Chili Recipe

I recently tried a homemade chili recipe that transformed simple ingredients into a flavorful adventure. Sautéed ground beef mingles with diced tomatoes, kidney beans and a blend of spices that pack an enticing punch. I was captivated by the deep, aromatic layers of flavor that make every spoonful unforgettable indeed.

I’ve always had a soft spot for an old fashioned chili recipe that feels both traditional and a little adventurous. I started by heating 2 tbsp of olive oil and browning 1 1/2 lbs of ground beef with a large chopped onion and a diced green bell pepper.

Once it was nicely browned I tossed in 3 minced garlic cloves along with chili powder, ground cumin, a touch of paprika and even a pinch of cayenne pepper if you’re up for some heat. Then I added in 1 can of diced tomatoes, 1 can of tomato sauce, and a can of kidney beans that had been drained and rinsed.

A bit of tomato paste and 1 cup of beef broth helped bring everything together. I simmered it all until the flavors melded into a delicious, robust mix that I like to call my homemade chili recipe.

Its rich taste makes it one of my favorite hearty meals to whip up any time.

Why I Like this Recipe

I like this recipe because it gives me that comforting, hearty feel that I really love. When I brown the beef and cook the veggies all together, it makes the whole dish seem so homey and warm.

I also love how the spices work together to create a rich flavor. The chili powder, cumin, and paprika really bring out a bold taste that makes every bite exciting. Sometimes I even like to add a little extra spice to make it even more flavorful.

Another reason I dig this recipe is that it’s easy to make. Even though there are a lot of ingredients, the steps are simple and nothing feels too complicated. It makes cooking less stressful and I can have a tasty meal ready in no time.

Lastly, I appreciate that it’s a one-pot meal and you can change it up a little by adding extra veggies or serving it with bread. That flexibility means I can make it my own and it always hits the spot.

Ingredients

• Olive oil delivers healthy fats that help balance flavors while not overpowering the dish.
• Ground beef gives a solid protein punch and rich flavor but may add extra calories.
• Onion offers natural sweetness and fiber, making the base extra tasty and nutritious.
• Green bell pepper is loaded with vitamins and crunch, adding color and freshness.
• Kidney beans bring fibre and plant protein, boosting the dish’s hearty feel.
• Diced tomatoes are tangy and zesty, adding moisture and a vitamin boost.
• Tomato sauce adds a smooth texture and natural richness to the chili.

Ingredient Quantities

• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 1/2 lbs ground beef
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 1 green bell pepper, diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tbsp chili powder
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1/2 tsp paprika
• 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 can (28 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
• 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 cup beef broth

How to Make this

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once heated, add the ground beef and cook until it’s nicely browned, breaking it up as it cooks.

2. Toss in the chopped onion, diced green bell pepper, and minced garlic. Stir them up and let cook for about 5 minutes until the veggies get a little soft.

3. Mix in the chili powder, ground cumin, paprika, cayenne pepper (if you’re using it), and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir well so that everything gets coated in the spices.

4. Add the tomato paste to the mixture and let it cook for a minute or two; it really helps to deepen the flavor.

5. Carefully pour in the can of diced tomatoes and the tomato sauce. Stir everything together so the flavors start to meld.

6. Pour in the cup of beef broth and add the drained and rinsed kidney beans to the pot.

7. Bring the whole mixture to a simmer over medium-high heat. Give it a good stir to ensure nothing sticks on the bottom.

8. Once it starts simmering, lower the heat and let it cook for 40 to 50 minutes. Stir occasionally so all the ingredients mingle well and the flavors become rich.

9. Taste your chili and adjust the salt and pepper if needed.

10. Serve hot and enjoy your hearty, comforting chili with some crusty bread or a side of rice if you like.

Equipment Needed

1. Large pot – needed to brown the beef and simmer the chili evenly
2. Wooden spoon – used for stirring the meat and vegetables without scratching the pot
3. Measuring cup and spoons – essential for getting accurate amounts of broth, oil, and spices
4. Knife – required for chopping the onion, bell pepper, and mincing garlic
5. Cutting board – provides a safe surface for all the chopping tasks
6. Can opener – necessary for opening the cans of diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and kidney beans
7. Stove – needed to heat the ingredients and keep the cooking process consistent

FAQ

Chili Recipe Substitutions and Variations

• If you dont have ground beef, you can use ground turkey or even try a plant-based ground meat alternative.
• You can swap out olive oil with another neutral oil like canola oil or even some melted butter if youre in a pinch.
• If green bell pepper isnt available, red or yellow bell peppers work pretty well and give a slightly sweeter flavor.
• Not having beef broth? Chicken broth or veggie broth can be a good replacement that still brings lots of flavor.

Pro Tips

1. Make sure you really brown the beef; letting it get a nice crust builds a ton of flavor early on.
2. Don’t rush the tomato paste step – letting it cook with the spices a little longer really deepens the taste of the chili.
3. Keep the heat low once you bring it to a simmer and stir occasionally so nothing burns or sticks to the pot.
4. Taste as you go; seasoning during the simmer lets you adjust salt and pepper perfectly and helps balance the flavors.