical Significance: During the 1800s, "Chili Queens" in San Antonio, Texas, sold chili from open-air stalls, making it a popular street food.
Chili and Rice: Serving chili over rice is a common practice in many cultures, as rice helps to balance the flavors and adds a satisfying texture to the dish.
Leftover Magic: Chili often tastes better the next day as the flavors continue to develop. It’s a great dish to make in large batches and enjoy as leftovers.
Cultural Variations: Different regions have their own unique takes on chili. For example, New Mexico chili often features green chilies, while Cincinnati chili includes spices like cinnamon and chocolate.
Enjoy these fun facts as you prepare and savor your beef chili with red beans and rice!