I’m so excited to share my Chili with Stew Meat recipe with you! This isn’t just a bowl of chili — it’s pure comfort in every spoonful. Imagine tender, juicy chunks of beef slowly simmered in a rich, flavorful sauce with just the right balance of spices. Add some creamy toppings, a sprinkle of cheese, and maybe a handful of fresh cilantro, and you’ve got yourself the ultimate cozy meal that warms you from the inside out.
Level: Easy
Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Yield: 6 servings
Cuisine: American
I still remember the first time I made this chili with stew meat — the entire house smelled incredible, and my friends were begging for seconds before we’d even finished dinner! There’s just something magical about how slow-cooked beef, vibrant spices, and hearty beans come together to create a bowl of pure comfort.
What I love most about this recipe is that it’s simple enough for beginners yet flavorful enough to impress anyone. We’ll brown the stew meat until it develops that deep, caramelized crust, sauté fresh veggies for sweetness and crunch, and then simmer everything low and slow until the beef practically melts in your mouth.
Whether you’re cooking for a casual family dinner, meal-prepping for the week, or hosting friends for game night, this chili is always a hit. Trust me — once you try it, you’ll never go back to basic chili again!
Description
This chili with stew meat is a hearty, soul-warming dish that combines bold flavors and simple ingredients for a comforting bowl you’ll crave again and again. Here’s what makes it special:
• Tender stew meat browned to perfection for rich, deep flavor
• A thick, tomato-based sauce enhanced with spices like chili powder and cumin
• Colorful bell peppers and onions for sweetness, crunch, and balance
• Kidney beans to make the dish filling and satisfying
• Optional toppings like sour cream, cheddar cheese, and cilantro for an extra burst of flavor
The best part? It’s incredibly versatile — you can customize the spice level, toppings, and even the type of meat to suit your taste.
Ingredients
For the Chili:
• 1 lb chuck roast (cut into bite-sized pieces)
• 1 medium onion (diced)
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 cup bell peppers (chopped, any color)
• 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans (drained and rinsed)
• 2 tbsp chili powder
• 1 tsp cumin
• 3 cups low-sodium beef broth
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste
Optional Toppings:
• Sour cream
• Cheddar cheese (grated)
• Fresh cilantro (chopped)
• Sliced jalapeños for extra heat
Directions
- Prepare the Ingredients
• Dice the stew meat into small, even pieces for quicker, more even cooking.
• Chop your onions, bell peppers, and garlic so they’re ready to go when you need them.
• Drain and rinse the kidney beans to reduce excess sodium. - Sauté the Veggies
• Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
• Add the diced onions and cook for about 5 minutes until they turn soft and translucent.
• Stir in the garlic and bell peppers and cook for another 2–3 minutes until fragrant. - Brown the Stew Meat
• Push the veggies to one side of the pot.
• Add the stew meat in small batches so it browns evenly.
• Cook each batch for about 8 minutes, turning occasionally, until the beef gets a deep golden crust.
• Season lightly with salt and pepper as you go. - Add the Spices and Tomatoes
• Sprinkle in the chili powder and cumin over the browned meat.
• Stir well so the spices coat every piece of beef.
• Pour in the diced tomatoes and stir everything together — this creates a rich, flavorful base. - Simmer Low and Slow
• Pour in the beef broth, stir well, and bring everything to a gentle boil.
• Once boiling, lower the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for 1 to 1.5 hours.
• This slow cooking process allows the beef to become fall-apart tender while the flavors blend beautifully. - Add Beans and Finish
• About 15 minutes before serving, stir in the drained kidney beans.
• Taste and adjust the seasoning — you might want to add more chili powder, salt, or pepper. - Serve and Enjoy
• Ladle the chili into bowls and top with sour cream, cheddar cheese, cilantro, or jalapeños.
• Serve hot with crusty bread, cornbread, or tortilla chips on the side.
Process Details
• Browning the Meat: This step locks in the beef’s natural juices and adds a deep, smoky flavor to your chili. Don’t skip it!
• Building Layers of Flavor: Sautéing veggies before adding liquids creates a sweeter, richer base.
• Low and Slow Simmering: Cooking the chili for over an hour allows all the spices, tomatoes, and beef juices to meld together perfectly.
• Final Touches: Adding beans at the end keeps them firm and prevents them from becoming mushy.
Tips for Success
• Choose the Right Meat: Chuck roast works best because it becomes tender and flavorful after slow cooking.
• Don’t Rush the Simmer: Low heat and patience are the secret to melt-in-your-mouth beef.
• Make It Your Own: Add corn, smoked paprika, or even a pinch of cinnamon for a flavor twist.
• Meal-Prep Friendly: This chili tastes even better the next day as the flavors deepen overnight.
Serving Ideas
• Game Night Favorite: Serve with tortilla chips for scooping — perfect for sharing!
• Chili Bar: Set up bowls of toppings like cheese, sour cream, jalapeños, and green onions for guests to customize.
• Family Dinner: Pair with cornbread and a simple green salad for a complete meal.
• Spice Lover’s Option: Add hot sauce or diced fresh chilies for an extra kick.
Nutrition Info (Approximate per Serving)
• Calories: ~350
• Protein: 25g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fat: 15g
• Fiber: 8g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Sugar: 4g
My Chili with Stew Meat recipe is the perfect combination of bold spices, tender beef, and hearty beans — all simmered together to create a dish that’s as cozy as it is delicious. It’s easy to make, customizable to your taste, and guaranteed to impress anyone at the table.
I hope you enjoy cooking (and devouring!) this chili as much as I do. Trust me — once you’ve tried it, this will become your go-to comfort food for cold nights, busy weeknights, and everything in between.
