Craving that rich, hearty chili you get at Texas Roadhouse? Forget the drive and the wait! This recipe brings the same incredible flavor right to your kitchen. It's surprisingly easy to make, perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner, or a crowd-pleasing game-day feast. This delicious dish is packed with flavor, making it one of the best recipes for a satisfying and healthy meal. Get ready to experience homemade cooking at its finest with this quick dinner idea!
Ingredients: You'll need these pantry staples and fresh ingredients for a truly authentic taste.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 green bell peppers, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound ground beef (80/20 blend recommended)
- 1 pound ground chuck (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 (15 ounce) can pinto beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 (15 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 cup beef broth
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 tablespoon cumin
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (or less, to taste)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Optional toppings: shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, chopped onions, tortilla chips
Instructions: Let's get cooking! This easy recipe is perfect for beginners.
Step 1: 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 garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Step 2: Brown the Meat
Add the ground beef and ground chuck to the pot and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess grease.
Step 3: Simmer the Chili
Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, kidney beans, pinto beans, diced tomatoes, beef broth, chili powder, cumin, paprika, oregano, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for at least 1 hour, or longer for a deeper, richer flavor. The longer it simmers, the better it tastes! This is a great example of how simple ingredients create delicious dishes.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy!
Serve your homemade chili hot, topped with your favorite fixings. Shredded cheddar cheese, a dollop of sour cream, and some chopped onions are classic choices. Tortilla chips are also a fantastic addition for dipping!
Cooking Tips for Chili Perfection
- For a thicker chili: Mash some of the beans against the side of the pot during the simmering process.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of chipotle powder or a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce for extra heat.
- Make it your own: Feel free to experiment with other beans, such as black beans or great northern beans.
- Slow cooker option: This recipe is easily adaptable for a slow cooker. Brown the meat as directed, then transfer everything to your slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
Variations: Explore different flavor profiles
- Vegetarian Chili: Omit the ground beef and chuck. Add 1 cup of chopped mushrooms and 1 cup of lentils for added protein and texture.
- White Chili: Use white beans instead of kidney and pinto beans, and omit the cayenne pepper.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Protein: Approximately 25-30g
- Fat: Approximately 15-20g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 30-35g
This hearty and flavorful chili is a perfect example of easy recipes that deliver big on taste. It's a simple, satisfying, and healthy meal your whole family will love. Enjoy this delicious dish, and remember to share your culinary creations with us!