Are you craving a warm, comforting bowl of chili on a chilly evening? Look no further! This delicious chili recipe combines the best of both worlds – the savory richness of ground beef and the spicy kick of sausage. It's a perfect example of easy recipes that deliver big on flavor, making it ideal for a quick dinner or a weekend cook-up. This homemade cooking masterpiece is packed with flavor and surprisingly healthy, making it one of the best recipes you'll find for a satisfying and delicious meal.
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 pound Italian sausage, casings removed
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 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 oregano
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional toppings: shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped onions, cilantro
Instructions:
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Step 2: Brown the Meats: Add the ground beef and Italian sausage to the pot. Cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess grease.
Step 3: Add Vegetables and Spices: Stir in the chopped green bell pepper and cook for 2-3 minutes until slightly softened. Add the chili powder, cumin, oregano, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper (if using). Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly, to toast the spices and release their aroma.
Step 4: Simmer the Chili: Pour in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, kidney beans, pinto beans, and beef broth. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Bring the chili to a simmer, then reduce 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 better it tastes!
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy: Ladle the chili into bowls and top with your favorite toppings, such as shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped onions, or fresh cilantro.
Cooking Tips for the Best Chili:
- 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 chili.
- Don't be afraid to adjust the spices: Taste the chili as you go and adjust the seasoning to your liking. You can always add more chili powder or cayenne pepper for extra heat.
- Make it ahead: This chili tastes even better the next day! Make a big batch and enjoy leftovers throughout the week. It's perfect for meal prepping healthy meals.
Variations:
- Vegetarian Chili: Omit the ground beef and sausage and add 1 cup of chopped mushrooms and 1 cup of cooked lentils for a hearty vegetarian version.
- White Chili: Use white beans instead of kidney and pinto beans, and omit the cayenne pepper for a milder, creamy chili.
- Spicy Chili: Increase the amount of cayenne pepper or add a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Protein: Approximately 25-30g
- Fat: Approximately 15-20g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 30-35g
This chili recipe is a fantastic addition to your repertoire of quick dinner ideas and healthy meals. It’s easy to customize, incredibly flavorful, and perfect for satisfying those chilly-evening cravings. Enjoy!