Ted’s Montana Grill Chili Recipe: Hearty Bowl of Comfort Food

There’s something special about a warm bowl of chili on a chilly day – it’s comfort food at its finest. 🔥 I’ve spent years perfecting my chili recipe, and I’m excited to share my take on Ted’s Montana Grill Chili Recipe.

This hearty bowl of comfort food is packed with tender beef, beans, and a blend of spices that will leave you feeling satisfied. With a cooking time of under an hour, it’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering.

Ingredients for Ted’s Montana Grill Chili

Hearty ingredients come together in this comforting chili, perfect for any gathering.

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The beef matters here. 80/20 ground beef gives the best flavor—don’t drain excess fat. Most grocery stores have pre-ground beef, which saves time. I usually grab mine from Costco when I’m doing a big batch.

No chili powder? Make your own with chili peppers, cumin, and oregano. Fresh thyme isn’t necessary, but dried thyme works. If using canned beans, drain and rinse them well. The type of beans can vary—black beans or red beans are great alternatives.

This chili reheats beautifully and tastes better the next day. Keeps 4-5 days in the fridge, freezes for 3 months. I portion mine into containers so meals are sorted for the week.

Step-by-Step Instructions for a Hearty Bowl of Comfort Food

Here’s the method that’ll get you to chili perfection – straightforward and delicious.

🔥 Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef

Heat a large Dutch oven or heavy pot over medium-high heat. Add the 1.5 lb Ground Beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. This should take about 5-7 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the meat is no longer pink and has a nice brown color.

Make sure to stir occasionally to prevent burning and ensure even browning. If you notice any large chunks, break them up with your spoon. The goal is to have the beef in small, uniform pieces.

👨‍🍳 Step 2: Soften the Onion and Garlic

Once the beef is browned, add the 1 whole Onion to the pot. Cook until it’s translucent and starting to caramelize, stirring occasionally. This process should take about 8-10 minutes. You’ll notice the onion becoming softer and sweeter as it cooks.

After the onion has cooked for a few minutes, add the 3 cloves Garlic Cloves. Stir well to combine and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can quickly become bitter.

🔥 Step 3: Add Spices and Simmer

Stir in the 2 tbsp Chili Powder, 1 tsp Ground Cumin, 0.5 tsp Cayenne Pepper, 1 tsp Salt, and 0.5 tsp Black Pepper. Cook for 1-2 minutes until the spices are fragrant. This will help to bloom the flavors and add depth to your chili.

Add the 1 can Kidney Beans, 1 can Pinto Beans, 1 can Diced Tomatoes, 2 cups Beef Broth, and 1 tbsp Brown Sugar to the pot. Stir well to combine, then bring the mixture to a simmer.

⏰ Step 4: Let it Simmer

Reduce the heat to low and let the chili simmer for at least 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. You can simmer it for longer if you prefer a thicker, more developed flavor. As it simmers, the flavors will meld together, and the chili will thicken slightly.

Check the seasoning after 30 minutes and adjust as needed. If it’s too thick, you can add a bit more Beef Broth. If it’s too thin, let it simmer for a bit longer to reduce the liquid.

🍽️ Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Serve the chili hot, garnished with your choice of toppings such as chopped onions, shredded cheese, or sour cream. This hearty bowl of comfort food is perfect for a cold day or a satisfying meal.

Enjoy the rich flavors and the comforting warmth of this delicious chili. It’s sure to become a favorite in your household.

Dietary Considerations for These Flavors

Making It Gluten-Free

This chili is naturally gluten-free as long as you use gluten-free chili powder and be careful with the beef broth. I always check the labels on my chili powder and beef broth to ensure they’re certified gluten-free. Some brands add gluten-containing ingredients, so it’s worth double-checking.

Keto Modifications

To make this chili keto-friendly, I reduce the amount of brown sugar to 1 tsp or omit it entirely. You can also add more ground beef or some fatty bacon to increase the fat content. Be mindful of the beans, as they’re higher in carbs—consider reducing the quantity or substituting with lower-carb alternatives like green beans.

Dairy-Free Options

For a dairy-free version, simply skip any dairy-based toppings like sour cream or shredded cheese. You can replace these with dairy-free alternatives such as cashew sour cream or vegan cheese shreds. The chili itself is dairy-free, making it a great base for various dietary needs.

Low-Sodium Adjustments

To reduce the sodium content, I use low-sodium beef broth and limit the amount of added salt. You can also rinse the canned beans to remove some of the sodium. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed, adding more salt if required.

Spice Level Adjustments

The heat level in this chili can be adjusted by varying the amount of cayenne pepper. For a milder version, reduce or omit the cayenne pepper. For a spicier kick, add more cayenne or introduce other hot peppers like jalapeños or habaneros. 🌶️

Vegetarian and Vegan Variations

To make a vegetarian version, I substitute the ground beef with a plant-based alternative like textured vegetable protein (TVP) or mushrooms. For a vegan version, ensure that the broth is vegetable-based and skip any animal-derived toppings. You can also add more beans or other vegetables to increase the protein content.