Hearty Chili Recipe: The Perfect Comfort Food for Any Day
There’s nothing quite like a steaming bowl of chili to warm you up on a chilly evening. Packed with tender ground beef, kidney beans, tomatoes, and spices, this hearty chili is a family favorite that’s as comforting as it is flavorful. Whether you’re making it for a cozy family dinner or serving a crowd, this chili recipe will surely become a go-to in your kitchen!
➡ Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Perfect balance of spice and savory: It’s flavorful, not too spicy, and just the right amount of heat.
One-pot wonder: Less cleanup, more deliciousness.
Customizable: Add extra toppings or veggies based on what you have on hand.
Ingredients You’ll Need:
1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey, if preferred)
1 medium onion, chopped
1 bell pepper, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
1 (6 oz) can tomato paste
2 cups beef broth
1 tablespoon chili powder
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for extra heat)
1 bay leaf
Salt and pepper to taste
Olive oil for sautéing
Toppings (optional): Sour cream, shredded cheese, chopped green onions, cilantro, tortilla chips
➡ How to Make Hearty Chili
1. Brown the Ground Beef:
In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and fully cooked. Drain any excess fat, if necessary.
2. Sauté the Vegetables:
Add the chopped onion and bell pepper to the pot with the ground beef and cook for about 5 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently.
3. Add the Tomatoes and Spices:
Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper (if using), and bay leaf. Let the spices bloom in the pot for about a minute.
4. Add the Beans and Broth:
Pour in the kidney beans, black beans, and beef broth. Stir to combine everything well. Bring the chili to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Let the chili simmer uncovered for 45 minutes to 1 hour, stirring occasionally. The chili will thicken and the flavors will intensify.
5. Adjust the Seasoning:
Taste the chili and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. If you like a bit more heat, add more cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce.
6. Serve and Top:
Ladle the chili into bowls and top with your favorite toppings such as sour cream, shredded cheese, chopped green onions, cilantro, or crushed tortilla chips for a bit of crunch.
7. Enjoy!
Curl up with a warm bowl of chili that’s sure to satisfy your cravings!
➡ Tips for Perfect Chili:
Let it simmer: The longer you let it cook, the more flavorful your chili will become.
Customize the heat: You can adjust the level of spice by adding more or less cayenne pepper, or even throw in some jalapeños for extra kick.
Add veggies: Feel free to add corn, zucchini, or even carrots for a twist.
Make it ahead: Chili tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to meld together.
Freeze leftovers: Chili freezes wonderfully, so make a big batch and save some for later.
This hearty chili is sure to be a hit with your family. It’s easy to make, comforting, and versatile enough to suit everyone’s tastes. Enjoy it as a simple dinner or serve it at your next gathering, and watch as it disappears in no time!
