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The Best Chili Recipe

The Best Chili Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 33 reviews

  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Hearty Mexican-inspired chili delivers rich, robust flavors that dance across your palate with bold spices and tender meat. Packed with deep comfort and zesty warmth, this chili promises a delicious journey through classic southwestern cuisine you’ll savor with every satisfying spoonful.


Ingredients

Scale

Meat:

  • 1 pound lean ground beef

Vegetables and Aromatics:

  • 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced

Spices and Seasonings:

  • 12 tablespoons chili powder
  • 1 tablespoon ground cumin
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Liquids and Sauces:

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 3 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 3/4 cups (14.5 ounces) low sodium beef broth
  • 28 ounces fire roasted crushed tomatoes

Beans:

  • 15 ounces red kidney beans, rinsed and drained
  • 15 ounces pinto beans (or black beans), rinsed and drained

Toppings:

  • Shredded cheddar cheese
  • Sour cream
  • Avocado
  • Chopped red or green onions
  • Cilantro

Instructions

  1. Warm olive oil in a substantial pot over medium heat, introducing chopped onions and sautéing until translucent and tender.
  2. Incorporate ground beef, methodically crumbling and browning the meat, carefully eliminating any surplus grease.
  3. Introduce minced garlic and aromatic spices, including chili powder, cumin, brown sugar, oregano, salt, and black pepper, stirring vigorously for approximately one minute to intensify flavors.
  4. Blend tomato paste thoroughly into the meat mixture, then gradually incorporate beef broth, crushed tomatoes, and beans, ensuring comprehensive integration.
  5. Elevate mixture to a gentle simmer, then diminish heat to low, covering the pot and allowing the chili to meld and develop rich flavors for 25-35 minutes, intermittently stirring to prevent scorching.
  6. Conduct a flavor assessment, calibrating seasonings as desired, and present with complementary garnishes such as shredded cheese, sour cream, or chopped cilantro.

Notes

  • Enhance flavor depth by letting the chili simmer longer, which allows spices to meld and intensify the overall taste profile.
  • Customize heat levels by adjusting chili powder or adding fresh jalapeños for those who enjoy extra spiciness.
  • Reduce fat content by using lean ground beef or substituting with ground turkey for a lighter protein option.
  • Make the recipe vegetarian-friendly by replacing beef with plant-based crumbles or additional beans like black or kidney varieties.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
  • Method: Simmering
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 302 kcal
  • Sugar: 6 g
  • Sodium: 290 mg
  • Fat: 9 g
  • Saturated Fat: 3 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 29 g
  • Fiber: 8 g
  • Protein: 26 g
  • Cholesterol: 70 mg