Oh boy, let me tell you about my absolute favorite chili recipe! This simple and flavorful chili has been my go-to for cozy gatherings and chilly nights when all you want is a warm bowl of comfort. Trust me, there’s something magical about the aroma of spices wafting through the house, drawing everyone in. I remember the first time I made it for a potluck; it disappeared in no time and people were begging for the recipe! It’s super easy to whip up, packed with protein from the beef and beans, and you can even customize it to your heart’s content. Seriously, whether you’re feeding a crowd or just craving a hearty meal, this chili recipe is a winner every time!
Ingredients List
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (28 oz) diced tomatoes, with juices
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
How to Prepare the Chili Recipe
Alright, let’s get cooking! This chili recipe is all about layering flavors and making it super simple for you. Just follow these steps, and you’ll have a pot of deliciousness in no time!
Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef
First things first, grab a large pot and heat it over medium heat. You want that pot nice and warm, so the beef sizzles when it hits the surface. Add the 1 pound of ground beef and cook it until it’s browned, which should take about 5-7 minutes. Make sure to break it apart as it cooks so you have nice, crumbly pieces. The smell will start to fill your kitchen, and trust me, it’s heavenly!
Step 2: Add Onion and Garlic
Now, toss in the chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook them for about 3-4 minutes until the onion becomes translucent and the garlic is fragrant. You want those flavors to meld together, so stir occasionally and enjoy that aroma—it’s a sign you’re on the right track!
Step 3: Add Spices
Next up, sprinkle in the 2 tablespoons of chili powder and 1 teaspoon of cumin. Give it a good stir and let it cook for about 1 minute. This step is crucial because it really wakes up the spices, making your chili super flavorful. I always get excited when the spices start to bloom; it’s like the magic moment!
Step 4: Combine Beans and Tomatoes
Now, it’s time to bring the rest of the ingredients into the party! Add the drained kidney beans, black beans, and the can of diced tomatoes (juices included) into the pot. Stir everything together so that it’s well combined. You’ll want to bring this mixture to a gentle simmer. Just lower the heat a bit and watch as it starts to bubble—this is where the magic happens!
Step 5: Simmer and Season
Let your chili simmer for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. This will allow all those delicious flavors to meld together beautifully. Before serving, taste it and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. This is your chili, so make it just the way you like it! Enjoy the process, and get ready for a bowl of comfort that warms you from the inside out!
Why You’ll Love This Chili Recipe
- Quick and easy to make, perfect for weeknight dinners!
- One-pot meal means minimal cleanup—just what I love!
- Hearty and filling, satisfying everyone from kids to adults.
- Customizable to your taste—add extra veggies or spice it up!
- Great for meal prep; leftovers taste even better the next day.
- Perfectly pairs with cornbread or over rice for a complete meal.
- Ideal for gatherings; a crowd-pleaser that warms the soul!
Tips for Success
- Adjust the Spice Level: If you like it spicy, don’t be shy! Add some cayenne pepper or a chopped jalapeño for an extra kick. Taste as you go!
- Mix Up the Beans: Feel free to swap out the beans! Black beans and pinto beans work great too, or you can even throw in some corn for added sweetness.
- Let It Rest: If you have the time, let your chili sit for a bit after cooking. It allows the flavors to deepen and meld together beautifully.
- Serve with Toppings: Get creative with toppings! Sour cream, shredded cheese, chopped green onions, or avocado all add a delicious touch and make each bowl special.
- Freeze for Later: This chili freezes wonderfully! Portion it out and store in airtight containers for a quick meal on busy days.
- Pair with Sides: Don’t forget the sides! Cornbread, tortilla chips, or a simple green salad make perfect accompaniments.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Leftover chili is just as delicious as when it’s fresh, and I’m all about making the most of it! To store your chili, let it cool to room temperature first. Then, transfer it to an airtight container, and it’ll keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you want to save it for later, you can freeze it! Just portion it into freezer-safe containers or resealable bags, and it’ll be good for up to 3 months. Make sure to label them with the date so you know what you’ve got on hand!
When it’s time to enjoy your chili again, simply thaw it in the fridge overnight if it’s frozen. To reheat, you can either microwave it in a bowl, stirring occasionally until it’s heated through, or warm it up on the stovetop over medium heat. Just be sure to give it a good stir and watch for any hot spots. Enjoy it with your favorite toppings, and you’ll have a cozy meal ready in no time!
Nutritional Information Disclaimer
Just a quick note: the nutritional values for this chili recipe can vary depending on the specific ingredients and brands you choose. While I do my best to provide helpful information, I can’t guarantee precise nutritional details for every variation. So, if you’re tracking your intake closely, I recommend checking the labels on your ingredients to get the most accurate numbers. Enjoy your delicious chili, and remember that cooking is all about making it your own!
FAQ Section
Can I use different types of beans?
Absolutely! This chili recipe is super flexible when it comes to beans. You can easily swap the kidney beans and black beans for pinto beans, chickpeas, or even add some corn for a bit of sweetness. Just remember to drain and rinse canned beans before adding them to keep the flavors bright!
What if I don’t have ground beef?
No problem! You can substitute the ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option. If you want to make it vegetarian, just skip the meat altogether and add extra beans or some diced vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini to keep it hearty!
How can I make this chili spicier?
If you’re looking to turn up the heat, adding cayenne pepper or diced jalapeños is a great way to do it. You can also toss in some hot sauce or even a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes while it simmers. Just taste as you go to find your perfect level of spice!
Can I make this chili in a slow cooker?
You bet! Just brown the ground beef and sauté the onions and garlic as described, then transfer everything to a slow cooker. Add the remaining ingredients and cook on low for about 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. It’ll be just as delicious, and you’ll come home to a warm, inviting aroma!
Is this chili recipe gluten-free?
Yes! All the ingredients in this chili recipe are naturally gluten-free. Just be sure to check the labels on your canned goods, especially the beans and tomatoes, to make sure they’re certified gluten-free if that’s a concern for you. Enjoy a comforting bowl without worry!
Chili Recipe: 5 Secrets for Mouthwatering Comfort
- Temps Total: 40 minutes
- Rendement: 4 servings 1x
- Alimentation: Faible En Gras
Description
A simple and flavorful chili recipe.
Ingrédients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans
- 1 can (28 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large pot, brown the ground beef over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion and garlic, cooking until softened.
- Stir in the chili powder and cumin, cooking for 1 minute.
- Add the kidney beans, black beans, and diced tomatoes.
- Bring to a simmer and reduce heat, cooking for 20 minutes.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Notes
- Adjust spices to your taste.
- Serve with cornbread or rice.
- Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Temps De Préparation: 10 minutes
- Temps De Cuisson: 30 minutes
- Catégorie: Main Dish
- Méthode: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
La Nutrition
- Taille D'Une Portion: 1 cup
- Calories: 300
- Sucre: 3g
- De Sodium: 500mg
- La graisse: 15g
- Graisses Saturées: 6g
- Les Graisses Insaturées: 8g
- Les Gras Trans: 0g
- Les hydrates de carbone: 30g
- La fibre: 10g
- La protéine: 20g
- Le taux de cholestérol: 50mg
Mots-clés: chili recipe, beef chili, easy chili
