Spicy chili recipe

This Spicy Chili recipe is a perfect blend of bold flavors and hearty ingredients, making it a staple for any chili lover. The combination of ground beef, diced jalapeños, and aromatic spices creates a dish that is both comforting and invigorating. This recipe has its roots in traditional chili cook-offs, where the perfect balance of heat and flavor is crucial. Whether you’re serving it at a family gathering or enjoying it on a chilly evening, this Spicy Chili is sure to satisfy your taste buds and leave you wanting more.

Ingredients:

• 3 lbs ground beef
• 1 green pepper, diced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 small jalapeño peppers, diced (seeds and veins removed for less spice)
• 2 teaspoons garlic powder
• 1/3 cup chili powder
• 1 1/2 Tablespoons cumin
• 1 1/2 cups ketchup
• 3 Tablespoons lime juice
• 1 Tablespoon brown sugar
• 1 Tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 2 teaspoons vinegar
• 1 1/2 teaspoons mustard
• 3 cups spicy hot V8 (or regular)
• 16 oz can kidney beans
• 1 14.5 oz can fire roasted tomatoes
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Brown the Meat: In a large saucepan, brown the ground beef and ground sausage (if using), using a wooden spoon to break it into small pieces as it cooks. Drain most of the grease and remove meat to a plate.
2. Sauté Veggies: Add onion, bell peppers, and jalapeño peppers to the pot and sauté on medium-high heat for 2-3 minutes.
3. Add Spices and Liquid: Add spices, ketchup, lime juice, brown sugar, Worcestershire, vinegar, mustard, and V8. Stir well.
4. Add Beans and Tomatoes: Add beans, tomatoes, and salt and pepper. Stir well.
5. Simmer: Return the ground meat to the pot and bring the mixture to a low boil. Turn to a low simmer, cover, and cook for 1-2 hours.
6. Optional Slow Cooker Method: Follow steps 1 & 2, then add all ingredients to your slow cooker. Cook on low for 2-3 hours.
7. Optional Instant Pot Method: Use the sauté setting to brown the meat, then sauté the veggies. Add remaining ingredients and select the chili/beans setting. Cook for 20 minutes, allowing a natural release or quick release.

Top Tips:

1. Adjust Heat Level: If you prefer a milder chili, use regular V8, less jalapeño pepper, or regular diced tomatoes instead of fire roasted.
2. Meat Substitute: Feel free to substitute ½ ground sausage or ground turkey for a different flavor profile.
3. Bean Variations: You can substitute pinto or black beans instead of kidney beans if necessary.
4. Spicier Chili: For an extra kick, add more jalapeños or use hot sauce.
5. Simmer Time: The longer you simmer the chili, the more the flavors will deepen.
6. Toppings: Serve with shredded cheese, sour cream, and tortilla chips for an extra layer of flavor and texture.

Variations:

1. Mild Chili: Use regular V8, less jalapeño pepper, or regular diced tomatoes for a milder flavor.
2. Spicier Chili: Add more jalapeños or use hot sauce for an extra kick.
3. Vegetarian Option: Substitute 2 more cans of beans and omit the ground meat for a vegetarian version.
4. Slow Cooker Variations: Add diced potatoes or sweet potatoes for added thickness and flavor.
5. Instant Pot Variations: Use the sauté setting to brown the meat and then transfer everything to the Instant Pot for a quicker cooking time.

Nutritional Guide:

Additional Nutritional Notes: This Spicy Chili recipe is relatively high in protein and fat due to the ground beef and beans. However, it is also a good source of complex carbohydrates from the tomatoes and beans. To make it healthier, consider using leaner ground beef or ground turkey and reducing the amount of ketchup and brown sugar. Additionally, adding more vegetables like diced carrots or zucchini can increase the nutritional value without altering the flavor profile.