Hearty Traditional Chili

Name: Hearty Traditional Chili
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients: 2 lbs ground beef; 2 cans (15 oz each) kidney beans, drained; 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes; 1 large onion, chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tbsp chili powder; 1 tsp ground cumin; 1 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp black pepper; 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper; 1 green bell pepper, chopped; 1 red bell pepper, chopped; 1 cup beef broth; 2 tbsp olive oil

🕒 Prep: 15 min

🔥 Cook: 1 hour

🍽 Serves: 6

★★★★★

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Welcome to the world of hearty, comforting flavors with this traditional chili recipe. Perfect for cozy nights or when you need a little warmth, this chili combines rich spices and fresh ingredients for a meal that’s both satisfying and easy to make.

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Ingredients for Hearty Traditional Chili

The star of our chili is the ground beef, providing a hearty base that soaks up all the delicious flavors. Kidney beans add a creamy texture and earthy taste, while crushed tomatoes bring a sweet, tangy depth to the mix. Onion and garlic are essential for building a rich, aromatic foundation. Our spice blend of chili powder, ground cumin, salt, black pepper, and a hint of cayenne pepper delivers the perfect amount of warmth and complexity. Finally, green and red bell peppers contribute a fresh, slightly sweet crunch, balanced by the savory beef broth that ties everything together.

Tips & Tricks

For a thicker chili, let it simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes to reduce the liquid.
Use a potato masher to break down the beans slightly for a creamier texture.
If you like more heat, increase the cayenne pepper or add a diced jalapeño with the bell peppers.

Serving Suggestions

This chili is delightful topped with shredded cheddar cheese, a dollop of sour cream, and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro. For a heartier meal, serve it over a bed of rice or with a side of warm, crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce. Cornbread or tortilla chips also make excellent companions to this hearty dish.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of meat?: Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken can be used for a lighter version.
How can I make this chili vegetarian?: Substitute the ground beef with additional beans and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.
Can I make this chili in advance?: Yes, it tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop. Simply reheat on the stove or in the microwave before serving.

Hearty Traditional Chili Recipe Walkthrough

Start by heating olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once it shimmers, toss in the chopped onions and garlic, cooking them until they’re soft and fragrant. This should take about 5 minutes; you’re aiming for translucent onions, not browned.

Next, add the ground beef to the pot. Break it up with your spoon as it cooks, ensuring it browns evenly. This step is crucial for developing those deep, savory flavors. Once the beef is no longer pink, it’s time to stir in the spices: chili powder, ground cumin, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. This will coat the beef with a rich blend of flavors, creating a robust base for your chili.

Now, pour in the crushed tomatoes, followed by the kidney beans and beef broth. Stir everything together and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 30 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully. During this time, your kitchen will start to fill with the comforting aroma of home-cooked chili.

Finally, add the chopped green and red bell peppers. Cook for an additional 15 minutes; this will soften the peppers just enough to retain a slight crunch. Before serving, taste and adjust the seasoning as necessary, maybe a pinch more salt or pepper depending on your preference.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Packed with flavor from a blend of spices and fresh ingredients.
Simple to prepare, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
Hearty and filling, perfect for feeding a crowd.
Customizable with your favorite toppings to suit any palate.

Ingredients

2 lbs ground beef

2 cans (15 oz each) kidney beans, drained

1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes

1 large onion, chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

2 tbsp chili powder

1 tsp ground cumin

1 tsp salt

1/2 tsp black pepper

1/4 tsp cayenne pepper

1 green bell pepper, chopped

1 red bell pepper, chopped

1 cup beef broth

2 tbsp olive oil

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.

2. Add chopped onions and garlic, sauté until softened.

3. Add ground beef, cook until browned.

4. Stir in chili powder, cumin, salt, black pepper, and cayenne.

5. Add crushed tomatoes, kidney beans, and beef broth.

6. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes.

7. Stir in chopped green and red bell peppers, cook for an additional 15 minutes.

8. Adjust seasoning to taste before serving.

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