Easy Chili Recipe

Madeline

Everyday Culinary Delights

Introduction

Chili is a beloved dish that brings warmth and comfort to any gathering. This easy chili recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or weekend parties. Packed with flavorful ingredients, it’s sure to satisfy your cravings. Whether you enjoy it alone or with toppings like cheese and sour cream, this chili will quickly become a favorite in your home.

Detailed Ingredients with measures

Ground beef: 1 pound
Onion: 1 medium, chopped
Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
Red bell pepper: 1, chopped
Green bell pepper: 1, chopped
Diced tomatoes: 1 can (28 ounces)
Tomato sauce: 1 can (8 ounces)
Kidney beans: 1 can (15 ounces), drained and rinsed
Chili powder: 3 tablespoons
Cumin: 1 tablespoon
Salt: 1 teaspoon
Pepper: ½ teaspoon
Olive oil: 1 tablespoon

Prep Time

20 minutes

Cook Time, Total Time, Yield

Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: 6 servings

Enjoy making this easy chili recipe, and feel free to customize it with your favorite toppings for a truly delicious experience!

Detailed Directions and Instructions

Step 1: Prepare Ingredients

Gather all necessary ingredients for the chili recipe. Chop onions and peppers, mince garlic, and measure out spices and beans.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatics

In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onions and bell peppers. Sauté for about 5 minutes until softened. Stir in minced garlic and sauté for an additional minute.

Step 3: Add Ground Beef

Push the sautéed vegetables to the side of the pot and add the ground beef. Cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon, about 6-7 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.

Step 4: Season the Mixture

Add chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper to the meat and veggie mixture. Stir everything together to coat the beef and vegetables with the spices.

Step 5: Stir in Other Ingredients

Add tomatoes (with juices), kidney beans, and black beans to the pot. Stir well to combine all ingredients.

Step 6: Simmer the Chili

Increase the heat to high and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer uncovered for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 7: Adjust Consistency and Flavor

After simmering, taste the chili and adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or spices as desired. If the chili is too thick, add a little water; if too thin, let it simmer a bit longer.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy

Once the chili has reached your desired consistency and flavor, serve hot. Top with your choice of toppings such as cheese, sour cream, or green onions if desired.

Notes

Note 1: Spice Level

You can adjust the spiciness of the chili by adding more chili powder or incorporating diced jalapeños.

Note 2: Vegetarian Option

For a vegetarian version, substitute ground beef with lentils or plant-based meat alternatives, and use vegetable broth instead of beef.

Note 3: Storage

Leftover chili can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months. Reheat thoroughly before serving.

Note 4: Serving Suggestions

Chili can be served with cornbread, rice, or tortilla chips for a complete meal.

Cook techniques

Chopping vegetables

Chop vegetables like onions, bell peppers, and garlic into uniform sizes for even cooking and enhanced flavor distribution.

Sautéing

Sauté the chopped vegetables over medium heat until they are softened and fragrant, which helps to develop the base flavor of the chili.

Browning meat

Brown the ground beef or turkey in a skillet before adding to the chili mixture to enhance the meaty flavor and texture.

Simmering

Allow the chili to simmer for at least 30 minutes to an hour, which helps the flavors meld together and deepen.

Tasting and adjusting seasoning

Throughout the cooking process, taste the chili and adjust the seasoning with salt, pepper, and spices to suit your preference.

Thickening the chili

If a thicker consistency is desired, let the chili simmer uncovered to reduce excess liquid, or add ingredients like beans or corn.

Serving

Serve the chili hot, garnished with toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, or chopped green onions for added flavor and texture.

FAQ

Can I make this chili in advance?

Yes, chili can be made in advance and often tastes better the next day as the flavors continue to develop.

What can I substitute for ground meat?

You can use beans, lentils, or plant-based meat substitutes for a vegetarian or vegan version of the chili.

How can I make the chili spicier?

Add more chili powder, cayenne pepper, or chopped fresh jalapeños to increase the heat level.

Can I freeze leftover chili?

Yes, chili freezes well and can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 months.

What toppings work best for chili?

Popular toppings include shredded cheese, sour cream, diced onions, chopped cilantro, avocado, and tortilla chips.

Conclusion

This easy chili recipe is a perfect dish for any occasion, offering a delightful balance of flavors and a hearty texture that satisfies the appetite. With simple ingredients and straightforward preparation, it can be customized to suit various tastes, making it a versatile addition to your culinary repertoire. Serve it with your favorite toppings for a delicious meal that everyone will enjoy.

More recipes suggestions and combination

Classic Cornbread

Pair your chili with a slice of warm, buttery cornbread for a comforting combination that complements the dish perfectly.

Guacamole and Tortilla Chips

Serve fresh guacamole with crispy tortilla chips as a refreshing side that adds a creamy texture and zest to your chili meal.

Stuffed Peppers

Fill bell peppers with a mixture of chili and rice for a unique twist on the traditional dish, packing flavor in every bite.

Chili Mac

Combine your chili with macaroni and cheese for a rich and indulgent meal, perfect for a cozy night in.

Vegetable Salad

A refreshing vegetable salad with a zesty dressing can lighten the meal and provide a fresh contrast to the rich chili.

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