There’s nothing quite like a warm bowl of chili on a chilly day, right? Just thinking about it makes me feel cozy! When the temperature drops, that’s when I whip out my favorite chili recipe. It’s spicy, hearty, and absolutely perfect for satisfying those comfort food cravings. I remember a cold winter evening, gathered around the table with my family, bowls of steaming chili in front of us, and laughter filling the air. It’s one of those meals that brings everyone together, and trust me, this chili recipe will do just that! Whether you’re hosting a game night or just need a quick weeknight dinner, this chili is sure to warm your heart and fill your belly. So, let’s get cooking and create some delicious memories!
Ingredients List
- 1 lb ground beef, browned
- 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 cup beef broth
How to Prepare the Chili Recipe
Now that we’ve got our ingredients ready, let’s dive into making this delicious chili. It’s a straightforward process, and I promise you’ll be rewarded with a pot full of hearty goodness. Here’s how to do it step by step!
Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef
First up, grab a large pot and place it over medium heat. Once it’s nice and hot, add in your ground beef. Cook it for about 5–7 minutes, breaking it apart with a spatula as it cooks. You want it nicely browned and cooked through. The sizzling sound is music to my ears!
Step 2: Add Onion and Garlic
Next, it’s time to add some flavor! Toss in the chopped onion and minced garlic with the browned beef. Cook this mixture for about 3–4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion turns translucent. The aroma will fill your kitchen, and trust me, you’ll be ready to dig in!
Step 3: Add Spices
Now, let’s kick it up a notch! Sprinkle in the chili powder, cumin, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together and let those spices cook for about 1 minute. This step really brings out the flavors, and you’ll start to see the magic happen!
Step 4: Incorporate Beans and Tomatoes
Time to add some heartiness! Pour in the drained kidney beans and the can of diced tomatoes. Give everything a good stir to combine. Make sure all the flavors meld together beautifully; this is where the chili really starts to come to life!
Step 5: Simmer the Chili
Finally, pour in the beef broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Once it’s bubbling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 30 minutes. This is the perfect time to relax and enjoy the tantalizing smell wafting through your home. You’ll want to stir it occasionally to keep everything well mixed. Trust me, the wait will be worth it!
Why You’ll Love This Chili Recipe
- It’s hearty and filling, making it the perfect comfort food for chilly nights.
- Super easy to make with just a few simple ingredients—you’ll have it on the table in no time!
- Leftovers are a dream! The flavors only get better the next day, so it’s great for meal prep.
- Customizable to your taste—add your favorite toppings like cheese, sour cream, or avocado for an extra kick!
- Perfect for feeding a crowd; whether it’s game day or a family gathering, this chili will please everyone.
Tips for Success
Alright, let’s make this chili recipe truly *next level*! Here are some of my best tips to ensure you create a pot of perfection every time:
- Adjust the Spice Level: If you love a little heat, feel free to add more chili powder or even some diced jalapeños! On the flip side, if you prefer a milder flavor, you can reduce the chili powder or add a bit of sugar to balance it out.
- Let It Simmer: Don’t rush the simmering process! Allowing the chili to simmer for at least 30 minutes helps all the flavors meld together beautifully. If you have the time, simmering for an hour or longer will make it even better.
- Get Creative with Add-Ins: Want to make it your own? Try adding corn, bell peppers, or even diced zucchini for extra veggies. You can also swap out the beef for ground turkey or make it vegetarian by using lentils instead!
- Top it Off: Don’t forget about toppings! Fresh cilantro, shredded cheese, a dollop of sour cream, or some sliced avocado can take your chili to a whole new level!
- Leftovers for Days: Chili actually tastes even better the next day! Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge, and enjoy the deliciousness all over again.
Follow these tips, and I promise you’ll be the chili champion of your household! Happy cooking!
Nutritional Information Disclaimer
While I love sharing my chili recipe with you, it’s important to note that the nutritional information can vary depending on the specific ingredients and brands you choose. So, if you’re counting calories or monitoring your intake, keep in mind that these numbers are approximate and may not be perfectly precise. Always check the labels on your ingredients for the most accurate information. Happy cooking, and enjoy every delicious bite of your chili!
FAQ Section
Got questions about my chili recipe? No worries, I’ve got you covered! Here are some common queries I often hear, along with my best answers to help you out.
Can I use different meats in this chili recipe?
Absolutely! If you want to switch things up, feel free to use ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option. You can even make it vegetarian by using lentils or black beans instead of meat. The flavors will still be fantastic!
How long can I store leftover chili?
You can store leftover chili in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4–5 days. If you want to keep it longer, just pop it in the freezer! It freezes beautifully and can last for about 3 months.
Can I cook this chili in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can! Just brown the beef and sauté the onions and garlic first, then transfer everything to a slow cooker. Let it cook on low for 6–8 hours or on high for about 3–4 hours. It’ll be just as delicious!
What if I don’t have beef broth?
No problem at all! You can substitute chicken broth or vegetable broth if you prefer. You could even use water in a pinch, but the broth adds a nice depth of flavor that makes the chili extra tasty.
How spicy is this chili?
This recipe has a nice kick, but it’s customizable! If you prefer less heat, you can reduce the chili powder or leave out any spicy add-ins. On the flip side, if you like it hot, go ahead and add some diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper!
Can I make this chili ahead of time?
Definitely! In fact, I encourage it! Making chili a day in advance allows the flavors to meld together beautifully. Just let it cool down before refrigerating, and then reheat it when you’re ready to serve.
Is this chili gluten-free?
Yes! This chili recipe is naturally gluten-free, but always check your broth and canned ingredients to be sure they’re labeled gluten-free, just to be safe!
If you have any other questions or tweaks you’d like to try, feel free to reach out! Happy chili-making, friends!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Now, let’s talk about what to do with any delicious leftover chili you might have. Trust me, it’s just as good the next day (if not better!). Here’s how to store and reheat it like a pro!
First, let the chili cool down to room temperature before storing. This helps prevent condensation, which can make it watery. Once it’s cooled, transfer your leftover chili to an airtight container. It’ll keep in the fridge for up to 4–5 days, so you can enjoy it for lunch or dinner throughout the week.
If you want to keep it longer, go ahead and freeze it! Just pour the cooled chili into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, leaving a little space at the top since it will expand as it freezes. It’s best enjoyed within 3 months, but I’m sure it won’t last that long!
When you’re ready to enjoy your leftover chili, reheating is a breeze. If you’re using the stovetop, simply pour the chili into a pot and heat it over medium heat, stirring occasionally until it’s warmed through. This usually takes about 10-15 minutes. You can also add a splash of water or broth if it seems a bit thick.
If you’re in a hurry, the microwave works just fine too! Just transfer the chili to a microwave-safe bowl, cover it with a microwave-safe lid or plate (to avoid splatters!), and heat it in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between, until it’s piping hot. You’ll have a comforting meal ready in no time!
Enjoy those leftovers, and don’t hesitate to get creative with them! You can serve it over rice, in a baked potato, or even as a topping for nachos. The options are endless, and I’m sure you’ll find a way to make it just as delightful as the first time around!
Print
Chili Recipe: 5 Reasons This Will Be Your New Favorite
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A spicy and hearty chili recipe perfect for cold days.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 can kidney beans (15 oz)
- 1 can diced tomatoes (14.5 oz)
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 cup beef broth
Instructions
- In a large pot, brown the ground beef over medium heat.
- Add chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook until onion is translucent.
- Stir in chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1 minute.
- Add kidney beans, diced tomatoes, and beef broth. Stir well.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes.
Notes
- Adjust spices to your taste.
- Serve with cornbread or rice.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: chili recipe, spicy chili, hearty meal
