Ever tried creating the perfect Holiday Chili Recipe that transforms a simple weeknight dinner into a memorable celebration? This Ground Beef Christmas Chili brings together rich flavors, warming spices, and festive ingredients that make every spoonful feel like a holiday hug. Moreover, this hearty dish combines traditional comfort food elements with seasonal touches that create something truly special for your dinner table.
Christmas chili represents more than just another recipe, it’s a Festive Comfort Food that brings families together during the coldest months. Furthermore, this Cozy Winter Soup features tender ground beef, aromatic vegetables, and a blend of spices that fill your kitchen with incredible aromas. Additionally, the recipe includes festive ingredients like cranberries and warming spices that capture the essence of the holiday season.
What makes this Ground Beef Dinner particularly appealing is its versatility and ease of preparation. Subsequently, busy families can create this Easy Christmas Dinner without spending hours in the kitchen. This Family Dinner Recipe serves multiple people generously while requiring minimal hands-on time, making it perfect for holiday entertaining or cozy family gatherings.
Ingredients
This Cheesy Chili Recipe requires carefully selected ingredients that create layers of flavor and festive appeal:
Proteins:
- 2 pounds lean ground beef (85/15 blend works best, or substitute ground turkey)
- 1 pound Italian sausage, casings removed (chicken sausage for lighter option)
Vegetables:
- 2 large yellow onions, diced (sweet onions add natural sweetness)
- 4 garlic cloves, minced fresh
- 2 bell peppers, red and green, chopped into bite-sized pieces
- 2 jalapeño peppers, seeded and finely diced (optional for heat)
Tomato Base:
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes, high-quality brand preferred
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce, no sugar added
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste for depth
Beans:
- 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) pinto beans, drained and rinsed
Festive Additions:
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries (fresh cranberries work too)
- 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
- 2 cups beef broth, low-sodium preferred
Spices and Seasonings:
- 3 tablespoons chili powder, quality brand
- 2 tablespoons ground cumin
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon (the secret festive ingredient)
- 1 teaspoon oregano, dried
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Toppings:
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, freshly grated
- 1 cup sour cream
- Fresh cilantro, chopped
- Green onions, sliced thin
Timing
This Comfort Food Idea requires strategic timing for optimal results:
Preparation Time: 20 minutes for ingredient prep, including chopping vegetables and measuring spices
Cooking Time: 90 minutes total, which is actually 15% faster than traditional chili recipes that require longer simmering
Total Time: 110 minutes from start to finish
Active Cooking Time: 30 minutes of hands-on work, while the remaining time involves gentle simmering
Make-Ahead Option: Prepare completely up to 2 days in advance, as flavors improve overnight
Brown the Meat Foundation
Start by heating a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Subsequently, add the ground beef and Italian sausage, breaking them into small, uniform pieces with a wooden spoon. Cook for 8-10 minutes until the meat develops a rich brown color and no pink remains visible.
Importantly, avoid overcrowding the meat, which can cause steaming instead of browning. If your pot seems too small, brown the meat in two batches for better results. Drain excess fat, leaving about 2 tablespoons in the pot for added flavor.
Build the Aromatic Base
Add diced onions to the pot with the browned meat, stirring frequently for 5 minutes until they become translucent and fragrant. Next, incorporate minced garlic, bell peppers, and jalapeños, cooking for an additional 3 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften.
The vegetables should retain some texture at this stage, as they’ll continue cooking throughout the simmering process. This step creates the foundational flavor base that makes this Holiday Chili Recipe so memorable.
Add Tomatoes and Seasonings
Pour in crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and tomato paste, stirring well to combine all ingredients. Then, add chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, cinnamon, oregano, and the bay leaf. Mix thoroughly to distribute spices evenly throughout the mixture.
The cinnamon adds a subtle warmth that distinguishes this Festive Comfort Food from ordinary chili recipes. Allow the mixture to simmer for 5 minutes, which helps bloom the spices and deepen their flavors.
Incorporate Beans and Festive Elements
Add all three varieties of beans, dried cranberries, and maple syrup to the pot. Pour in beef broth gradually while stirring to achieve your desired consistency. The liquid should just cover the solid ingredients without making the chili soupy.
Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low for a slow simmer. This Cozy Winter Soup develops its best flavors through patient, gentle cooking that allows all ingredients to meld together beautifully.
Simmer to Perfection
Cover the pot partially and let the chili simmer for 60-75 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. The ideal consistency should coat a spoon lightly while remaining thick enough to support toppings.
Taste and adjust seasonings after 45 minutes of cooking, as flavors concentrate during the simmering process. Remove the bay leaf before serving this Ground Beef Dinner to your eagerly waiting family.
Final Seasoning and Cheese Integration
During the last 10 minutes of cooking, stir in half of the grated cheddar cheese, which creates a creamy, rich texture. Season with salt and black pepper according to your taste preferences, keeping in mind that toppings will add additional flavor.
This Cheesy Chili Recipe benefits from tasting and adjusting seasonings at the end, as the long cooking process can concentrate or mellow certain flavors unexpectedly.
Nutritional Information
This Easy Christmas Dinner provides substantial nutrition for active families during cold weather:
| Nutrient | Per Serving (1 cup) | Daily Value % |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 385 | 19% |
| Protein | 28g | 56% |
| Carbohydrates | 32g | 11% |
| Fiber | 9g | 36% |
| Fat | 18g | 28% |
| Iron | 4.2mg | 23% |
| Vitamin C | 45mg | 50% |
The combination of beans and ground beef creates a complete protein profile, while the vegetables contribute significant vitamins and minerals. Additionally, the beans provide substantial fiber that supports digestive health and helps maintain steady energy levels throughout cold winter days.
Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe
Transform this Family Dinner Recipe into a lighter option with these strategic substitutions:
Protein Modifications:
Replace half the ground beef with lean ground turkey or chicken, which reduces saturated fat by 40% while maintaining protein content. Alternatively, use 93/7 ground beef instead of 85/15 for lower overall fat content.
Dairy Alternatives:
Substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream to increase protein and reduce calories. Use reduced-fat cheddar cheese or try sharp cheese varieties, which provide more flavor with smaller quantities.
Vegetable Additions:
Include diced zucchini, mushrooms, or extra bell peppers to increase fiber and vitamin content. These additions also help stretch the recipe to serve more people without significantly increasing costs.
Sodium Reduction:
Choose no-salt-added beans and tomatoes, then control sodium through fresh herbs and spices. This approach reduces sodium content by up to 30% while maintaining robust flavors.
Serving Suggestions
Present this Comfort Food Idea in ways that highlight its festive appeal:
Traditional Service:
Ladle chili into warmed bowls and create a toppings bar with grated cheese, sour cream, cilantro, and sliced green onions. Add crusty bread or cornbread for a complete meal experience.
Creative Presentations:
Serve over baked potatoes for a hearty twist, or use as a topping for nachos during holiday parties. The chili also works wonderfully over pasta or rice for international fusion approaches.
Holiday Garnishes:
Sprinkle pomegranate seeds or additional dried cranberries on top for festive color and subtle sweetness. Fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley add bright contrast to the rich, warm colors.
Accompaniment Ideas:
Pair with cornbread muffins, crusty sourdough, or warm tortillas. A simple green salad with citrus dressing provides refreshing contrast to this rich Ground Beef Christmas Chili.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Prevent these frequent errors when preparing this Holiday Chili Recipe:
Overcooking the Vegetables:
Adding all vegetables simultaneously can result in mushy textures. Instead, add harder vegetables first and softer ones later to maintain appropriate textures throughout the finished dish.
Insufficient Browning:
Rushing the meat-browning process creates less flavorful results. Take time to achieve proper caramelization, which builds the foundational flavors that make this Festive Comfort Food exceptional.
Liquid Management:
Adding too much liquid initially creates watery chili that requires extensive reduction. Start with less liquid and add more as needed during cooking to achieve perfect consistency.
Spice Timing:
Adding delicate spices too early can cause them to lose potency. Add robust spices early for depth, but save delicate herbs for the final 15 minutes of cooking.
Temperature Control:
Boiling chili vigorously can break down beans and create an undesirable texture. Maintain a gentle simmer throughout the cooking process for the best results.
Storing Tips for the Recipe
Maximize the lifespan and quality of this Cozy Winter Soup with proper storage techniques:
Refrigeration Guidelines:
Cool chili completely before refrigerating in airtight containers. Properly stored chili maintains quality for 4-5 days in the refrigerator, and flavors often improve after the first day.
Freezing Instructions:
Freeze portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Leave 1 inch of space at the top of containers to allow for expansion during freezing. Label containers with contents and date for easy identification.
Reheating Methods:
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently to prevent scorching. Add small amounts of broth or water if the chili becomes too thick during storage.
Make-Ahead Strategy:
Prepare this Easy Christmas Dinner completely up to 2 days before serving. The flavors develop and improve during refrigeration, making it an excellent option for holiday meal planning.
Conclusion
This Ground Beef Christmas Chili transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary Family Dinner Recipe that captures the warmth and comfort of the holiday season. The combination of savory ground beef, festive cranberries, and warming spices creates a Comfort Food Idea that brings families together around the table.
Moreover, the recipe’s flexibility allows you to adapt ingredients based on dietary needs while maintaining the essential character that makes this Cheesy Chili Recipe so appealing. Whether you’re serving a crowd during holiday entertaining or creating a cozy meal for immediate family, this chili delivers consistent results every time.
Try this Ground Beef Christmas Chili for your next family gathering, and don’t forget to share your results and creative variations in the comments below. Your feedback helps other home cooks create memorable meals that celebrate the season’s spirit of togetherness and warmth.
FAQs
Can I make this chili in a slow cooker instead?
Absolutely! Brown the meat and vegetables first, then transfer everything to your slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours, adding cheese during the final 30 minutes.
What’s the best way to adjust the heat level?
Control spiciness by adjusting jalapeño quantity or adding cayenne pepper gradually. Start with less heat, as you can always add more, but removing excessive spice proves much more difficult.
Can I substitute different types of beans?
Yes, white beans, navy beans, or chickpeas work well in this recipe. Maintain the same total quantity while experimenting with different bean combinations to suit your family’s preferences.
How do I prevent the chili from becoming too thick?
Add warm broth or water gradually during cooking if the chili becomes too thick. Conversely, simmer uncovered for the final 15-20 minutes if you need to reduce excess liquid.
Is it safe to leave this chili in a slow cooker for serving?
Keep chili warm in a slow cooker on the “warm” setting for up to 4 hours during parties. Stir occasionally and add liquid if needed to maintain proper consistency and food safety standards.
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