Description
Hearty homemade chili reveals complex layers of savory beef, smoky spices, and rich tomato base. Mexican-inspired comfort delivers robust flavors that satisfy deep hunger with each warming spoonful.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 kg (2 lbs) lean ground beef
- 2 large onions, finely chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsps olive oil
- 2 cans (400g each) diced tomatoes
- 2 tbsps tomato paste
- 2 cans (400g each) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 500 ml (2 cups) beef broth
- 2 tbsps chili powder
- 1 tbsp ground cumin
- 1 tbsp smoked paprika
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
- Sour cream (optional)
- Chopped cilantro (optional)
- Sliced jalapenos (optional)
- Green onions (optional)
Instructions
- In a spacious Dutch oven, warm olive oil over medium-high heat, creating a sizzling base for your culinary creation.
- Introduce chopped onions, minced garlic, and diced bell peppers, sautéing until they become translucent and fragrant, approximately 4-5 minutes.
- Incorporate ground beef, breaking it into crumbly pieces, and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Cook until the meat develops a rich, golden-brown exterior.
- Sprinkle in a robust blend of chili powder, ground cumin, smoky paprika, dried oregano, and a whisper of cayenne pepper. Toast the spices for 1-2 minutes to intensify their aromatic qualities.
- Pour in diced tomatoes, tomato paste, beef broth, and a touch of brown sugar, stirring thoroughly to create a harmonious sauce.
- Gently fold in kidney beans, allowing them to integrate seamlessly into the mixture.
- Reduce heat to low, covering the pot, and let the chili simmer for 45-60 minutes, stirring intermittently to prevent scorching and develop deep, complex flavors.
- For adventurous palates, consider enriching the chili with optional accent ingredients like crispy bacon bits, dark chocolate shavings, or a splash of robust beer during the final cooking stage.
- Taste and recalibrate seasonings as needed, ensuring a perfectly balanced flavor profile.
- Ladle the steaming chili into bowls and garnish with your preferred toppings, transforming a simple dish into a memorable meal.
Notes
- Enhance spice levels by adjusting cayenne pepper for personal heat preference.
- Opt for lean ground beef to reduce fat content without compromising flavor.
- Consider using a slow cooker for deeper, more developed taste profiles and easier cooking method.
- Add depth by incorporating unexpected ingredients like dark chocolate or coffee for complex, rich undertones.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 332 kcal
- Sugar: 7 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0.3 g
- Carbohydrates: 26 g
- Fiber: 8 g
- Protein: 32 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg