Craving a hearty, flavorful chili that'll warm you from the inside out? Look no further! This award-winning Texas chili recipe, packed with beans for extra heartiness, is the perfect comfort food for chilly evenings or a satisfying weekend lunch. It's surprisingly easy to make, delivering big on taste without demanding hours in the kitchen. This recipe is a delicious example of homemade cooking at its finest, perfect for busy weeknights or impressing guests. Get ready to experience the best chili recipe you've ever tasted!
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 green bell peppers, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound ground beef (80/20 blend recommended)
- 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 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 tablespoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (or more, to taste)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Optional toppings: shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, chopped onions, tortilla chips
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. This step builds a delicious base for your chili.
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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. Properly browning the beef adds depth of flavor to this easy recipe.
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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, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for at least 1 hour, or longer for a deeper, richer flavor. The longer it simmers, the more the flavors meld together.
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Serve and Enjoy: Once the chili has simmered to your desired consistency, taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Serve hot, topped with your favorite chili fixings.
Tips for the Best Chili:
- Don't rush the simmering process: Allowing the chili to simmer for a longer period will result in a more flavorful and tender chili.
- Use quality ingredients: The quality of your ingredients will directly impact the taste of your chili.
- Adjust the spice level: Start with less cayenne pepper and add more to taste, depending on your preference for heat.
- Make it ahead: This chili tastes even better the next day! Make a big batch and enjoy leftovers for days.
Variations:
- Vegetarian Chili: Omit the ground beef and add 1 cup of chopped mushrooms and 1 cup of cooked lentils for a hearty vegetarian option.
- Spicy Chili: Increase the amount of cayenne pepper or add a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce.
- White Chili: Use white beans instead of kidney and pinto beans, and omit the cayenne pepper for a milder, creamy chili.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Protein: Approximately 25-30g
- Fat: Approximately 15-20g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 30-35g
This delicious and healthy meal is perfect for a quick dinner idea, or a satisfying and flavorful weekend meal. Enjoy this award-winning Texas chili recipe – a true testament to the best recipes found in simple, wholesome cooking!