Description
A comforting dish perfect for weeknight dinners, made quickly with pantry staples and a rich blend of spices.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
- 2 ribs celery, chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
- 1 (10 oz) can diced tomatoes with green chilies
- 1 (15 oz) can stewed tomatoes
- 1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, undrained
- 1 (15 oz) can pinto beans, undrained
- 1 cup water
- 2 tbsp chili powder
- 1 ½ tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp sugar
Instructions
- Start by heating your large pot over medium-high heat. Once it’s hot, add the ground beef to the pot. Use a wooden spoon to break the meat apart as it cooks, allowing it to brown evenly. This process caramelizes the beef, developing its flavor and making your chili rich and savory. After the beef is browned, be sure to drain any excess grease before moving on to the next step.
- With the ground beef drained, it’s time to introduce the vegetables. Add the chopped onion, celery, and green bell pepper to the pot. Cooking these veggies for about 5-7 minutes will help them soften and release their flavors, ensuring they meld beautifully with the meat. Stir occasionally to prevent burning and ensure even cooking.
- Once the vegetables are starting to soften, stir in the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes with green chilies, and stewed tomatoes. Combining these tomato-based ingredients provides a foundation for the chili and adds a delightful acidity that balances the other flavors.
- Next, it’s time to add in the kidney and pinto beans—make sure to include their liquid for added flavor! Pour in a full cup of water and mix everything together thoroughly. This will create a nice broth that makes your chili hearty without being too thick.
- At this stage, season your chili with chili powder, ground cumin, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and sugar. The spices not only add warmth and heat but also depth to the dish. Give everything a good stir to ensure the spices are evenly distributed.
- Next, bring the chili mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer. Allow the chili to cook for 45 minutes, stirring occasionally. This step lets all the ingredients simmer together, creating a rich and comforting flavor.
- After the simmering process, take a moment to taste your chili. If it requires more seasoning, feel free to adjust with additional spices or salt to suit your palate. If you find the chili to be too thick for your liking, simply add a splash more water until you reach your desired consistency.
- Once everything is perfectly seasoned and heated through, it’s time to serve! Ladle the chili into bowls and top with shredded cheddar cheese, a few crackers, or cornbread for a satisfying meal. Enjoy the fruits of your labor as the warmth of the chili envelops you.
Notes
For optimal flavor, consider making the chili a day ahead. Allowing it to sit overnight lets the flavors meld beautifully.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dinner
Nutrition
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sodium: 780 mg
- Protein: 23 g