Craving a hearty, flavorful chili that’s both easy to make and incredibly delicious? Look no further! This recipe, inspired by the queen of Southern comfort food herself, Jessie James Decker, is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. It’s the perfect healthy meal for a chilly evening, a quick dinner idea for busy weeknights, or a show-stopping dish for your next get-together. Get ready to experience the magic of homemade cooking with this unbelievably simple yet satisfying chili recipe!
Ingredients: A Symphony of Flavor
This recipe yields about 6-8 servings of delicious chili.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 green bell peppers, chopped
- 2 pounds ground beef (or a blend of beef and turkey for a leaner option)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 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 (15-ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 cup beef broth
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 tablespoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ cup chopped cilantro, for garnish (optional)
- Shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, and avocado, for serving (optional)
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions: Easy as 1, 2, 3!
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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 bell peppers and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
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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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Bloom the Spices: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Add the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and black pepper. Cook for 1 minute more, stirring constantly, to toast the spices and release their full flavor. This step is key to a truly delicious chili!
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Simmer to Perfection: Pour in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, kidney beans, pinto beans, black beans, and beef broth. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer 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 together.
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Garnish and Serve: Once the chili has reached your desired consistency, taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Garnish with fresh cilantro, if desired. Serve hot with your favorite toppings, such as shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, and avocado slices.
Tips and Variations for the Perfect Bowl
- Spice it up: For a spicier chili, add more cayenne pepper or a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce.
- Meatless Monday: Substitute the ground beef with 1 (15-ounce) can of vegetarian chili beans or 2 cups of cooked lentils for a delicious vegetarian option.
- Slow Cooker Magic: This recipe works beautifully in a slow cooker! Simply brown the beef and sauté the vegetables as directed, then transfer everything to your slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
- Make it your own: Feel free to experiment with other beans, vegetables, or spices to create your own unique chili masterpiece.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate)
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Protein: 25-30g
- Fat: 15-20g
- Carbohydrates: 30-35g
This Jessie James Decker-inspired chili is more than just a recipe; it's a culinary experience. It's a delicious dish, an easy recipe perfect for beginners, and a testament to the power of simple ingredients combined with love and a little bit of spice. Enjoy!