Hey LifeStyler, 

As the days grow shorter and the air turns crisp, there’s something irresistibly comforting about a bowl of steaming, hearty chilli. It’s the kind of meal that fills your home with rich aromas, warms you from the inside out, and brings everyone to the table. Our winter beef chilli is the ultimate cold-weather companion rustic, flavour-packed, and deeply satisfying.

The Comfort of Slow Simmering

Good chilli is never rushed. It’s about letting simple ingredients transform over time into something greater than the sum of their parts. The slow simmer allows tender chunks of beef to soak up a blend of smoky spices, tomatoes, and earthy beans. Each spoonful feels like a hug after a long winter’s day nourishing, bold, and comforting.

Ingredients that Warm the Soul

The magic begins with good-quality beef preferably a combination of mince and small chunks of stewing steak for texture. Add to that the holy trinity of onion, garlic, and bell pepper for a fragrant base. Then come the spices: cumin for warmth, smoked paprika for depth, and a hint of chilli powder for gentle heat. A dash of cocoa powder or a square of dark chocolate is a secret many chilli lovers swear by; it rounds out the acidity of the tomatoes and gives a luxurious richness.

For beans, classic kidney beans do the job, but black beans, pinto beans or baked beans add variety and extra creaminess. A splash of beef stock and a long simmer (at least an hour, ideally two) brings it all together.

Toppings & Sides for the Perfect Finish

The beauty of chilli lies in the toppings a dollop of sour cream, a sprinkle of sharp cheddar, fresh coriander, and maybe a few slices of avocado if you’re feeling indulgent. Serve it with a side of warm cornbread, buttery rice, Jacket potato or a thick wedge of crusty bread to soak up every last bit of sauce.

A Winter Tradition

There’s a reason chilli has become a staple in so many homes during the winter months. It’s more than just a meal it’s an experience. The bubbling pot on the stove, the mingling spices in the air, and the sense of slowing down while the world outside rushes past all combine to create a moment of warmth and connection.

So this winter, gather your favourite bowl, ladle in some of this rich, comforting beef chilli, and let every bite remind you of what winter food is all about: slowing down, warming up, and savouring life’s simple pleasures.

Recipe: Hearty Winter Beef Chilli

Serves: 6
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Total time: 1 hour 50 minutes

Ingredients

For the chilli:

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 500g beef mince
• 250g stewing beef, cut into small cubes (optional)
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 green bell pepper, diced
• 2 tsp ground cumin
• 2 tsp smoked paprika
• 1–2 tsp chilli powder (adjust to your spice preference)
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tin (400g) chopped tomatoes
• 1 tin (400g) kidney beans, drained and rinsed or baked beans
• 1 tin (400g) black beans or pinto beans, drained and rinsed
• 300ml beef stock
• 1 tsp cocoa powder or one small square of dark chocolate
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper
• Sour cream
• Grated cheddar cheese
• Fresh coriander leaves
• Sliced avocado
• Lime wedges

To serve: 

• Steamed rice, Jacket Potato, cornbread, or crusty bread

Lets Cook:

• Brown the beef: Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the beef mince and stewing beef, season lightly with salt, and cook until browned all over. Remove from the pot and set aside.
• Sauté the base: In the same pot, add a touch more oil if needed. Sauté the onion for 3–4 minutes until soft, then add garlic and peppers. Cook for another 3 minutes until fragrant.
• Add the spices: Stir in cumin, smoked paprika, chilli powder, and oregano. Cook for 1 minute to release their aromas.
• Build the flavour: Add the tomato paste and stir through for a minute, then return the browned beef to the pot. Pour in the chopped tomatoes and beef stock. Stir in the cocoa powder or chocolate.
• Simmer low and slow: Bring the chilli to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for about 1 hour, stirring occasionally. The sauce should thicken and deepen in colour.
• Add the beans: Stir in the beans. Simmer uncovered for another 20–30 minutes until rich and hearty. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
• Serve and enjoy: Spoon into bowls, top with sour cream, cheese, and coriander, and serve with your favourite side. A squeeze of lime lifts the whole dish beautifully.

• Add a pinch of cinnamon for a subtle, wintry note.
• Leftovers taste even better the next day perfect for freezing or meal prep.
• If you prefer a thicker chilli, let it simmer uncovered for the final 15 minutes.

We hope you enjoy cooking and enjoying this fabulous hearty winter recipe!

With Love,