Are you craving a hearty, flavorful chili that's perfect for a chilly evening or a cozy weekend gathering? Look no further! This Arnie's Texas Chili recipe is a delicious blend of spices and tender beef, guaranteed to become a family favorite. It's surprisingly easy to make, even for beginner cooks, and packs a punch of flavor that'll leave you wanting more. This is the perfect example of a quick dinner idea that tastes like it took all day. Let's dive into this homemade cooking adventure!
Ingredients:
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
- 1 (15 ounce) can kidney beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 (15 ounce) can pinto beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 cup beef broth
- 2 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tbsp cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp oregano
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional toppings: shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, chopped onions, cilantro
Instructions:
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Sauté the vegetables: Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the onion and bell peppers and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
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Brown the beef: Add the ground beef to the pot and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess grease.
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Simmer the chili: Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, kidney beans, pinto beans, beef broth, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for at least 1 hour, or up to 2 hours for a deeper, richer flavor. The longer it simmers, the better it tastes!
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Serve and enjoy: Ladle the chili into bowls and top with your favorite toppings, such as shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, chopped onions, or cilantro.
Cooking Tips for the Best Chili:
- For a thicker chili, you can simmer it uncovered for the last 30 minutes of cooking time.
- If you prefer a spicier chili, add more cayenne pepper or a pinch of red pepper flakes.
- Feel free to add other vegetables, such as corn, carrots, or zucchini.
- For a vegetarian version, substitute the ground beef with 1 (15 ounce) can of vegetarian chili beans.
- This chili tastes even better the next day! Make a big batch and enjoy leftovers for lunch or dinner.
Variations:
- White Chili: Omit the cayenne and use chicken broth instead of beef broth. Add a can of white beans (great northern or cannellini) instead of kidney and pinto beans. Consider adding some diced green chilies for heat.
- Spicy Chili: Increase the amount of cayenne pepper or add a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce.
- Beef and Bean Chili: Add a can of your favorite beans; black beans, butter beans, or even chickpeas work well.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Protein: Approximately 25-30g
- Fat: Approximately 15-20g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 30-35g
This Arnie's Texas Chili recipe is a perfect example of a delicious and healthy meal that’s easy to prepare. It's a versatile dish that can be adapted to your taste preferences and dietary needs, making it a great option for weeknight dinners or weekend gatherings. Enjoy!