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Emeril Lagasse Chili Recipe

Emeril Lagasse Chili Recipe

Chili fans, you’re in for a true gift!

Emeril Lagasse’s chili recipe packs a real punch with bold spices like chili powder, cumin, and cayenne.

Using stew meat instead of the typical ground beef adds a rich depth to the dish.

My favorite aspect of this recipe is its hearty, stick-to-your-ribs quality – as chili should be in my book!

A key trick is to let it simmer long enough for all the flavors to come together beautifully.

How to Make Emeril Lagasse Chili

Ingredients

  • 2 lbs Ground Beef
  • 2 tbsp Chili Powder
  • 1 tbsp Cumin
  • 2 tsp Oregano
  • 1 can Tomatoes (32 oz.)
  • 2 cans Red Beans (16 oz. each, drained)
  • 1 Onion (chopped)
  • 4 cloves Garlic (minced)
  • 1 tsp Cayenne Pepper
  • 1 Bay Leaf
  • 2 tbsp Olive Oil

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1:

Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat.

Add the chopped onion and garlic, and stir until the onion becomes translucent.

Step 2:

Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks.

Make sure the meat is fully browned for the best texture.

Step 3:

Sprinkle in the chili powder, cumin, cayenne pepper, and oregano.

Stir well to coat the beef evenly with the spices.

Step 4:

Add the tomatoes, beans, and bay leaf to the pot.

Stir the mixture, bring it to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer.

Step 5:

Cover the pot and let simmer for about 45 minutes, stirring occasionally.

This helps all the flavors meld together nicely.

Tips and Tricks for Making This Recipe

emeril lagasse chili in a pot

Spice Level Adjustment

You can easily adjust the spice level by adding more or less cayenne pepper, depending on your taste.

I recommend starting small and adding more as needed to avoid making it too spicy.

Meat Variations

Feel free to substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken if you prefer a lighter version of this chili.

The spices will still make it incredibly flavorful, I promise!

Adding Vegetables

Consider adding bell peppers or corn for extra color and texture.

These ingredients can make the dish even more nutritious and vibrant.

Cooking Ahead

You can make this chili a day ahead to give the flavors even more time to combine, enhancing the taste.

Make sure to reheat thoroughly before serving to enjoy the full flavor.

Freezing Tips

This chili freezes very well for a quick meal on a busy day.

Just portion it into containers, freeze, and reheat when needed for an easy, homemade meal.

What to Serve with Emeril Lagasse Chili Recipe

Cornbread

A classic companion to chili is cornbread, and it’s hard to beat that combination.

The buttery, slightly sweet bread complements the spicy and savory notes of the chili perfectly.

You can bake it in a skillet for that delicious crust!

Rice

Serving chili over rice creates a hearty and satisfying meal.

The rice helps balance the spices and adds a nice texture to every bite.

You can even try different types of rice, like brown or basmati, for a subtle twist.

Guacamole

Adding a scoop of fresh guacamole brings a creamy texture and a pop of color.

The cool, rich avocado flavor contrasts nicely with the heat of the chili, offering a refreshing balance.

Plus, it adds a bit of flair to your presentation!

Coleslaw

Coleslaw might not be a traditional choice, but its crunchy and tangy flavors make it a great side.

The freshness of the cabbage and the zesty dressing can help cool down the spiciness of the chili.

Serve it on the side or even as a topping!

Grilled Vegetables

Grilled vegetables provide a healthy and vibrant addition to your chili spread.

The smoky flavors from grilling enhance the overall meal, adding a new dimension.

Try bell peppers, zucchini, or even asparagus for a wonderful taste and texture.

Roasted Sweet Potatoes

Roasted sweet potatoes are an exciting and unexpected pairing with chili.

Their natural sweetness complements the spicy and savory aspects of the dish.

You can dice them up or serve them as wedges for a tasty and colorful side.

Variations and Substitutions

Adding a little twist to Emeril Lagasse’s chili recipe can make it your own creation!

Did you know you can swap ground beef for shredded chicken? It changes the texture and adds a different flavor note.

Try using black beans instead of kidney beans. They provide a different texture and absorb flavors uniquely.

Vegan options are also possible! Substitute the meat with lentils or mushrooms for a plant-based version.

You can play with spices too. Adding smoked paprika introduces a subtle smokiness, while a dash of cayenne gives extra heat.

Don’t have fresh tomatoes? Canned tomatoes work perfectly and save time on chopping!

Adding cooked quinoa not only thickens the chili but also adds a bit of protein for extra sustenance.

For an easy way to thicken the chili, just pour in some masa harina, which gives a slight corn flavor as well.

Mix and match these substitutions to discover your preferred combination!

How to Store Leftover Emeril Lagasse Chili Recipe

Cooling Down the Chili

Once you’re done enjoying Emeril Lagasse’s chili, let it cool before storing.

It needs to reach room temperature to avoid condensation.

This helps prevent bacterial growth when you store it.

Refrigeration Steps

Place your cooled chili in an airtight container for the fridge.

You can safely store it for up to 4 days this way.

To keep it fresh, always make sure the lid is sealed tight!

Freezing for Long-Term Storage

If you want to store chili for a longer time, freezing is the way to go.

Divide it into freezer-safe containers or bags for easy portions.

Make sure to label with the date, so you know how long it’s been stored.

Freezing keeps it good for about 3 to 4 months!

Enjoy your chili whenever you like without any worry!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Not Browning Ingredients Properly

Make sure to brown your vegetables and meat before proceeding any further with the chili recipe.

Browning adds a depth of flavor that you don’t want to miss out on!

Take your time with this step to get the best-tasting chili.

Choosing the Wrong Meat

Use fattier cuts like 80/20 ground beef for a richer flavor in your chili.

Lean meats may work if you prefer, but they might not bring that extra oomph.

Experiment with sausages or even short ribs if you want to add more flair!

Skipping Fresh Spices

Use fresh, high-quality spices to make sure your chili is aromatic.

Stale or low-quality spices can dampen your efforts and leave your dish bland.

If you want that wow factor in your chili, try grinding your own spices!

emeril lagasse chili recipe

Emeril Lagasse Chili Recipe

Chili fans, you're in for a true gift!
Emeril Lagasse’s chili recipe packs a real punch with bold spices like chili powder, cumin, and cayenne.
Using stew meat instead of the typical ground beef adds a rich depth to the dish.
My favorite aspect of this recipe is its hearty, stick-to-your-ribs quality - as a chili should be in my book!
A key trick is to let it simmer long enough for all the flavors to come together beautifully.
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time1 hour
Total Time1 hour 15 minutes
Course: Dinner
Servings: 6

Ingredients

  • 2 lbs Ground Beef
  • 2 tbsp Chili Powder
  • 1 tbsp Cumin
  • 2 tsp Oregano
  • 1 can Tomatoes 32 oz.
  • 2 cans Red Beans 16 oz. each, drained
  • 1 Onion chopped
  • 4 cloves Garlic minced
  • 1 tsp Cayenne Pepper
  • 1 Bay Leaf
  • 2 tbsp Olive Oil

Instructions

  • Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat.
  • Add the chopped onion and garlic, and stir until the onion becomes translucent.
  • Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks.
  • Make sure the meat is fully browned for the best texture.
  • Sprinkle in the chili powder, cumin, cayenne pepper, and oregano.
  • Stir well to coat the beef evenly with the spices.
  • Add the tomatoes, beans, and bay leaf to the pot.
  • Stir the mixture, bring it to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer.
  • Cover the pot and let simmer for about 45 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  • This helps all the flavors meld together beautifully.

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