Easy chili recipe

This classic chili recipe is a staple of comfort food, blending the rich flavors of ground beef, beans, and tomatoes into a hearty, savory dish that warms the soul. The combination of tender beef, flavorful spices, and the slight sweetness of tomatoes creates a depth of flavor that is both satisfying and comforting. Chili has a rich cultural significance, often serving as a communal dish that brings people together, whether it’s at a family gathering or a casual get-together with friends. This easy chili recipe is perfect for any occasion, as it can be made on the stovetop or in a slow cooker, making it a versatile and convenient option for busy days.

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 yellow onion, diced
• 2 lbs. ground beef, 90% lean
• Salt and pepper
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 green bell pepper, seeded and diced
• 1 jalapeno pepper, seeded and diced
• 3 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar (optional)
• 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
• 2 teaspoons hot sauce
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 cube beef bouillon or 1 teaspoon better than bouillon
• 28 oz. crushed tomatoes
• 14.5 oz. diced tomatoes, undrained
• 16 oz. Kidney Beans, drained
• 2 tablespoons chili powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1 pinch red pepper flakes
• Optional toppings: shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, lime wedges, and Fritos or tortilla chips

Instructions:

1. Cook Onions: Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 8 minutes, stirring occasionally, allowing the onions to release their natural sugars and slightly caramelize.

2. Cook Ground Beef: Increase the heat to medium-high and add the ground beef. Cook until the beef is browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. This should take about 5 minutes. Drain any excess grease.

3. Add Aromatics: Add the minced garlic, green bell pepper, and jalapeno pepper. Cook for an additional 3 minutes, stirring frequently, until the vegetables are tender.

4. Season and Simmer: Add the tomato paste, brown sugar (if using), Worcestershire sauce, and hot sauce. Stir well to combine, ensuring the beef is evenly coated with the seasonings.

5. Add Liquid and Tomatoes: Pour in the chicken broth and use a silicone spatula to scrape the bottom and sides of the pot, incorporating any browned bits. Add the beef bouillon, crushed tomatoes, and diced tomatoes. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover partially. Simmer for 45 minutes, stirring occasionally.

6. Add Beans: After 45 minutes, add the drained kidney beans and continue to simmer for an additional 15 minutes or until the desired consistency is reached.

7. Serve: Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. Serve hot, garnished with your choice of toppings such as shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, lime wedges, and Fritos or tortilla chips.

Top Tips:

1. Brown the Beef: Properly browning the ground beef is crucial for developing the rich flavor in your chili. Make sure to break it up thoroughly as it cooks.

2. Use High-Quality Tomatoes: Fresh and high-quality tomatoes will make a significant difference in the flavor of your chili. Use crushed and diced tomatoes for the best results.

3. Adjust Heat Level: If you prefer a milder chili, reduce or omit the jalapeno pepper. For a spicier version, add more hot sauce or jalapenos.

4. Simmer Longer: The longer you simmer the chili, the more flavorful it will become. If you have time, let it simmer for an hour or more for an even richer taste.

5. Customize Toppings: Experiment with different toppings to find your favorite combination. Shredded cheese, sour cream, and Fritos are classic choices, but feel free to get creative with other ingredients.

6. Slow Cooker Method: For a hands-off approach, transfer the meat mixture to a slow cooker along with the beef bouillon, crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, and kidney beans. Cook on high for 3-4 hours or on low for 6-8 hours.

Variations:

1. Chunky Beef Chili: For a chunkier texture, cook the ground beef in larger chunks instead of breaking it up. This will give you a heartier, more rustic chili.

2. White Chicken Chili: Replace the ground beef with shredded or diced chicken and add white beans like cannellini or navy beans. Use chicken broth instead of beef broth for a lighter flavor.

3. Southwestern Chili: Add black beans, corn, and diced green chiles for a Southwestern twist. Use taco seasoning for added flavor.

4. Vegetarian Option: Replace the ground beef with a plant-based protein like black beans or textured vegetable protein. Add more vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, and zucchini for added nutrition.

5. Spicy Kick: Add diced serrano peppers or more jalapenos for an extra spicy kick.

6. Baked Chili Cheese Dogs: Serve your chili over baked hot dogs topped with shredded cheese and baked until golden brown for a fun twist on chili.

Nutritional Guide:

Additional Nutritional Notes:
This recipe is relatively balanced, providing a good mix of protein, carbohydrates, and fat. The lean ground beef and kidney beans make it a good source of protein, while the tomatoes and vegetables add fiber and vitamins. The optional toppings can add extra calories, so be mindful of portion sizes if you’re watching your diet. This recipe is also highly customizable, allowing you to adjust the ingredients and seasonings to suit your dietary needs and preferences.