Craving a hearty, flavorful meal that’s both comforting and satisfying? Look no further than Tommy’s Chili! This easy recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, weekend gatherings, or simply a cozy night in. It’s a delicious dish that's surprisingly quick to make, offering a fantastic balance of sweet, savory, and spicy notes. Whether you're a seasoned cook or just starting your culinary journey, this recipe is guaranteed to become a family favorite. This healthy meal is packed with flavor and is a great example of homemade cooking at its best. It's one of the best recipes I know for a quick dinner idea!
Ingredients:
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 lb ground beef (or turkey for a leaner option)
- 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 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tbsp cumin
- 1 tsp oregano
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (or more, to taste)
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- Optional toppings: shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, chopped onions, cilantro
Instructions:
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Sauté the vegetables: Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the garlic and bell peppers and cook for another 3-5 minutes, until slightly tender.
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Brown the meat: 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 the chili: Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, kidney beans, pinto beans, beef broth, chili powder, cumin, oregano, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours for a richer flavor. The longer it simmers, the more the flavors will meld together.
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Serve and enjoy: Ladle the chili into bowls and top with your favorite toppings, such as shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, chopped onions, or fresh cilantro.
Cooking Tips for the Best Chili:
- Don't rush the simmering process: The longer the chili simmers, the more intense the flavors will become.
- Adjust the spice level: Start with less cayenne pepper and add more to taste. If you prefer a milder chili, omit it altogether.
- Use quality ingredients: The flavor of your chili will be greatly enhanced by using high-quality ingredients.
- Make it ahead: This chili tastes even better the next day! Make a big batch and enjoy leftovers for lunch or dinner throughout the week.
Variations:
- Vegetarian Chili: Replace the ground beef with 1 cup of lentils or 1 (15 ounce) can of vegetarian chili beans.
- White Chicken Chili: Substitute the ground beef with shredded cooked chicken and add a can of white beans (such as cannellini or great northern beans). Reduce the chili powder slightly and consider adding some diced green chilies for extra heat.
- 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: 25-30g
- Fat: 15-20g
- Carbohydrates: 30-35g
This nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the ingredients used.
This Tommy's Chili recipe is a fantastic example of easy recipes that deliver big on flavor. It’s a versatile dish that can be adapted to your preferences and dietary needs, making it a perfect addition to your recipe collection. Enjoy!