# Ground Beef Birria Chili: A Delicious Spin on a Timeless Classic
If you’re a fan of the deep, hearty flavors found in traditional birria but need a faster, simpler way to indulge, Ground Beef Birria Chili is the ideal choice. This satisfying dish embodies the spirit of long-simmered birria stew but can be prepared in less than an hour, making it perfect for hectic weeknights or relaxed get-togethers.
—
## Quick Summary
– **Prep Time**: 10 minutes
– **Cook Time**: 45 minutes
– **Total Time**: 55 minutes
– **Servings**: 8
—
## What Exactly is Ground Beef Birria Chili?
Birria is a cherished Mexican delicacy typically created with slow-cooked goat or beef, infused with dried chilies and spices. Ground Beef Birria Chili reinterprets those rich, smoky, and flavorful elements into a quicker, ground beef chili. The result is a warm, robust, and slightly spicy dish that’s delightful on its own or as a stuffing for tacos, burritos, or nachos.
—
## Ingredients You Will Need
To whip up this delectable chili, gather the following:
– **Chilies**: 4 dried guajillo chilies and 2 dried ancho chilies for a smoky, subtly sweet base.
– **Ground Beef**: 2 pounds of ground beef to create a hearty texture.
– **Aromatics**: 1 cup diced onion and 4 cloves minced garlic for added flavor.
– **Tomatoes**: Optional tomato paste and a can of crushed tomatoes for richness.
– **Broth**: 1 cup beef broth (or chicken broth or water) for a luscious sauce.
– **Spices**: Ground cumin, coriander, black pepper, cinnamon, cloves, allspice, oregano, and smoked paprika to create a layered flavor experience.
– **Acid**: Apple cider vinegar to enhance brightness.
– **Bay Leaves**: Optional, for an extra touch of aroma.
– **Salt**: To taste.
Optional extras include Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, and various toppings such as fresh onions, cilantro, sour cream, and lime wedges.
—
## Steps to Prepare Ground Beef Birria Chili
Follow these easy instructions to make this dish come alive:
1. **Prepare the Chilies**: Lightly toast the guajillo and ancho chilies in a heavy skillet for around 30 seconds on each side. Then, soak them in rapidly boiled water for about 20 minutes until soft. Blend the chilies with the soaking water until smooth.
2. **Cook the Beef**: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef, breaking it apart as it cooks, for about 8-10 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
3. **Sauté Aromatics**: Mix in the diced onion and cook until soft, approximately 5-7 minutes. Stir in the garlic and optional tomato paste, cooking until aromatic, about 1 minute.
4. **Combine and Simmer**: Incorporate the pureed chilies, crushed tomatoes, broth, spices, vinegar, and bay leaves. Bring to a boil, then lower the heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes to allow the flavors to combine.
5. **Taste and Serve**: Sample and adjust seasoning with salt, honey, and vinegar to balance the spicy, salty, sweet, and sour elements. Skim off any excess fat if preferred.
—
## Serving Ideas
Ground Beef Birria Chili is highly adaptable. Here are several suggestions:
– **Classic Bowl**: Serve it in a bowl garnished with diced onions, pickled red onions, sour cream, sliced radishes, cilantro, shredded cheese, and lime wedges.
– **Tacos**: Fill warm tortillas with the chili for an enjoyable birria taco experience.
– **Nachos**: Pour it over tortilla chips topped with melted cheese and your preferred toppings.
– **Dipping Broth**: For a soupier style perfect for dipping tacos, simply add more broth during cooking.
—
## Nutritional Facts (Per Serving)
– **Calories**: 342
– **Fat**: 23g (Saturated 8g, Trans 1g)
– **Cholesterol**: 80mg
– **Sodium**: 268mg
– **Carbohydrates**: 11g (Fiber 3g, Sugars 3g)
– **Protein**: 22g
—
## Recommendations and Variations
– **Broth Thickness**: Modify the quantity of broth based on whether you desire a thicker chili or a more dilute consistency for dipping.
– **Flavor Enhancements**: Incorporate Worcestershire or soy sauce for an extra touch of umami.
– **Make it Gluten-Free**: Opt for gluten-free soy sauce.