The Best Homemade Chili Recipe
Try this recipe, or contribute your own.
Try this recipe, or contribute your own.
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 3 pounds ground beef
- 6 cloves garlic - minced
- 1 pound (raw) bacon - cut into small pieces
- 1 large onion - diced
- 1 red bell pepper - seeded and diced
- 1 green bell pepper - seeded and diced
- 4.5 tablespoons chili powder
- 1.5 tablespoons ground cumin
- 1.5 tablespoons paprika
- .5 to 1.5 tablespoons chipolte powder (use 1.5 tables
- .5 teaspoon cayenne powder (optional)
- 1 can or bottle beer (i use coors light)
- 1 - 14 ounce can black beans (rinsed and drained)
- 1 - 14 ounce can red kidney beans (rinsed and drained)
- 1 - 24 ounce can crushed tomatoes
- 1 - 24 ounce can diced tomatoes
- Carbohydrate 1.27599708561891 g
- Cholesterol 57.833027175 mg
- Fat 13.1622239486912 g
- Fiber 0.713748976009833 g
- Protein 16.1520349849536 g
- Saturated Fat 5.04621568380812 g
- Serving Size 1 1 Serving (116g)
- Sodium 68.4259724790336 mg
- Sugar 0.56224810960908 g
- Trans Fat 1.8864091075128 g
- Calories 191 calories
Step-by-step
- Cook diced bacon over medium heat in a large non-stick dutch oven or pot.
- When bacon is almost done, add in diced onion and bell peppers and cook until softened.
- Add in minced garlic, chili powder, ground cumin, paprika, chipolte powder, dried oregano, salt, and cayenne powder. Cook a minute or two until aromatic.
- Add in ground beef to bacon-onion mixture. Cook until ground beef is no longer pink.
- Stir in can of beer, rinsed and drained beans, crushed tomatoes with juice, and diced tomatoes with juice.
- Cover and simmer on low (for me it's #3) 1.5 hours. Add in a little water, if necessary.
- The first hour stir the pot every 10-15 minutes, and the last 30 minutes stir the pot every 5-10 minutes. You may need to stir more often depending on your pot and how hot your burner gets.
- Taste and adjust salt.
The Best Homemade Chili: A Weeknight Winner
As a busy working mom, time is my most precious commodity. Dinner needs to be quick, easy, and satisfying, and let me tell you, this chili recipe hits all the marks. I stumbled upon this recipe a few years ago, and it's become a staple in our household. It's incredibly versatile – perfect for a chilly weeknight dinner, a casual get-together with friends, or even packed for lunch the next day. The best part? It’s surprisingly simple to make, even on a busy weeknight.
The beauty of this chili lies in its simplicity and adaptability. You can easily adjust the spice level to your preference, using less or more chipotle powder depending on your heat tolerance. I personally love a good kick, so I tend to go with the full 1.5 tablespoons. But if you're less adventurous, start with half and add more to taste. Similarly, the ingredients themselves are pretty standard – you likely already have most of them in your pantry. The hearty blend of ground beef, beans, and vegetables ensures a fulfilling meal that leaves you feeling satisfied without weighing you down.
I often find myself adapting this recipe to what I have on hand. Sometimes I add a can of corn for extra sweetness, or swap out the ground beef for turkey or even lentils for a leaner option. The possibilities are endless! One thing I always make sure to do, however, is to let it simmer for at least an hour and a half. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully, creating a rich and complex taste that simply can't be rushed.
The secret, I think, is in the slow simmering process. It's not just about cooking the ingredients; it's about allowing those flavors to deepen and intertwine. The longer it simmers, the more intense the flavor becomes. This slow cooking method transforms a simple collection of ingredients into something truly special. The aroma alone is enough to make your mouth water; it’s a symphony of smoky bacon, savory beef, and warming spices that fills your kitchen with deliciousness.
This chili is more than just a meal; it’s a comforting experience. It's the kind of dish that warms you from the inside out, perfect for those nights when you crave something hearty and satisfying. It’s also incredibly budget-friendly – a huge bonus for any family trying to manage their expenses. The leftovers are fantastic too; they often last for several days in the refrigerator, making it a perfect make-ahead meal.
So, the next time you're looking for a quick, easy, and delicious weeknight dinner, give this chili recipe a try. It's a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, and I'm confident it will become a new family favorite. Remember to adjust the spices to your liking, and don't hesitate to experiment with different ingredients – that’s part of the fun!
Beyond its deliciousness, this recipe represents something more to me. It’s a reminder of simpler times, of family dinners, and of the comforting feeling of a warm bowl of chili on a cold evening. It’s a tradition I hope to continue for years to come, sharing this simple yet satisfying meal with my loved ones. And that, in itself, is priceless.
Whether you serve it with cornbread, crackers, or a dollop of sour cream, this chili is a winner. The flavors are bold and complex, the texture is satisfying, and the ease of preparation makes it a perfect choice for busy weeknights. This recipe is more than just a meal; it's a testament to the power of simple ingredients and a slow simmer, creating a culinary experience that’s both delicious and memorable.
This recipe is a keeper, a staple in my kitchen, a comforting hug in a bowl. It’s a reminder that even the simplest dishes can be extraordinary, especially when made with love and shared with those you cherish. So, grab your ingredients, put on some music, and get ready to create a culinary masterpiece that’s sure to impress your family and friends. You won't regret it!
I highly recommend trying this recipe and sharing your own experiences. Let me know in the comments how you liked it and any modifications you made. Happy cooking!
