Description
Hearty Homemade Chili delivers a soul-warming embrace of robust flavors and comforting spices. Simmered to perfection, this classic recipe promises a delicious journey through rich, savory textures that satisfy deep hunger and warm hearts.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat:
- 1 pound ground beef (or ground turkey for a leaner option)
Vegetables and Aromatics:
- ½ cup onion (diced)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
Canned Ingredients:
- 1 (15 ounces) can diced tomatoes
- 1 (15 ounces) can tomato sauce
- 1 (15 ounces) can kidney beans (drained & rinsed)
- 1 (15 ounces) can black beans or pinto beans (drained & rinsed)
Liquid Ingredients:
- 1 cup beef broth or water (for desired consistency)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (if using lean meat)
Spices and Seasonings:
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon oregano
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
Additional Flavor Enhancers:
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste (for richness)
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce (adds depth of flavor)
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar or lime juice (for a touch of acidity)
Toppings:
- Shredded cheddar cheese
- Sour cream or Greek yogurt
- Diced avocado
- Fresh cilantro or green onions
Instructions
- Heat a robust pot over medium flame, introducing ground beef and allowing it to caramelize into a rich, golden-brown texture. Eliminate any accumulated fat to ensure a clean, concentrated flavor profile.
- Incorporate finely chopped onions and minced garlic, sautéing until they release their aromatic essence and become translucent.
- Cascade diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, thoroughly rinsed beans, robust beef broth, concentrated tomato paste, umami-rich Worcestershire sauce, and a splash of tangy vinegar into the pot.
- Generously dust the mixture with a symphony of spices: earthy chili powder, warm cumin, smoky paprika, fragrant oregano, cracked black pepper, sea salt, and a whisper of fiery cayenne.
- Gently coax the ingredients into a harmonious simmer, allowing the flavors to meld and intensify. Cover and let the chili develop its complex character for approximately 35 minutes, occasionally stirring to prevent scorching.
- Evaluate the seasoning, fine-tuning with additional spices if desired. Adjust the consistency by introducing more broth for a looser texture or reducing uncovered to concentrate flavors.
- Ladle the robust chili into welcoming bowls, crowning with optional garnishes like sharp cheddar, creamy sour cream, buttery avocado, or fresh cilantro for a vibrant finish.
Notes
- Meat Selection: Choose lean ground beef with 85/15 or 90/10 fat content for a healthier chili without sacrificing rich flavor.
- Veggie Boost: Enhance nutrition by adding extra diced bell peppers or zucchini during the onion cooking stage for added texture and vitamins.
- Spice Control: Adjust cayenne and chili powder levels to manage heat intensity, catering to mild or spicy preference without overwhelming the dish.
- Make-Ahead Magic: This chili tastes even better the next day as flavors deeply meld, so consider preparing in advance and reheating for maximum deliciousness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 700 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 10 g
- Protein: 20 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg