Description
This classic chili recipe is hearty, flavorful, and perfect for a cozy meal. Made with ground beef, beans, and a combination of spices, it delivers a satisfying and comforting dish that can easily be customized to your taste. Whether enjoyed on its own or with your favorite toppings, this chili is a crowd-pleaser that’s simple to prepare and ideal for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef (or your choice of ground meat)
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 1 jalapeño, diced (optional, for heat)
- 1 can (15 oz) red kidney beans, rinsed and drained (or pinto or black beans)
- 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 cup beef or chicken broth (or 1/2 cup beer and 1/2 cup broth for added flavor)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare Ingredients: Dice the onion, green bell pepper, and jalapeño (if using). Mince the garlic cloves to have everything ready before cooking.
- Cook Ground Meat: In a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat, add the ground beef. Cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks to ensure even browning. Drain excess fat if desired.
- Sauté Vegetables: Add the diced onion, green bell pepper, jalapeño, and minced garlic to the pot. Cook for about 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are softened and fragrant.
- Add Spices: Stir in the chili powder and ground cumin, allowing the spices to toast slightly for about one minute to enhance their flavor.
- Add Liquid and Beans: Pour in the diced tomatoes (with their juice), tomato sauce, and broth (or broth and beer mixture). Add the rinsed and drained beans. Stir everything together to combine.
- Simmer the Chili: Bring the chili to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld, stirring occasionally. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve: Once the chili is thickened and flavorful, serve hot with your favorite toppings such as shredded cheese, sour cream, or chopped green onions.
Notes
- You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
- Adjust the amount of chili powder and jalapeño to control the heat level according to your preference.
- For a vegetarian version, omit the meat and use vegetable broth.
- Letting the chili simmer longer enhances the depth of flavor.
- Leftovers taste even better the next day and can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
