Chilli Beef Crumble Recipe

The Sizzling Chilli Beef Crumble Recipe Everyone Will Love

Crafting a mouthwatering chilli beef crumble brings comfort food to an exciting new level of deliciousness.

Layers of rich, spicy meat mingle with crisp, golden topping in this hearty dish.

Bold flavors dance across your palate with every forkful.

Familiar ingredients combine in unexpected ways to create something truly special.

Weeknight dinners deserve a touch of excitement that breaks through monotonous meal routines.

Warm, satisfying, and packed with robust seasonings, this recipe promises to become a new favorite in your cooking repertoire.

Grab a skillet and let the culinary adventure begin!

Why Hairy Bikers Chilli Beef Crumble Recipe Is So Bold

  • Savor Hearty Comfort: A rich, meaty dish that wraps you in warmth with its deep, complex flavors and satisfying texture.
  • Customize with Ease: Flexible recipe allows swapping ingredients or adjusting spice levels to match personal taste preferences.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Centerpiece: Perfect for family dinners or gatherings, this one-pot wonder delivers delicious results that impress everyone at the table.
  • Stress-Free Cooking: Simple preparation steps and minimal active cooking time make this recipe approachable for cooks of all skill levels.

Ingredients Used In Hairy Bikers Chilli Beef Crumble Recipe

Protein Base:
  • Beef: A rich and hearty meat that forms the core of this comforting dish.
  • Bacon: Adds a smoky depth of flavor to the base of the chili.
Aromatics and Vegetables:
  • Onions, Bell Pepper: Provide a sweet and slightly sharp foundation for the dish.
Flavor Enhancers:
  • Spices, Cocoa, Sugar: Create a complex and deep flavor profile with a hint of sweetness.
  • Tomato Puree: Adds moisture and a rich, tangy base to the chili.
  • Stout, Stock: Contribute depth and liquid to help braise the meat and create a rich sauce.
Topping Ingredients:
  • Flour, Butter, Cheese: Work together to create a crispy, golden crumble topping with a cheesy finish.
Complementary Ingredients:
  • Beans: Add texture and additional protein to the chili.
  • Oil: Used for initial browning of the meat and sautéing vegetables.

How To Make Hairy Bikers Chilli Beef Crumble Recipe

Step 1: Sear the Beef

Heat oil in a large skillet over high heat. Toss the beef into the sizzling pan, browning it until a rich, caramel-colored crust forms. Transfer the beef to a separate plate and set aside.

Step 2: Develop Flavor Base

Slice bacon into crispy bits and toss into the same skillet. Add chopped onions and diced peppers, cooking until they soften and release their aromatic magic. The pan will start to smell incredible.

Step 3: Create Spice Mixture

Introduce a flavor explosion by mixing:
  • Spices
  • Tomato puree
  • Cocoa powder
  • Brown sugar

Stir everything into a thick, fragrant paste that coats the vegetables beautifully.

Step 4: Build the Stew

Pour in dark stout and rich beef stock. Add:
  • Cooked beef
  • Beans

Let the mixture simmer gently for 90 minutes, allowing flavors to meld and develop deep, complex notes.

Step 5: Prepare Crumble Topping

Mix flour, butter, and breadcrumbs until they resemble coarse, sandy texture. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the bubbling stew.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Generously scatter shredded cheese over the crumble. Bake in a preheated oven until the top turns golden brown and the edges are beautifully crispy and bubbling.

Tips For Hairy Bikers Chilli Beef Crumble Recipe

  • Enhance Meat Flavor: Brown beef thoroughly in hot oil to develop deep, rich caramelization before cooking.
  • Control Spice Intensity: Adjust chili powder and cocoa quantities to personalize heat and depth of flavor for individual preferences.
  • Perfect Crumble Texture: Ensure crumble topping is slightly crumbly but not too dry by mixing ingredients until they resemble coarse breadcrumbs.
  • Balance Liquid Levels: Keep stew slightly saucy before adding crumble topping to prevent drying out during baking.
  • Cheese Selection Matters: Use sharp cheddar or a blend of cheeses to add complexity and enhance the overall taste profile of the dish.

Fun Twists On Hairy Bikers Chilli Beef Crumble Recipe

  • Vegetarian Comfort: Replace beef with lentils or textured vegetable protein, maintaining the rich spice blend and hearty texture.
  • Low-Carb Protein Boost: Substitute beans with cauliflower rice and use almond flour for the crumble to reduce carbohydrates.
  • Gluten-Free Fiesta: Use gluten-free flour for the crumble, swap stout for red wine, and ensure all spices are certified gluten-free.
  • Spicy Mexican Remix: Add chipotle peppers, swap cocoa for ground cumin, and top with queso fresco instead of standard cheese for a zesty regional variation.

Pairing Suggestions For Hairy Bikers Chilli Beef Crumble Recipe

  • Pair with Robust Red Wine: Select a bold Cabernet Sauvignon or Syrah to complement the rich beef and spicy flavors, cutting through the dish's intensity with its tannic structure.
  • Serve with Crisp Slaw: Prepare a tangy coleslaw with apple cider vinegar and fresh herbs to provide a refreshing contrast to the hearty, warm crumble, balancing its deep flavors.
  • Match with Craft Beer: Choose a dark stout or porter that echoes the beer used in cooking, enhancing the recipe's depth and creating a harmonious flavor profile that elevates the entire dining experience.
  • Add Fresh Herb Garnish: Sprinkle chopped cilantro or parsley on top to introduce a bright, green note that lifts the dish's heavy undertones and adds a fresh, zesty finish.

Store Hairy Bikers Chilli Beef Crumble Recipe The Right Way

  • Store leftover chilli beef crumble in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keeps fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
  • Transfer cooled dish to freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag. Remains delicious for up to 3 months when properly sealed.
  • Place individual portion on microwave-safe plate. Cover with damp paper towel, heat at 50% power for 2-3 minutes, stirring midway to ensure even warming.
  • Preheat oven to 350°F. Place leftovers in oven-safe dish, cover with foil to prevent drying.

Hairy Bikers Chilli Beef Crumble Recipe FAQs

  • Can I use a different type of meat instead of beef?

Yes, ground lamb or turkey work well as substitutes and provide similar rich flavors.

  • Is cocoa powder really necessary in this recipe?

Absolutely! The cocoa adds depth and complexity to the sauce, creating a subtle richness without making the dish taste like chocolate.

  • What kind of stout beer should I use?

A dark stout like Guinness is ideal, but any robust dark beer will enhance the meat’s flavor and add complexity to the dish.

  • Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Substitute regular flour with gluten-free flour in the crumble topping and ensure your stock and other ingredients are gluten-free certified.

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Chilli Beef Crumble Recipe

Chilli Beef Crumble Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 17 reviews

  • Total Time: 2 hours 5 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Hearty chilli beef crumble delivers comfort and excitement in one delightful dish. Spicy ground beef nestled under a golden, crispy cornbread topping promises a satisfying meal that brings warmth to your table.


Ingredients

Scale

Meat and Protein:

  • 700 grams (1.5 pounds) stewing beef or braising steak, diced
  • 150 grams (5.3 ounces) smoked bacon lardons
  • 100 grams (3.5 ounces) cheddar cheese, grated

Vegetables and Seasonings:

  • 2 onions, finely chopped
  • 1 green pepper, diced
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 2 teaspoons dried oregano
  • 2 tablespoons tomato puree
  • 2 teaspoons chilli powder
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
  • 1 tablespoon cocoa powder
  • 2 teaspoons light brown soft sugar
  • 2 x 400 grams (14 ounces) tins of red kidney or pinto beans
  • 100 grams (3.5 ounces) sweetcorn (optional)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Topping and Liquids:

  • 3 tablespoons olive oil or lard
  • 200 milliliters (6.8 fluid ounces) stout
  • 200 milliliters (6.8 fluid ounces) beef stock
  • 150 grams (5.3 ounces) plain flour
  • 100 grams (3.5 ounces) cornmeal
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • 100 grams (3.5 ounces) cold butter
  • 150 milliliters (5 fluid ounces) buttermilk

Instructions

  1. Heat oil in a large skillet and thoroughly brown ground beef, then transfer to a separate dish.
  2. In the same skillet, crisp bacon pieces and sauté diced onions and bell peppers until softened and translucent.
  3. Incorporate chili powder, cumin, and paprika into the vegetable mixture, creating a fragrant base.
  4. Blend tomato puree, cocoa powder, and brown sugar into the skillet, stirring to form a rich, dark paste.
  5. Pour stout beer and beef stock into the pan, then introduce kidney beans and previously cooked beef.
  6. Reduce heat and allow the mixture to simmer gently for approximately 90 minutes, developing deep, complex flavors.
  7. Prepare crumble topping by combining flour, butter, and oats until they resemble coarse breadcrumbs.
  8. Transfer the beef mixture to a baking dish and evenly distribute the crumble topping across the surface.
  9. Generously sprinkle grated cheddar cheese over the crumble layer.
  10. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F for 25-30 minutes until the top turns golden brown and the filling bubbles around the edges.

Notes

  • Choose lean ground beef to reduce excess fat and keep the dish healthier.
  • Experiment with different stouts or dark beers for unique flavor depth in the base sauce.
  • Consider using gluten-free flour for the crumble topping to make the recipe suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
  • Swap dairy cheese with nutritional yeast or vegan cheese alternatives for a plant-based version of this hearty dish.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
  • Method: Simmering
  • Cuisine: British

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 623 kcal
  • Sugar: 6 g
  • Sodium: 520 mg
  • Fat: 38 g
  • Saturated Fat: 14 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 21 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.3 g
  • Carbohydrates: 33 g
  • Fiber: 7 g
  • Protein: 41 g
  • Cholesterol: 110 mg
Michael Thompson

Michael Thompson

Founder & Recipe Developer

Expertise

  • Creating single-serving recipes tailored for individuals, small households, or meal preppers
  • Culinary arts with a focus on clean plating and natural styling for food photography
  • Working with fermented ingredients and dairy-based cooking techniques
  • Designing seasonal menus that use fresh, locally sourced produce

Education

Cascade Culinary Institute – Bend, OR

  • Program: Culinary Arts Certificate
  • Focus: Gained hands-on experience in professional kitchens, learning advanced recipe development, seasonal ingredient sourcing, and simple, beautiful food presentation.

ServSafe Food Handler Certification – Portland, OR

  • Program: Food Safety Certification
    Focus: Certified in core food safety and hygiene principles for both home and professional kitchens, with emphasis on ingredient handling, kitchen cleanliness, and safe preparation methods.

Mike’s kitchen journey began with a single goal: to make everyday meals feel like something worth celebrating.
After earning his Certificate in Culinary Arts from Cascade Culinary Institute, he spent years working with local farmers and small kitchens across Oregon, learning the beauty of seasonal, small-batch cooking.
Mike’s approach is simple, cook with what’s fresh, keep it approachable, and always leave room for a little creativity. When he’s not testing yogurt marinades or designing single-serving meals, you’ll find him hiking trails or hunting down the best berries at local markets.

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