Craving a warm, comforting, and utterly delicious meal that's perfect for a chilly evening or a cozy weekend? Look no further! This Betty Crocker-inspired chili recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, packed with flavor and surprisingly easy to make. Whether you're a seasoned home cook or just starting your culinary journey, this recipe is your ticket to a fantastic, homemade meal. This is one of those easy recipes that's perfect for a quick dinner idea, and it's healthy enough to feel good about serving your family.
Ingredients: A Symphony of Flavors
This recipe focuses on fresh, high-quality ingredients to create a truly exceptional chili. You can easily adjust quantities to your liking and what you have on hand.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 1 pound ground beef (or a mix of beef and turkey for a healthier option)
- 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (15-ounce) can kidney beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 (15-ounce) can pinto beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 (10-ounce) can diced tomatoes and green chilies (like Rotel), undrained
- 1 cup beef broth
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 tablespoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional toppings: shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, chopped cilantro, avocado
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions: A Simple Guide to Chili Perfection
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Sauté the Aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the garlic and green bell pepper and cook for another 2-3 minutes, until slightly tender.
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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, kidney beans, pinto beans, diced tomatoes and green chilies, beef broth, chili powder, cumin, oregano, and cayenne pepper (if using). Season with salt and pepper to taste.
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Slow Cook to Perfection: Bring the chili to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours for a deeper, richer flavor. The longer it simmers, the more the flavors will meld. This is where the magic happens!
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Serve and Enjoy: Ladle the chili into bowls and top with your favorite fixings. Shredded cheddar cheese, a dollop of sour cream, fresh cilantro, and diced avocado all make delicious additions.
Cooking Tips and Variations: Elevate Your Chili Game
- Spice it up: For a spicier chili, add more cayenne pepper or a pinch of red pepper flakes. You can also use a spicier type of chili powder.
- Vegetarian Chili: Replace the ground beef with 1 (15-ounce) can of vegetarian crumbles or 1 cup of cooked lentils for a hearty vegetarian version.
- Bean Variety: Experiment with different beans! Black beans, chickpeas, or a combination of beans add variety in texture and flavor.
- Slow Cooker Option: This recipe works wonderfully in a slow cooker! Simply brown the beef as directed, then transfer everything to your slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
- Make it Ahead: Chili tastes even better the next day! Make a big batch and enjoy leftovers for lunch or dinner throughout the week.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients used.
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Protein: 25-30g
- Fat: 15-20g
- Carbohydrates: 30-40g
This delicious and easy chili recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or weekend gatherings. It’s a fantastic example of delicious dishes that are both satisfying and healthy. Enjoy!