Craving a comforting, flavorful meal that’s quick to make and satisfying to eat? Look no further than this Hard Times Cincinnati Chili recipe! This hearty chili is a beloved classic, perfect for a chilly evening or a quick weeknight dinner. Forget complicated recipes; this one is surprisingly easy, delivering big on taste without sacrificing time or effort. Get ready to experience the deliciousness of homemade cooking at its finest! This recipe offers a fantastic option for healthy meals and quick dinner ideas, perfect for busy schedules.
Ingredients:
This recipe makes about 6 servings of delicious Cincinnati chili. Adjust the quantities as needed depending on how many hungry mouths you're feeding!
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 large onion, 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 cup beef broth
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground oregano
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Optional toppings: shredded cheddar cheese, chopped onions, oyster crackers
Instructions:
This easy recipe will guide you step-by-step 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 chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. This simple 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. This step ensures a rich and flavorful chili.
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Simmer the Chili: Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, kidney beans, beef broth, chili powder, cumin, oregano, paprika, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for at least 30 minutes, or up to an hour for a deeper flavor. The longer it simmers, the more the flavors meld together.
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Serve and Enjoy: Ladle the chili into bowls and top with your favorite fixings. Shredded cheddar cheese, chopped onions, and crunchy oyster crackers are classic choices. This delicious dish is perfect served with your favorite sides.
Tips for the Best Hard Times Cincinnati Chili:
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Spice it up: Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper to control the heat level. If you prefer a milder chili, omit it entirely. For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes.
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Thicken it up: If you prefer a thicker chili, you can simmer it uncovered for the last 15 minutes of cooking time to allow some of the liquid to evaporate. Alternatively, you can mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with a bit of cold water to create a slurry and add it to the chili during the last few minutes of cooking.
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Make it your own: Feel free to experiment with other beans, such as pinto beans or black beans. You can also add other vegetables, such as bell peppers or diced tomatoes.
Variations:
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Vegetarian Hard Times Chili: Substitute the ground beef with 1 cup of crumbled vegetarian crumbles or 1 (15-ounce) can of vegetarian chili beans for a meat-free version.
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Slow Cooker Chili: For an even easier approach, transfer all ingredients (except toppings) to a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Protein: 20-25g
- Fat: 15-20g
- Carbohydrates: 30-35g
This Hard Times Cincinnati Chili recipe is a perfect example of delicious dishes that are both easy and satisfying. It's a great way to enjoy a homemade meal without spending hours in the kitchen. Whether you're a seasoned cook or a beginner, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy!