Are you ready to experience a chili so legendary, it could fuel a Cobra 427? This recipe, inspired by the racing spirit of Carroll Shelby himself, delivers a hearty, flavorful chili packed with bold ingredients and a satisfying kick. Perfect for a chilly evening, game day, or any occasion that calls for a truly delicious and easy meal, this chili is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser – even for the pickiest eaters. Get ready to experience homemade cooking at its finest!
Ingredients: A Blend of Speed and Flavor
This recipe makes approximately 8 servings of this mouthwatering chili.
- 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 healthier option)
- 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
- 1 (15 ounce) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (15 ounce) can pinto beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (4 ounce) can diced green chilies
- 1 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp oregano
- ½ tsp cayenne pepper (or more, to taste!)
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 cup beef broth
- Optional toppings: shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, chopped green onions, tortilla chips
Instructions: Rev Up Your Kitchen!
This chili recipe is surprisingly quick and easy, even for beginners. Follow these simple steps for a delicious result:
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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 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 to Perfection: Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, kidney beans, pinto beans, green chilies, chili powder, cumin, oregano, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Pour in the beef broth. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for at least 30 minutes, or longer for a deeper flavor (up to 2 hours). 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 fixings. Shredded cheddar cheese, a dollop of sour cream, some chopped green onions, and crunchy tortilla chips are all fantastic additions.
Tips for a Winning Chili:
- Spice it Up: Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper to control the heat level. For a milder chili, use less; for a fiery kick, add more!
- Slow Cooker Option: This recipe is also perfect for a slow cooker. Simply brown the beef as instructed, then transfer everything to your slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
- Meatless Monday: Easily adapt this recipe to be vegetarian by substituting the ground beef with 1 (15 ounce) can of vegetarian chili beans and adding 1 cup of cooked lentils or mushrooms.
Variations: Customize Your Ride
- White Chili: Omit the cayenne pepper and use white beans instead of kidney and pinto beans for a creamy, milder chili.
- Beef Chili with a Twist: Add a splash of dark beer or Worcestershire sauce for a richer flavor.
- Southwest Flair: Add a diced jalapeño pepper, a packet of taco seasoning, and corn for a southwestern twist.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Protein: Approximately 25-30g
- Fat: Approximately 15-20g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 30-35g
This chili recipe is a testament to the fact that delicious food doesn't have to be complicated. It's a perfect example of how simple ingredients, combined with a little love and care, can result in a truly unforgettable meal. Enjoy!