Traditional Hearty Chili

🕒 Prep: 15 min
🔥 Cook: 1 hour 30 min
🍽 Serves: 8
★★★★★
Be the First to Review!

This Traditional Hearty Chili is a classic comfort food that warms you up and fills you with joy. It's packed with flavor and perfect for those cozy nights when you crave something satisfying and rich.

Ingredients for Traditional Hearty Chili

Olive oil starts things off with a healthy fat that helps soften the onions and garlic. Onion and garlic form the aromatic base, adding depth to the chili. Ground beef gives the dish its hearty, satisfying texture. Seasonings like salt, black pepper, chili powder, ground cumin, paprika, and cayenne pepper create a spicy, flavorful kick that defines the chili. Diced tomatoes and tomato paste give it a rich, luscious consistency. Kidney beans add protein and a tender bite. Beef broth enhances the savory flavor, while a touch of sugar balances the acidity of the tomatoes.

Tips & Tricks

  • Brown the beef thoroughly; it adds a depth of flavor through the Maillard reaction.
  • If you prefer a thicker chili, let it simmer longer to reduce further.
  • Make it ahead of time. The flavors develop even more after sitting overnight.
  • For added smokiness, consider using smoked paprika instead of regular paprika.

Serving Suggestions

This chili pairs wonderfully with a side of warm cornbread or crusty bread for dipping. A dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of cheddar cheese on top adds a creamy contrast. For a fresh touch, garnish with chopped cilantro or green onions. It's also fantastic served over a bed of rice or with tortilla chips on the side.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of meat?
Yes, ground turkey or chicken works well as a leaner alternative.
How can I make it spicier?
Increase the amount of cayenne pepper or add chopped jalapeños for extra heat.
Can I freeze this chili?
Absolutely! It freezes beautifully. Just cool it completely, then store it in airtight containers for up to 3 months.

Traditional Hearty Chili Recipe Walkthrough

Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once it’s shimmering, toss in the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté these until the onion turns translucent and fragrant, which should take about 5 minutes.

Next, add the ground beef to the pot. Break it up with a spoon or spatula as it cooks. Keep stirring and cooking until it's browned all over. It should lose its pink color, which takes around 7–10 minutes.

Now, it's time to season. Stir in the salt, black pepper, chili powder, ground cumin, paprika, and cayenne pepper. Let these spices toast for a minute to release their oils and boost their flavors.

Add the diced tomatoes and their juices, followed by the kidney beans, tomato paste, and beef broth. Stir everything well to combine, ensuring the tomato paste is fully mixed in.

Bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Once bubbling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer uncovered for about an hour. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking, and let the flavors meld beautifully.

Before serving, taste your chili. Adjust the seasoning if necessary — maybe a bit more salt or an extra pinch of cayenne if you like it spicier.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Uses simple, pantry-friendly ingredients that deliver robust flavor.
  • The perfect balance of spices creates a bold, yet approachable taste.
  • Great for meal prep — it tastes even better the next day!
  • Customizable for different heat preferences.
  • Family-friendly and crowd-pleasing, ideal for gatherings.

Ingredients

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 large onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 pounds ground beef
2 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons chili powder
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 (28-ounce) can diced tomatoes
2 (15-ounce) cans kidney beans, drained and rinsed
1 (6-ounce) can tomato paste
3 cups beef broth
1 teaspoon sugar

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, sauté until the onion is translucent.
3. Add the ground beef to the pot and cook until browned.
4. Stir in salt, black pepper, chili powder, ground cumin, paprika, and cayenne pepper.
5. Add the diced tomatoes, kidney beans, tomato paste, and beef broth.
6. Stir in the sugar and bring the mixture to a boil.
7. Reduce heat to low and let simmer for 1 hour, stirring occasionally.
8. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed before serving.

Ratings and Comments

Thank you for your rating!