When the temperature drops and cozy evenings beckon, there’s nothing quite as satisfying as a hearty, flavorful meal that warms you from the inside out. This Chili Beef and Vegetables recipe embodies everything we love about comfort food: rich flavors, wholesome ingredients, and a feeling of contentment with every spoonful. It’s a dish that has stood the test of time in our kitchen, a true staple that finds its way onto the menu whenever we crave something profoundly delicious and easy to prepare.

This isn’t just any beef and vegetable stew; it’s a vibrant symphony of textures and tastes. Imagine tender, melt-in-your-mouth beef sirloin, seasoned generously with chili powder, gently cooked alongside sweet baby carrots and earthy crimini mushrooms. Everything comes together in a savory sauce that’s both robust and subtly sweet, making it an irresistible choice for any weeknight dinner or a special weekend treat. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a home cook looking for a straightforward yet impressive recipe, this dish promises to deliver.

Why This Chili Beef and Vegetables Recipe Will Become Your New Favorite

This recipe holds a special place in my heart, and for good reason. It’s a testament to how simple, everyday ingredients can transform into something extraordinary with just a little love and attention. For those days when cooking feels like a chore, this recipe swoops in to rekindle that kitchen passion. Its ease of preparation, coupled with its incredible flavor, makes it a genuine joy to create.

Effortless Preparation for Busy Lives

One of the biggest appeals of this Chili Beef and Vegetables is its remarkable simplicity. Forget long lists of obscure ingredients or complicated techniques. We’re talking about basic pantry staples and fresh produce that come together in under an hour. It’s the perfect solution for busy weeknights when you want a home-cooked meal without spending hours in the kitchen. From browning the beef to simmering the vegetables, each step is intuitive and quick, allowing you to enjoy a delicious dinner without the stress.

A Dish Designed for Hearty Comfort

As an avid fan of comfort food, I can confidently say this dish hits all the right notes. The tender beef, the perfectly cooked vegetables, and the rich, chili-infused sauce create a symphony of flavors that evoke warmth and satisfaction. It’s the kind of meal that makes you want to curl up on the couch, wrapped in a blanket, savoring every bite. It’s not just food; it’s an experience that nourishes both body and soul.

Surprisingly Versatile and Adaptable

Beyond its comforting nature, this recipe shines in its versatility. While beef is a star, the robust flavor profile of the vegetables and sauce is so compelling that even without the meat, it would make a fantastic vegetarian meal. My mom and I often discuss how incredibly satisfying the vegetable-only version would be! This flexibility also extends to serving. While we often pair it with pasta, it’s equally delightful over fluffy rice, creamy mashed potatoes, or even alongside a piece of crusty bread to soak up all that delicious sauce. Don’t be afraid to experiment with your favorite carb or even enjoy it simply as a wholesome stew.

Crafting the Perfect Chili Beef and Vegetables: Key Ingredients & Tips

The magic of this dish lies in its carefully chosen ingredients and simple cooking techniques. Let’s delve into what makes this recipe truly special and how you can achieve perfection in your own kitchen.

Choosing Your Beef and Vegetables

• Beef Sirloin: We recommend sirloin for its tenderness and rich flavor, especially when cut into 1-inch cubes. However, you can also use other cuts like chuck roast, though cooking times might need adjustment to achieve desired tenderness. Ensure your beef is well-trimmed of excess fat.
• Chili Powder: This is the heart of the chili flavor. A good quality chili powder will make all the difference. Don’t be shy with it; the tablespoon creates a perfect warmth, not an overwhelming spiciness.
• Baby Carrots: Sweet and convenient, baby carrots add a lovely color and natural sweetness. Cutting them into halves or thirds ensures they cook evenly and are bite-sized.
• Crimini Mushrooms: These earthy mushrooms absorb the flavors of the sauce beautifully. Quartering them provides a substantial texture. Feel free to use white button mushrooms if crimini aren’t available.
• Roasted Garlic Pasta Sauce: A jarred roasted garlic pasta sauce is a fantastic shortcut that infuses deep, savory notes without extra effort. It’s the secret to a rich, complex sauce.
• Frozen Peas: Added towards the end, peas bring a pop of fresh color and sweetness, perfectly complementing the hearty stew. Thawing them briefly before adding helps them integrate smoothly.
• Fresh Cilantro: A generous sprinkle of fresh chopped cilantro at the end brightens the entire dish with its vibrant, herbaceous aroma. If you’re not a fan of cilantro, fresh parsley can be a good alternative.

Essential Cooking Tips for Optimal Flavor

1. Browning the Beef: Don’t rush this step! Browning the beef in batches ensures a beautiful crust develops on each piece, locking in juices and building a foundational layer of flavor (the Maillard reaction). Overcrowding the pan will steam the beef instead of browning it.
2. Seasoning: Liberally season your beef with salt and pepper alongside the chili powder. Taste and adjust seasoning as you go, especially when the sauce is simmering.
3. Vegetable Cook Time: Cook the carrots until crisp-tender. They should still have a slight bite, adding to the dish’s texture. Mushrooms cook down fairly quickly and absorb the sauce.
4. Simmering the Sauce: Allow the sauce to simmer gently. This gives the flavors time to meld and deepen, and the sauce to thicken slightly.
5. Don’t Overcook Peas: Peas are delicate. Add them near the end of cooking, just long enough to warm through, to maintain their bright color and tender texture.

Chili Beef and Vegetables: A Complete Recipe Guide

Chili Beef and Vegetables

Author:
Deborah Harroun

Prep Time:
15 minutes

Cook Time:
25 minutes

Total Time:
40 minutes

Servings:
4 servings

Course:
Main Dish

Cuisine:
American

This Chili Beef and Vegetables is so comforting and hearty – chunks of beef are coated with chili powder, then combined with lots of veggies. Serve over noodles, or eat as is!

Ingredients

• 9 oz linguine or fettuccine
• 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 1 1/4 lbs beef sirloin, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/2 lb baby carrots, cut crosswise into halves or thirds
• 10 oz. crimini mushrooms, quartered
• 1/2 cup jarred roasted garlic pasta sauce
• 1/2 cup water
• 8 oz frozen peas, thawed
• 1/2 cup chopped cilantro, for garnish

Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of water to a boil and salt generously. Add the pasta and cook until al dente. Drain and reserve.
2. Meanwhile, place a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat and add 2 tablespoons of the olive oil.
3. Sprinkle the beef with the chili powder, and season generously with salt and pepper. Working in batches to avoid overcrowding, brown the beef in the hot oil on all sides, about 2-3 minutes per batch. Remove the browned beef from the Dutch oven with a slotted spoon to a plate and set aside.
4. Reduce the heat to medium and add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil to the Dutch oven. Add the carrots and season with a pinch of salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 3 minutes. Stir in the mushrooms and continue cooking until they begin to soften, about 3 to 4 minutes.
5. Pour in the roasted garlic pasta sauce and water, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook until the carrots are crisp-tender and the sauce has slightly thickened, approximately 5-7 minutes.
6. Add the thawed peas to the simmering sauce and cook for another 3 to 4 minutes, just until they are warmed through and vibrant green.
7. Return the browned beef and any accumulated juices from the plate to the vegetable and sauce mixture. Heat through for 1-2 minutes until the beef is warmed.
8. Serve the hearty chili beef and vegetables immediately over the reserved pasta. Garnish generously with fresh chopped cilantro before serving.

Recipe Notes:

Recipe slightly adapted from Every Day with Rachael Ray December 2011.

Nutrition information provided is an estimate only. Various brands and products can change the nutritional counts.

Nutrition Information

Serving: 1 serving, Calories: 704kcal (35%), Carbohydrates: 65g (22%), Protein: 43g (86%), Fat: 31g (48%), Saturated Fat: 9g (56%), Polyunsaturated Fat: 17g, Trans Fat: 0g, Cholesterol: 105mg (35%), Sodium: 591mg (26%), Fiber: 8g (33%), Sugar: 9g (10%)

Keywords:
chili beef, beef and vegetables, comfort food, hearty dinner, easy recipe, sirloin recipe

Explore More Comforting Beef Dinners

If you loved this hearty Chili Beef and Vegetables recipe, you’re in for a treat! We have a collection of other comforting beef dishes that are perfect for family meals or cozy evenings. Each recipe is designed to bring warmth and flavor to your table with minimal effort.

• Slow Cooker Pot Roast: A classic for a reason, this pot roast is tender, flavorful, and incredibly easy in the slow cooker.
• Baked Spaghetti: Layers of pasta, meat sauce, and cheese baked to golden perfection – a true crowd-pl easer.
• Slow Simmered Short Rib Sauce with Pasta: Rich and deeply flavored, this sauce is a labor of love that pays off in every bite.
• Bacon Cheeseburger Chowder: All the flavors of your favorite burger transformed into a creamy, comforting chowder.
• Sausage and Tortellini Soup: While not beef, this hearty soup is another quick and satisfying meal option.

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