Chili
Highlighted under: Comfort Food
Warm up your evenings with this hearty chili recipe, packed with savory flavors, tender beans, and perfectly seasoned ground meat. This comforting dish is perfect for family dinners or cozy gatherings, bringing everyone together over a delicious bowl of goodness. Top it off with your favorite toppings for a personalized touch!
This chili recipe is not just a meal; it's a warm embrace on a chilly evening. With every bite, you'll experience the rich blend of spices that make this dish a favorite among many. Whether you're making it for a family gathering or simply craving a comforting meal, this chili will not disappoint.
Why You'll Love This Chili
- Hearty and satisfying
- Customizable with your favorite toppings
- Perfect for meal prep
- Easy to make and full of flavor
The Perfect Comfort Food
Chili is not just a meal; it's an experience that warms your heart and soul. Whether you're coming in from a cold day or hosting friends for a game night, a bowl of chili can elevate any occasion. It's a dish that has been cherished through generations, allowing families to pass down their unique recipes and secrets. This Chili recipe is not just about ingredients but about creating memories over a hearty, comforting meal.
One of the best parts of making chili is that it can be tailored to your personal taste and preferences. Whether you enjoy it spicy or mild, with beans or without, there's no right or wrong way to make chili. Cooking is an art, and this recipe serves as a solid foundation for your culinary creativity. Feel free to play with different ingredients to make it truly your own.
How to Customize Your Chili
One of the best aspects of chili is its versatility. You can easily switch up the protein by using turkey, sausage, or even plant-based substitutes for a delicious vegetarian version. Incorporating different beans, such as pinto or garbanzo, can add variety in texture and flavor. Adding extra vegetables like bell peppers or corn can up the nutritional profile while introducing new flavors and colors to the dish.
Don't forget about seasoning! Want a little heat? Toss in some jalapeños or cayenne pepper. Craving a smoky flavor? Consider adding chipotle in adobo or smoked paprika. Your chili can reflect your culinary preferences, making it a fun dish to perfect over time.
Serving Suggestions
Chili is delightful on its own, but serving it with the right toppings can take it to the next level. Classic choices like shredded cheese, sour cream, and chopped green onions add great flavor and texture. For a healthy twist, try topping your chili with avocado slices, fresh cilantro, or a squeeze of lime to brighten the flavors.
Pair your chili with cornbread, crusty bread, or tortilla chips for dipping. This creates a satisfying meal that's perfect for sharing. For those evenings when time is of the essence, consider serving it alongside a simple side salad for a balanced meal that is quick to prepare and equally gratifying.
Ingredients
Gather all the ingredients before you start cooking.
Chili Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Make sure to have everything ready before you start cooking for a smooth experience.
Instructions
Follow these steps to create your delicious chili.
Cook the meat
In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks.
Add vegetables and spices
Once the meat is browned, add the diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté until the onion is translucent. Add chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper, stirring to combine.
Combine all ingredients
Add the crushed tomatoes, kidney beans, and black beans to the pot. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
Simmer the chili
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and let it simmer for 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Once your chili is cooked, let it cool slightly before serving for the best flavor.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Chili is an excellent dish for meal prep or leftovers, as its flavor only gets better after sitting in the fridge for a day. Store any leftover chili in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days. Warm it up on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or broth if it has thickened.
If you want to save some for later, chili also freezes well. Divide it into portions and store in freezer-safe bags or containers. Label them with dates so you can easily track freshness. When you’re ready to enjoy your frozen chili, simply thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat it thoroughly before serving.
Health Benefits of Chili
Chili is not only delicious but also nutritious. The ingredients in this recipe, such as beans, provide a good source of protein and fiber, which are essential for a healthy diet. Additionally, tomatoes are rich in antioxidants like lycopene, which may help reduce the risk of chronic diseases.
For those looking to watch their caloric intake, chili can be modified easily by selecting lean meats or swapping in more vegetables. Overall, when prepared thoughtfully, chili can serve as a balanced and wholesome meal that fills you up without weighing you down.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I make this chili vegetarian?
Yes! You can replace the ground beef with a mix of lentils and additional beans for a hearty vegetarian version.
→ How long does chili last in the fridge?
Chili can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days in an airtight container.
Chili
Warm up your evenings with this hearty chili recipe, packed with savory flavors, tender beans, and perfectly seasoned ground meat. This comforting dish is perfect for family dinners or cozy gatherings, bringing everyone together over a delicious bowl of goodness. Top it off with your favorite toppings for a personalized touch!
Created by: Lila Morgan
Recipe Type: Comfort Food
Skill Level: easy
Final Quantity: 4 servings
What You'll Need
Chili Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
How-To Steps
In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks.
Once the meat is browned, add the diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté until the onion is translucent. Add chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper, stirring to combine.
Add the crushed tomatoes, kidney beans, and black beans to the pot. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and let it simmer for 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Total Fat: 10g
- Protein: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 40g