Craving a hearty, flavorful chili that'll warm you from the inside out? Look no further! This Chasen's Restaurant-inspired chili recipe delivers a depth of flavor that's hard to resist. Perfect for a cozy night in, a game day gathering, or a quick and delicious weeknight dinner, this recipe is surprisingly easy to make, even for beginner cooks. Get ready to experience homemade cooking at its finest, with a chili so good, it'll be your new go-to healthy meal.
Ingredients: A Symphony of Flavors
This recipe serves 6-8 hungry chili lovers. Feel free to adjust the quantities based on your needs.
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 green bell peppers, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lb ground beef (or a blend of beef and turkey for a leaner option)
- 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
- 1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 (15 oz) can pinto beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 cup beef broth
- 2 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tbsp cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp oregano
- ½ tsp cayenne pepper (or more, to taste)
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- Optional toppings: shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, chopped green onions, avocado
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions: Easy as 1, 2, 3!
Get Started:
- Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and bell peppers and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Stir frequently to prevent burning.
Building the Flavor:
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Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
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Crumble in the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess grease.
Simmering to Perfection:
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Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, kidney beans, pinto beans, and beef broth.
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Add the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper.
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Bring the chili to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook for at least 1 hour, or up to 2 hours for a richer, deeper flavor. The longer it simmers, the better it tastes! Stir occasionally.
Tips and Tricks for Chili Perfection
- For a thicker chili: Remove about a cup of the chili mixture before adding the beans and simmer it separately until it reduces and thickens. Then stir it back into the main pot.
- Spice it up: Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper to your liking. For a milder chili, omit it entirely or use a small pinch. For extra heat, add a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce.
- Add some sweetness: A tablespoon of brown sugar or molasses can add a touch of sweetness that complements the savory flavors.
- Make it vegetarian: Substitute the ground beef with 1 (15 oz) can of vegetarian chili beans or lentils for a delicious vegetarian version.
Delicious Variations: Beyond the Basics
- White Chicken Chili: Replace the ground beef with shredded cooked chicken and use white beans instead of kidney and pinto beans. Add a can of diced green chilies for extra flavor.
- Beef and Bean Chili: Simply increase the amount of beans to your preference for a heartier chili packed with protein.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Protein: 25-30g
- Fat: 15-20g
- Carbohydrates: 30-35g
This Chasen's Restaurant-inspired chili recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. It's a simple yet satisfying dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Enjoy the delicious flavors and the warm, comforting feeling this easy recipe brings! Remember to share your culinary creations with us!