If you're looking to spice up your meals, you can't go wrong with chilli beef. From a quick Classic Chilli Beef Stir-Fry to the comforting Slow Cooker Chilli Beef, there's a recipe that suits every occasion. You might find yourself intrigued by the vibrant flavors of Spicy Chilli Beef Tacos or the customizable Chilli Beef and Rice Bowls. And let's not forget about Chilli Beef Nachos, perfect for gatherings. Each dish offers a unique twist, but which one will become your new favorite?
Classic Chilli Beef Stir-Fry
Classic Chilli Beef Stir-Fry is a vibrant dish that perfectly balances tender beef with a medley of colorful vegetables, all coated in a savory and slightly spicy sauce.
This quick and easy stir-fry is ideal for busy weeknights and can be served over rice or noodles for a complete meal. With the right ingredients and a few simple techniques, you can create a flavorful dish that's sure to impress your family and friends.
Ingredients:
- 500g beef sirloin, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 1 onion, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
- 2-3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon chili paste (adjust to taste)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cooked rice or noodles for serving
- Spring onions and sesame seeds for garnish
Cooking Instructions:
Heat the vegetable oil in a large wok or frying pan over medium-high heat. Add the sliced beef and stir-fry for about 3-4 minutes until browned and cooked through, then remove it from the pan and set aside.
In the same pan, add the onion, garlic, and ginger, sautéing for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Next, add the sliced bell peppers and continue to stir-fry for another 3 minutes until they're slightly tender but still crisp.
Return the beef to the pan, then stir in the soy sauce, oyster sauce, chili paste, salt, and pepper. Toss everything together for an additional minute to guarantee the beef and vegetables are well coated with the sauce.
Serve hot over rice or noodles and garnish with spring onions and sesame seeds.
Extra Tips:
When making Chilli Beef Stir-Fry, it's important to slice the beef against the grain for maximum tenderness.
Marinating the beef in a bit of soy sauce and cornstarch for 15-30 minutes before cooking can improve its flavor and texture. Feel free to experiment with different vegetables such as broccoli or snap peas based on your preferences.
Adjust the level of chili paste to suit your taste, and consider adding a splash of lime juice for a zesty finish. Remember to keep the heat high throughout the cooking process to achieve that signature stir-fry sear!
Spicy Chilli Beef Tacos
Spicy Chilli Beef Tacos are a delicious and flavorful dish that brings a kick to your taco night. With tender beef seasoned with zesty spices, these tacos are perfect for anyone who loves a bit of heat. The combination of fresh toppings adds a revitalizing contrast to the spicy beef, making each bite a delightful explosion of flavors.
Whether it's a casual weeknight dinner or a festive gathering, these spicy tacos are sure to impress your family and friends.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 8 taco shells (soft or hard)
- 1 cup shredded lettuce
- 1 cup diced tomatoes
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend)
- Salsa and sour cream for serving
Cooking Instructions:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat and add the chopped onion, cooking until softened.
Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant. Then, add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spatula. Cook until browned, draining any excess fat.
Stir in the chili powder, cumin, paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper, mixing well to incorporate the spices. Cook for a few more minutes until the beef is fully cooked and the flavors meld together.
Warm your taco shells according to package instructions, fill them with the spicy beef mixture, and top with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, cheese, salsa, and sour cream.
Extra Tips:
For an added depth of flavor, consider marinating the ground beef in the spices for 30 minutes before cooking.
You can also customize the heat level by adjusting the amount of cayenne pepper or adding fresh jalapeños as a topping.
If you prefer a vegetarian option, substitute the beef with lentils or plant-based meat.
Don't forget to serve with lime wedges for an extra zesty kick! Enjoy your spicy chili beef tacos with your favorite sides for a complete meal.
Slow Cooker Chilli Beef
Slow cooker chilli beef is a hearty and flavorful dish that's perfect for busy days. With minimal preparation and the magic of slow cooking, you can let the ingredients meld together beautifully, creating a tender, spicy beef dish that's sure to please.
This recipe isn't only easy to follow but also allows you to customize the heat level and ingredients to suit your taste. Serve it over rice, with tortillas, or simply enjoy it on its own for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 bell peppers (red and green), chopped
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (6 oz) tomato paste
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1-2 jalapeños, diced (optional for extra heat)
Instructions:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat and brown the beef cubes on all sides, about 5-7 minutes.
Transfer the browned beef to the slow cooker. In the same skillet, sauté the onions and garlic until softened, about 3 minutes, and then add them to the slow cooker along with the bell peppers, diced tomatoes, kidney beans, tomato paste, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and jalapeños if using.
Stir everything well to combine, cover, and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours, until the beef is tender and flavors are well melded.
Extra Tips:
For a richer flavor, consider adding a tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce or a splash of beer to the slow cooker.
You can also experiment with different beans or add corn for sweetness. If you prefer a thicker chilli, remove the lid in the final hour of cooking to allow some moisture to evaporate.
Finally, garnishing with fresh cilantro, shredded cheese, or a dollop of sour cream just before serving can enhance your chilli beef to the next level!
Chilli Beef and Rice Bowls
Chilli Beef and Rice Bowls are a delicious and satisfying meal that combines flavorful spiced beef with fluffy rice and fresh toppings. This dish is perfect for a weeknight dinner or meal prep, as it can be made in under 30 minutes and is easily customizable with your favorite toppings.
The blend of spices gives the beef a rich, savory flavor that pairs beautifully with the simplicity of rice, making it a comforting and hearty dish for any occasion.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 2 cups cooked rice (white or brown)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bell pepper, diced (any color)
- 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- Sliced avocado (for garnish)
- Sour cream (optional)
Cooking Instructions:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat, then add the diced onion and bell pepper, sautéing until they're soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.
Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Stir in the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spatula, and cook until browned and fully cooked, about 7-8 minutes.
Drain any excess fat, then add the diced tomatoes along with the chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Let the mixture simmer for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
Serve the chilli beef over a bed of cooked rice, and top with fresh cilantro, avocado slices, and a dollop of sour cream if desired.
Extra Tips:
For a little extra kick, consider adding some diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce to the beef mixture while it cooks.
You can also experiment with different types of rice, such as jasmine or basmati, for a unique flavor and texture.
Feel free to customize your toppings with ingredients like shredded cheese, corn, or black beans to make the dish your own.
Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days, and the flavors will continue to deepen, making for a delicious lunch option!
Chilli Beef Nachos
Chilli Beef Nachos are the ultimate crowd-pleaser, perfect for parties, game nights, or simply a cozy night in. This dish combines the rich flavors of seasoned beef with the crunch of crispy tortilla chips, topped with gooey melted cheese and a medley of fresh toppings.
It's easy to prepare and can be customized to suit your taste, making it a versatile option for any occasion.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies
- 1 bag tortilla chips
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 jalapeño, sliced (optional)
- 1 avocado, diced
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
Cooking Instructions:
In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked, breaking it apart as it cooks.
Drain excess fat, then stir in the taco seasoning, black beans, and diced tomatoes. Let the mixture simmer for about 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
On a large oven-safe platter or baking sheet, layer the tortilla chips evenly, then spoon the beef mixture over the chips.
Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese generously on top. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Remove from the oven and finish with dollops of sour cream, sliced jalapeños, diced avocado, and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro.
Extra Tips:
For an extra kick, consider adding some chopped onions and garlic to the beef while browning it.
You can also customize your nachos by adding other toppings such as diced tomatoes, olives, or sliced green onions.
If you want to make it a bit healthier, opt for baked tortilla chips and low-fat cheese.
Additionally, nachos are best enjoyed immediately, so serve them hot right out of the oven to maintain their crispiness.