Description
Spicy homemade chili brings comfort and warmth to family dinners with its rich, hearty blend of ground beef, beans, and robust seasonings. Simmered to perfection, this classic dish promises a satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat:
- 2 pounds ground beef or turkey
Vegetables:
- 2 small green peppers (about 2 cups diced)
- 1 small yellow onion (about 1 1/2 cups diced)
Tomato Base:
- 2 cans (15-ounce) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (15-ounce) tomato sauce
- 1 can (6-ounce) tomato paste
- 15 ounces (1.875 cups) water
Beans:
- 2 cans (15-ounce) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
Spices:
- 3 tablespoons chili powder
- 3 tablespoons cumin
- 2 tablespoons garlic powder
- 2 tablespoons onion powder
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon chipotle powder
- 1 teaspoon white pepper
- 1/2 tablespoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda (optional)
Instructions
- Brown the ground meat in a large pot over medium heat until no pink remains, then discard any excess grease.
- Sauté the green peppers and onions in the same pot until they become translucent and tender, approximately 4-5 minutes.
- Pour in the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, and water, stirring thoroughly to create a uniform base.
- Incorporate kidney beans and the full array of spices: chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, paprika, chipotle powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and white pepper. Mix completely.
- Allow the chili to reach a gentle simmer, then lower the heat, cover the pot, and let it slow-cook for 25-35 minutes, occasionally stirring to prevent sticking.
- To minimize the tomato’s natural acidity, sprinkle a pinch of baking soda into the mixture and stir well.
- After cooking, let the chili rest for 5 minutes to allow flavors to meld before serving with preferred garnishes like cheese, sour cream, or chopped cilantro.
Notes
- Customize protein choice by swapping ground beef with plant-based alternatives like lentils or textured vegetable protein for vegetarian options.
- Control spice levels by gradually adding cayenne and chipotle powder, tasting as you go to prevent overwhelming heat.
- Enhance flavor complexity by toasting spices briefly before adding liquid ingredients, which intensifies their aromatic profile.
- Reduce cooking time and maintain meat tenderness by using a pressure cooker or instant pot, cutting preparation to approximately 15-20 minutes.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 246 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 452 mg
- Fat: 9 g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5.5 g
- Trans Fat: 0.1 g
- Carbohydrates: 21 g
- Fiber: 6 g
- Protein: 22 g
- Cholesterol: 65 mg