We’ve always been fans of Ed’s Red Recipe, a bold and versatile dish that’s perfect for spicing up weeknight dinners or impressing guests at gatherings. Hailing from classic American kitchens it’s a fiery blend of simple ingredients that delivers that crave-worthy red kick we all adore.
What makes this recipe stand out is its ease and adaptability—whether you’re grilling or simmering it’s ready in no time. We’re excited to share how it brings vibrant flavors to your table so you can make it your own.
Ingredients
In our Ed’s Red Recipe, a bold and versatile dish with a spicy American twist, we focus on fresh, high-quality ingredients that deliver vibrant flavors and a satisfying kick. Below, we list them in the order they’re used during preparation, including specific prep notes for accuracy and ease.
- Onion: 1 medium, finely chopped – We start by sautéing this for a sweet base that enhances the overall depth.
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced – Added next to release its aromatic punch and complement the spice profile.
- Ground Beef: 1 pound, lean – We incorporate this third for protein, browning it thoroughly to lock in juices.
- Tomato Sauce: 2 cups, canned or fresh – Poured in after meats to create the signature red base, ensuring it’s at room temperature for even blending.
- Chili Powder: 2 tablespoons – Stirred in to build the heat, adjust to taste for personalized spice levels.
- Cumin: 1 teaspoon, ground – Follows spices for an earthy note that ties the flavors together.
- Bell Pepper: 1 large, diced – Added towards the end of cooking to retain crunch and add color.
- Kidney Beans: 1 can (15 oz), drained and rinsed – Incorporated last for texture, providing heartiness without overwhelming the red sauce.
- Salt and Pepper: To taste – We finish seasoning just before serving to balance the dish perfectly.
This selection ensures our recipe remains simple yet customizable, highlighting key elements like the spicy kick that makes Ed’s Red Recipe a weeknight favorite.
Equipment Needed
To prepare our Ed’s Red Recipe with precision and ease, we recommend gathering these essential tools. This ensures a smooth cooking process, allowing us to focus on the vibrant flavors from our fresh ingredients like finely chopped onion and minced garlic.
- Cutting board: A sturdy, non-slip surface for safely chopping vegetables such as diced bell pepper and onion, preventing any mishaps during prep.
- Chef’s knife: Our go-to for mincing garlic and dicing ingredients; opt for a sharp, 8-inch blade to handle the task efficiently and maintain that aromatic base.
- Large skillet or frying pan: Ideal for browning lean ground beef and simmering the tomato sauce mixture; a 12-inch, non-stick version works best for even heat distribution and easy cleanup.
- Wooden spoon or spatula: Perfect for stirring in spices like chili powder and cumin, ensuring they blend seamlessly without scratching the pan.
- Measuring cups and spoons: Essential for accurate portions—use a set to measure out kidney beans and seasonings, guaranteeing the dish’s signature balance of heat and earthiness.
- Can opener: A must-have for opening cans of tomato sauce or beans quickly, saving time in our straightforward preparation.
- Mixing bowls: At least one medium-sized bowl for combining ingredients like salt and pepper before adding them to the mix, keeping our workflow organized.
By having these items ready, we can adapt Ed’s Red Recipe to various cooking methods while emphasizing its customizable nature for weeknight meals or gatherings.
Instructions
Now that we have gathered our fresh ingredients and essential equipment, let’s prepare Ed’s Red Recipe with confidence and ease. We’ll walk you through each step to deliver a flavorful, spicy dish that tantalizes the taste buds.
Prep
Before cooking, we’ll focus on prepping our ingredients to build a robust base for Ed’s Red Recipe. Start by finely chopping 1 medium onion and 2 cloves of garlic to release their sweet, aromatic essence that forms the foundation of the dish.
- Gather and measure spices: In a small bowl, combine 2 tablespoons of chili powder and 1 teaspoon of cumin for that signature earthy heat, along with 1 teaspoon of salt and ½ teaspoon of black pepper to enhance the flavors.
- Prepare vegetables: Dice 1 bell pepper into ½-inch pieces for added crunch and vibrant color, ensuring the pieces are uniform for even cooking.
- Handle proteins and beans: Drain and rinse a 15-ounce can of kidney beans to remove excess sodium, then set aside 1 pound of lean ground beef at room temperature for quicker browning.
This preparation ensures our ingredients are ready, allowing the spices to bloom and the vegetables to contribute fresh, crisp textures.
Cook
With our ingredients prepped, we’ll now cook Ed’s Red Recipe in a large skillet, focusing on building layers of flavor through active simmering and stirring.
- Brown the beef: Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in the skillet over medium heat, then add the ground beef and cook for 5-7 minutes, breaking it up with a wooden spoon until it’s evenly browned and releases a savory aroma that fills the kitchen.
- Sauté the base: Add the chopped onion, garlic, and diced bell pepper to the skillet, stirring frequently for 3-4 minutes until they soften and develop a fragrant, slightly caramelized edge that amplifies the dish’s depth.
- Incorporate spices and liquids: Sprinkle in the chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper, stirring for 1 minute to toast the spices and unlock their bold, warming notes. Pour in a 15-ounce can of tomato sauce and the drained kidney beans, then bring the mixture to a gentle simmer for 10-15 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and the flavors to meld into a hearty, spicy blend.
Throughout this process, keep the heat at medium-low to prevent scorching, ensuring the dish achieves a rich, glossy finish with a perfect balance of heat and heartiness.
Assemble
Finally, we’ll assemble Ed’s Red Recipe by combining all elements for a cohesive, ready-to-serve meal that highlights its customizable appeal.
- Mix and adjust: Once cooking is complete, stir the simmered mixture thoroughly to evenly distribute the beans, vegetables, and spices, creating a thick, inviting texture that’s easy to scoop.
- Taste and season: Sample the dish and add extra salt or pepper if needed, ensuring the flavors pop with a spicy kick that can be mildly adjusted for personal preference.
- Serve immediately: Portion the recipe into bowls, garnishing with optional toppings like shredded cheese or fresh cilantro for added contrast, resulting in a visually appealing dish with layers of color and taste that make it ideal for any occasion.
This step guarantees a polished final product that’s not only delicious but also versatile for weeknight dinners or gatherings.
Make-Ahead Tips
As we dive deeper into making Ed’s Red Recipe even more convenient, we focus on strategies that let us prepare this flavorful dish ahead of time without sacrificing its bold, spicy kick or hearty texture. These tips ensure our weeknight favorite stays fresh, allowing the aromatic blend of cumin and chili powder to meld beautifully for enhanced taste.
Preparing Ingredients in Advance
To streamline our cooking process, we can prep key components up to 24 hours ahead:
- Chop Vegetables: Finely chop the onion and mince the garlic, then store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This keeps their sweet, aromatic essence intact and ready for sautéing.
- Measure Spices: Combine the chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper in a small bowl or sealed bag. Pre-measuring ensures precise seasoning and prevents last-minute rushes.
- Prepare Proteins and Beans: Brown the ground beef in advance, drain any excess fat, and let it cool before refrigerating in a covered container. Rinse and drain the kidney beans separately to maintain their hearty crunch.
Cooking and Storing the Full Dish
For full make-ahead preparation, we cook the entire recipe and store it for later enjoyment:
- Assemble and Cool: After following the cooking steps, let the dish cool completely to room temperature within 2 hours. This step preserves the vibrant red sauce and prevents bacterial growth.
- Refrigerate or Freeze: Transfer the cooled Ed’s Red Recipe to airtight containers. For short-term storage, refrigerate for up to 3–4 days; for longer, freeze for up to 3 months. We find freezing in portion-sized containers helps retain the dish’s appealing texture upon reheating.
| Storage Method | Duration | Key Tips for Quality |
|---|---|---|
| Refrigeration | 3–4 days | Keep in the coldest part of the fridge; flavors intensify, enhancing the spicy notes. |
| Freezing | Up to 3 months | Use freezer-safe bags to avoid freezer burn; thaw overnight in the refrigerator for best results. |
Reheating for Optimal Flavor
When it’s time to serve, we reheat Ed’s Red Recipe to bring back its warm, earthy aroma and satisfying heat:
- From the Fridge: Gently warm portions in a skillet over medium heat for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally to evenly distribute the spices and ensure the beef remains tender.
- From the Frozen State: Thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then reheat in a saucepan with a splash of water or tomato sauce to restore moisture and vivid color. Aim for an internal temperature of 165°F for safety.
- Enhance Before Serving: Taste and adjust seasonings after reheating, as the flavors may deepen—adding a fresh sprinkle of chili powder can amplify the kick if needed.
By following these tips, we make Ed’s Red Recipe a go-to for effortless meals while keeping its signature vibrancy alive.
Conclusion
We’ve truly enjoyed guiding you through Ed’s Red Recipe
It’s a timeless favorite that brings bold flavors to your table effortlessly
Let’s make it a staple in our routines for quick, customizable meals
You’ll find it’s as rewarding as it’s simple to enjoy
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Ed’s Red Recipe?
Ed’s Red Recipe is a flavorful, versatile dish from classic American kitchens, perfect for weeknight meals or gatherings. It features a simple mix of ingredients like ground beef, tomato sauce, and spices for a spicy kick. Easy to prepare and adaptable, it allows for personal tweaks to suit your taste.
What ingredients are needed for Ed’s Red Recipe?
Key ingredients include fresh onion, garlic, lean ground beef, tomato sauce, chili powder, cumin, bell pepper, kidney beans, salt, and pepper. Use high-quality, fresh components for the best flavor. This combination creates a hearty, customizable dish that’s simple yet bold.
What equipment do I need to make Ed’s Red Recipe?
You’ll need a cutting board and sharp knife for prep, a large skillet for cooking, a wooden spoon for stirring, measuring cups and spoons for accuracy, and a can opener. These tools make preparation smooth and adaptable for various methods, ensuring great results every time.
How do I prepare Ed’s Red Recipe?
Start by chopping onions, garlic, and veggies, then brown the ground beef in a skillet. Sauté the base ingredients, add spices, tomato sauce, and beans, then simmer to build flavors. Mix well, taste for seasoning, and serve with garnishes. The whole process is straightforward and takes about 30-40 minutes.
Can I make Ed’s Red Recipe ahead of time?
Yes, prep vegetables and measure spices up to 24 hours in advance. Cook the full dish and store in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat gently on the stove to keep flavors vibrant, making it a convenient meal option.
Is Ed’s Red Recipe customizable?
Absolutely, it’s highly adaptable. Swap ingredients like ground beef for turkey, adjust spices for heat levels, or add extras like cheese or veggies. This flexibility lets you tailor it to dietary preferences while maintaining its bold, satisfying taste for any occasion.
How long does it take to cook Ed’s Red Recipe?
Preparation takes about 15 minutes, with cooking around 20-25 minutes, totaling 30-40 minutes. It’s quick for a weeknight, allowing you to simmer flavors without much fuss, and even faster with make-ahead prep.