Here’s a hearty and flavorful chili recipe for you:
Classic Beef Chili Recipe
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound ground beef (or ground turkey for a lighter option)
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup beef broth (or chicken broth)
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional toppings: shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped green onions, chopped cilantro, avocado slices, jalapeño slices
Instructions:
- Heat the Oil:
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
- Cook the Onions and Garlic:
- Add the diced onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant.
- Brown the Meat:
- Add the ground beef to the pot. Cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned and cooked through. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
- Add the Bell Peppers:
- Stir in the diced red and green bell peppers. Cook for another 5 minutes until the peppers begin to soften.
- Add the Tomatoes and Beans:
- Add the diced tomatoes (with their juices), tomato sauce, kidney beans, and black beans to the pot. Stir to combine.
- Pour in the Broth:
- Add the beef broth and stir to combine.
- Season the Chili:
- Add the chili powder, ground cumin, paprika, dried oregano, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper. Stir well to incorporate all the spices.
- Simmer:
- Bring the chili to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and let it simmer for at least 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. For deeper flavors, simmer for 1-2 hours, adding more broth or water if the chili becomes too thick.
- Adjust Seasoning:
- Taste the chili and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Add more salt, pepper, or spices to suit your taste.
- Serve:
- Ladle the chili into bowls and serve with your favorite toppings. Enjoy!
Tips:
- Flavor Development: For even better flavor, make the chili a day ahead and let it sit in the refrigerator overnight. Reheat before serving.
- Vegetarian Option: Omit the meat and add extra beans, lentils, or vegetables like zucchini and corn.
- Spice Level: Adjust the cayenne pepper and chili powder to control the heat level.