Summer Beef Chili: A Fresh Take on a Classic Comfort Recipe
Garden vegetables bring bright flavors and lighter textures to a beloved comfort recipe.
When the temperature rises and summer’s bounty fills your market basket, classic comfort foods like chili get a vibrant new twist. Summer beef chili brings together lean ground beef, sun-kissed zucchini, sweet corn, and bell peppers in a savory, lightly spicy tomato broth. It’s hearty enough for dinner but packed with fresh flavor and lighter texture, perfect for the summer-to-fall transition or easy weeknight meals.
Why Try Summer Beef Chili?
- Seasonal Ingredients: Incorporates summer vegetables at their peak.
- Quick and Simple: Ready in under an hour, with minimal prep and easy clean-up.
- Versatile & Family-Friendly: Adjustable spice levels and customizable toppings make it a crowd-pleaser.
- Protein-Rich & Wholesome: Satisfying without feeling heavy, thanks to lean ground beef and veggies.
Ingredients for Summer Beef Chili
This recipe embraces the best flavors of summer and pantry basics. For the freshest result, use local produce if available.
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Olive oil | 1 Tbsp. | For sautéing, adds depth of flavor |
| Ground beef | 1 lb. | Lean or regular, your preference |
| Onion | 1/2 (chopped) | Yellow or white |
| Red bell pepper | 1 small (chopped) | For color and sweetness |
| Garlic | 3 cloves (minced) | Classic aromatic |
| Jalapeño pepper | 1 (minced, seeds removed) | Adjust for desired spice level |
| Chili powder | 1 Tbsp. | For warmth and depth |
| Ground cumin | 1 1/2 tsp. | Earthy flavor |
| Dried oregano | 1/2 tsp. | Herbal undertone |
| Kosher salt | 1 1/2 tsp. (plus to taste) | Essential seasoning |
| Black pepper | 1/2 tsp. (plus to taste) | For mild heat |
| Tomato paste | 2 Tbsp. | Brings richness |
| Beef broth | 1 1/2 cups | For body and umami |
| Fire-roasted diced tomatoes | 1 can (14 oz.) | Smoky depth |
| Pinto beans | 1 can (15 oz.), drained/rinsed | Protein and texture |
| Zucchini | 1 small, diced | Summer squash, optional yellow squash swap |
| Corn (kernels) | 1 ear or 1 cup | Fresh or frozen, for sweetness |
| Lime juice | Juice of 1/2 lime | Brings brightness to finish |
| For serving: | Sour cream, fresh cilantro, shredded cheddar, cornbread |
Step-by-Step Directions
- Brown the Beef:
Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium heat. Add ground beef, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Cook until browned and cooked through, about 5 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to transfer beef to a plate, leaving drippings in the pot. - Sauté Vegetables & Spices:
To the pot, add chopped onion and red bell pepper. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until vegetables soften—about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and jalapeño, then add chili powder, cumin, oregano, kosher salt, and black pepper. Cook, stirring constantly, for about 30 seconds, until fragrant. Mix in the tomato paste and cook until the color deepens, around 1 minute. - Build the Chili:
Pour in the beef broth, then add fire-roasted diced tomatoes, pinto beans, diced zucchini, corn kernels, and the reserved cooked beef. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium-high heat. Reduce to a low simmer, cover, and cook for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, so the flavors meld. - Finish and Serve:
Off heat, stir in the lime juice. Season with additional salt and pepper as needed. Ladle the chili into bowls and top with sour cream, fresh cilantro, and shredded cheddar cheese. Serve cornbread on the side for a complete meal.
Tips for the Best Summer Chili
- Use Fresh Summer Produce: Local zucchini, summer squash, bell peppers, and sweet corn will give your chili vibrant color and flavor.
- Customize Your Chili: Adjust the spice by adding more or less jalapeño, or swap in different peppers for variety.
- Beans Are Flexible: Pinto beans are classic, but black beans or kidney beans work just as well.
- Make Ahead: This chili keeps well in the fridge up to 3 days and reheats perfectly for busy nights.
- Prep in Advance: Chop all vegetables ahead to speed up dinner prep on a busy night.
What Makes This Recipe Perfect for Summer?
Traditional chili is beloved for its heartiness, but the addition of zucchini, fresh corn, and bell pepper lightens it considerably. It’s a clever way to use summer garden vegetables—the mild texture of zucchini blends seamlessly into the sauce, while sweet corn adds an irresistible pop.
Summer beef chili is less heavy than colder-weather versions, making it an ideal meal for hot days and evenings when you want something satisfying but not overly filling. It’s also a fabulous option for feeding a crowd at a cookout or family gathering.
Serving Suggestions
- Sour Cream: Adds creamy tang and balances spice.
- Chopped Cilantro: Brings brightness and a hint of citrus.
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Melts into the hot chili for a savory, rich finish.
- Cornbread: Classic Southern side—great for dunking and soaking up the broth.
- Tortilla Chips: For crunch and easy scooping.
Variation Ideas
- Make It Spicier: Leave jalapeño seeds in, or add chopped chipotle in adobo for a smoky kick.
- Vegetarian Option: Skip the beef and double the beans or add more diced summer squash.
- Different Beans: Try black beans or kidney beans in place of or alongside pinto beans.
- Vegan Version: Use olive oil, skip the beef, use vegetable broth, and top with non-dairy cheese or avocado slices.
- Bulk It Up: For heartier appetites, stir in cooked brown rice or quinoa at the end.
What others are reading
Chili for Summer Gatherings
Thanks to its flexibility and simple ingredient list, summer beef chili is an outstanding dish for potlucks, picnics, or easy family dinners. Set up a chili bar with bowls of sour cream, cheese, chopped herbs, and more so everyone can build their perfect bowl.
More Summer Recipes to Try
- Melon Feta Skewers: Sweet melon paired with salty cheese, a colorful, hydrating appetizer.
- Muffaletta Pinwheels: A fun, bite-sized shoutout to New Orleans flavors.
- Southern Fried Corn: Creamy, buttery, and irresistible at a backyard BBQ.
- Simple Fruit Salads: Brighten your table with easy, refreshing fruit medleys.
- 20 Potluck Desserts: Bring the party with easy, crowd-pleasing sweet treats.
- Back-to-School Wraps: Quick, versatile wraps for busy lunches.
- Salad Recipes: Crisp, cooling recipes perfect for summer evenings.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I make this chili ahead or freeze it?
Absolutely. Prepare as directed, cool, and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, or freeze in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently on the stovetop.
What substitutions can I make for the vegetables?
You can use yellow squash or eggplant instead of zucchini, and any color of bell pepper works well. Out of fresh corn? Use frozen or canned (drained) in equal measure.
Do I have to use pinto beans?
No, black beans, kidney beans, or even chickpeas are excellent alternatives or additions.
What if I want a vegetarian chili?
Omit the ground beef, increase the beans (add an extra can or two), and swap beef broth with vegetable broth. Sauté additional vegetables like carrots, celery, or mushrooms for depth.
How do I make the chili spicier?
Add more jalapeño, use a serrano pepper, or stir in cayenne pepper or hot sauce toward the end of cooking. A diced chipotle pepper in adobo also adds heat and smoky flavor.
Expert Tips for Perfect Chili Every Time
- Browning Matters: Don’t rush the beef browning step—it develops maximum flavor.
- Spice Timing: Toasting the spices briefly with vegetables deepens flavor, but watch closely so they don’t burn.
- Simmer Gently: A soft simmer melds flavors without making veggies mushy.
- Finish with Acid: Lime juice at the end brightens all the flavors.
Nutrition (Per Serving, Estimate)
| Calories | Approx. 350 |
| Protein | 24g |
| Carbohydrates | 34g |
| Fat | 14g |
| Fiber | 8g |
| Sodium | 820mg |
Values based on typical ingredients. Toppings and sides are not included.
Summer Beef Chili FAQs
How do I keep leftovers fresh?
Store cooled chili in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth if needed to loosen the consistency.
Try Summer Beef Chili for effortless, delicious summer dinners loaded with flavor and color!
References
- https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/recipes/a65427618/summer-beef-chili-recipe/
- https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/recipes/a38737347/slow-cooker-chili-recipe/
- https://thecozycook.com/pioneer-woman-chili/
- https://www.aol.com/ree-drummonds-summer-beef-chili-130000491.html
- https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/recipes/a34225821/beef-and-bean-chili-recipe/
Similar Articles
Read full bio of Sneha Tete
