The Hairy Bikers Chilli Beef Crumble is a savory twist on the traditional crumble, blending rich, spicy beef chili with a crunchy, cheesy crumble topping. This hearty dish is perfect for chilly nights when you’re craving comfort food with a twist. Combining bold flavors from the chili and a unique crumble topping, this dish is a great alternative to classic casseroles or pies.
What is Hairy Bikers Chilli Beef Crumble?
Hairy Bikers Chilli Beef Crumble is a unique combination of a spicy, flavorful chili con carne base, topped with a golden, cheesy crumble. The beef filling is packed with classic chili ingredients like tomatoes, beans, and spices, while the crumble topping adds a delightful crunch, making this dish perfect for family dinners or gatherings.
Other Popular Recipes
Why You Should Try This Recipe
- Bold Flavors: The beef chili is rich, spicy, and full of flavor.
- Unique Twist: The crumble topping offers a crispy contrast to the soft, saucy chili.
- Comfort Food: Perfect for cozy nights or when you want something filling and satisfying.
- Easy to Make: With simple ingredients, this dish is easy to prepare.
- Great for Sharing: Ideal for family dinners or potlucks.
Ingredients Needed to Make Hairy Bikers Chilli Beef Crumble
For the Chili Beef Filling:
- Minced beef: 500g of lean minced beef for the base.
- Onion: 1 large onion, finely chopped.
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced.
- Chopped tomatoes: 1 can (400g), for a rich tomato sauce.
- Tomato puree: 2 tablespoons, to intensify the tomato flavor.
- Kidney beans: 1 can (400g), drained and rinsed.
- Red chili: 1-2 fresh chilies, chopped, depending on your heat preference.
- Ground cumin: 1 teaspoon, for warmth and depth.
- Ground coriander: 1 teaspoon, for added flavor.
- Paprika: 1 teaspoon, to give the chili a smoky note.
- Beef stock: 200ml, to add richness to the sauce.
- Olive oil: 1-2 tablespoons, for frying.
- Salt and pepper: To taste.
For the Crumble Topping:
- Plain flour: 150g, for the crumble base.
- Butter: 75g, cold and cubed, to make the crumble topping.
- Cheddar cheese: 100g, grated, for a cheesy, golden finish.
- Breadcrumbs: 50g, to add extra crunch to the topping.
- Chili flakes (optional): ½ teaspoon, for a bit of heat in the topping.
Equipment
- Large frying pan or skillet: For cooking the beef filling.
- Baking dish: A 9×9-inch or similar-sized dish for baking the crumble.
- Mixing bowl: For preparing the crumble topping.
- Wooden spoon: For stirring the beef mixture.
Instructions to Prepare Hairy Bikers Chilli Beef Crumble
1. Prepare the Chilli Beef Filling
- Cook the Onions and Garlic: Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and garlic, cooking until soft and translucent.
- Brown the Minced Beef: Add the minced beef to the pan and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks.
- Add the Spices: Stir in the cumin, coriander, paprika, and chopped chilies. Cook for 1-2 minutes until the spices are fragrant.
- Add Tomatoes and Stock: Pour in the chopped tomatoes, tomato puree, and beef stock. Bring to a simmer and cook for 20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- Add the Beans: Stir in the drained kidney beans and cook for another 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remove from heat and set aside.
2. Prepare the Crumble Topping
- Make the Crumble: In a large mixing bowl, rub the cold butter into the flour using your fingers until the mixture resembles breadcrumbs.
- Add Cheese and Breadcrumbs: Stir in the grated cheddar cheese and breadcrumbs. If you like a little extra heat, add the chili flakes at this point.
3. Assemble and Bake the Chilli Beef Crumble
- Layer the Dish: Transfer the cooked chili beef mixture into a baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
- Top with Crumble: Sprinkle the crumble mixture evenly over the top of the beef.
- Bake: Place the dish in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) and bake for 25-30 minutes or until the topping is golden brown and crispy.
What Goes Well With Hairy Bikers Chilli Beef Crumble
- Sour cream: A dollop of sour cream adds a cooling contrast to the spicy beef.
- Guacamole: Creamy avocado pairs perfectly with the rich chili flavor.
- Jalapeños: For an extra kick, add some pickled jalapeños on top.
- Salad: A simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette balances the richness of the dish.
- Garlic bread: Perfect for mopping up the sauce.
- Rice: Serve with plain rice for a complete, filling meal.
Expert Tips for Making the Best Hairy Bikers Chilli Beef Crumble
- Make ahead: You can prepare the beef chili filling in advance and store it in the fridge. When ready to bake, just top with the crumble and bake until golden.
- Adjust the spice: If you prefer a milder chili, reduce the number of chilies or omit the chili flakes from the crumble topping.
- Use cold butter: For a crunchy and light crumble topping, ensure the butter is cold when rubbing it into the flour.
- Try different cheeses: Cheddar works well, but you can experiment with other cheeses like Parmesan or Gruyère for different flavors.
Easy Variations of Hairy Bikers Chilli Beef Crumble
- Vegetarian version: Replace the minced beef with a plant-based meat substitute or extra beans like black beans or chickpeas.
- Add vegetables: Stir in chopped bell peppers, zucchini, or corn to the beef mixture for added nutrition and texture.
- Spicy sausage: Swap out half the minced beef for spicy sausage meat to intensify the flavor.
- Sweet potato topping: For a healthier twist, swap the crumble topping for mashed sweet potatoes.
Best Practices to Store Hairy Bikers Chilli Beef Crumble
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: The chili filling can be frozen on its own for up to 3 months. When ready to serve, thaw, add the crumble topping, and bake as instructed.
Best Practices to Reheat Hairy Bikers Chilli Beef Crumble
- Oven: Reheat in a preheated oven at 160°C (320°F) for 15-20 minutes until the crumble is hot and the topping is crispy.
- Microwave: For a quick reheat, microwave individual portions for 2-3 minutes. The topping won’t be as crispy as when reheated in the oven.
How Can I Make Hairy Bikers Chilli Beef Crumble Healthier?
- Use lean beef: Opt for extra-lean minced beef or even ground turkey to reduce the fat content.
- Add more vegetables: Bulk up the filling with extra vegetables like zucchini, carrots, or bell peppers.
- Whole wheat flour: Use whole wheat flour in the crumble for added fiber.
- Reduce the cheese: Cut back on the cheese in the topping or use a reduced-fat variety.
Nutrition Value (per serving)
- Calories: 460 kcal
- Protein: 28g
- Fat: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Sugar: 5g
- Fiber: 6g
FAQs
Can I make chilli beef crumble in advance?
Yes, you can make the chilli beef filling in advance and refrigerate it for up to 2 days. When you’re ready to serve, simply top it with the crumble and bake until golden and heated through.
Can I freeze chilli beef crumble?
You can freeze the chilli beef filling before adding the crumble topping. Freeze it in an airtight container for up to 3 months. When ready to serve, thaw the filling, add the crumble topping, and bake as directed.
What should I serve with chilli beef crumble?
Chilli beef crumble pairs well with sour cream, guacamole, or a simple green salad. You can also serve it with rice or garlic bread for a heartier meal.
How do I keep the crumble topping crunchy when reheating?
To keep the crumble topping crunchy when reheating, use the oven instead of the microwave. Reheat the dish at 160°C (320°F) for 15-20 minutes, or until the topping is crispy and the filling is hot.
Final Words
The Hairy Bikers Chilli Beef Crumble is a hearty, flavorful dish that’s perfect for satisfying comfort food cravings. With its rich beef chili base and crunchy, cheesy crumble topping, it’s a winning dish for both casual family dinners and special occasions. Give it a try, and you’ll have a new favorite recipe to add to your weekly rotation!
More By British Baking Recipes
- Hairy Bikers Boiled Fruit Cake
- Mary Berry Boiled Fruit Cake
- Mary Berry Pineapple Fruit Cake
- Nigella Rhubarb Ice Cream
Hairy Bikers Chilli Beef Crumble Recipe
- Prep Time: 20
- Cook Time: 25
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: British with a Tex-Mex twist
Description
Hairy Bikers Chilli Beef Crumble is a unique combination of a spicy, flavorful chili con carne base, topped with a golden, cheesy crumble. The beef filling is packed with classic chili ingredients like tomatoes, beans, and spices, while the crumble topping adds a delightful crunch, making this dish perfect for family dinners or gatherings.
Ingredients
For the Chili Beef Filling:
- Minced beef: 500g of lean minced beef for the base.
- Onion: 1 large onion, finely chopped.
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced.
- Chopped tomatoes: 1 can (400g), for a rich tomato sauce.
- Tomato puree: 2 tablespoons, to intensify the tomato flavor.
- Kidney beans: 1 can (400g), drained and rinsed.
- Red chili: 1-2 fresh chilies, chopped, depending on your heat preference.
- Ground cumin: 1 teaspoon, for warmth and depth.
- Ground coriander: 1 teaspoon, for added flavor.
- Paprika: 1 teaspoon, to give the chili a smoky note.
- Beef stock: 200ml, to add richness to the sauce.
- Olive oil: 1-2 tablespoons, for frying.
- Salt and pepper: To taste.
For the Crumble Topping:
- Plain flour: 150g, for the crumble base.
- Butter: 75g, cold and cubed, to make the crumble topping.
- Cheddar cheese: 100g, grated, for a cheesy, golden finish.
- Breadcrumbs: 50g, to add extra crunch to the topping.
- Chili flakes (optional): ½ teaspoon, for a bit of heat in the topping.
Instructions
1. Prepare the Chilli Beef Filling
- Cook the Onions and Garlic: Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and garlic, cooking until soft and translucent.
- Brown the Minced Beef: Add the minced beef to the pan and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks.
- Add the Spices: Stir in the cumin, coriander, paprika, and chopped chilies. Cook for 1-2 minutes until the spices are fragrant.
- Add Tomatoes and Stock: Pour in the chopped tomatoes, tomato puree, and beef stock. Bring to a simmer and cook for 20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- Add the Beans: Stir in the drained kidney beans and cook for another 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remove from heat and set aside.
2. Prepare the Crumble Topping
- Make the Crumble: In a large mixing bowl, rub the cold butter into the flour using your fingers until the mixture resembles breadcrumbs.
- Add Cheese and Breadcrumbs: Stir in the grated cheddar cheese and breadcrumbs. If you like a little extra heat, add the chili flakes at this point.
3. Assemble and Bake the Chilli Beef Crumble
- Layer the Dish: Transfer the cooked chili beef mixture into a baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
- Top with Crumble: Sprinkle the crumble mixture evenly over the top of the beef.
- Bake: Place the dish in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) and bake for 25-30 minutes or until the topping is golden brown and crispy.
