Description
Hearty Homestyle Chili brings robust southwestern flavors to your dinner table with bold spices and rich, slow-simmered beef. Protein-packed and comforting, this classic recipe delivers a satisfying meal you’ll crave on chilly evenings.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat:
- 2 pounds (907 grams) ground beef or turkey
Vegetables:
- 2 small green peppers, about 2 cups (473 milliliters) diced
- 1 small yellow onion, about 1.5 cups (355 milliliters) diced
Canned Ingredients:
- 2 cans (15 ounces / 425 grams each) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 ounces / 425 grams) tomato sauce
- 1 can (6 ounces / 170 grams) tomato paste
- 2 cans (15 ounces / 425 grams each) diced tomatoes
- 15 ounces (443 milliliters) water
Spices and Seasonings:
- 3 tablespoons chili powder
- 2 tablespoons garlic powder
- 2 tablespoons onion powder
- 3 tablespoons cumin
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon chipotle powder
- 0.5 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 0.5 tablespoon salt
- 1 teaspoon white pepper
- 0.5 teaspoon baking soda (optional)
Instructions
- In a large Dutch oven, heat olive oil and sauté finely chopped bell peppers and yellow onions over medium heat until they become soft, translucent, and develop a light golden caramelization (approximately 5-6 minutes).
- Sprinkle ground cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper into the vegetable mixture. Toast the spices for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly to release their aromatic oils and prevent burning.
- Add lean ground beef or ground turkey, breaking it into small crumbles with a wooden spoon. Cook the meat until it is mostly browned but still retains a slight pink center, which helps maintain moisture (about 6-7 minutes).
- Pour in tomato sauce, fire-roasted diced tomatoes, water, and tomato paste. Stir thoroughly to combine all ingredients and create a rich, robust base for the chili.
- Reduce heat to low and allow the mixture to simmer gently for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
- Incorporate kidney beans and a pinch of baking soda, which helps tenderize the beans and neutralize acidity. Continue simmering until the chili reaches a thick, hearty consistency.
- Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Remove from heat and let rest for 5 minutes before serving hot, garnished with optional toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, or chopped cilantro.
Notes
- Soften veggies slowly to develop deep, rich caramelized flavors that enhance the chili’s overall taste profile.
- Bloom spices briefly before adding meat to maximize their aromatic potential and release complex flavor compounds.
- Brown ground meat carefully, leaving slight pink undertones to ensure tenderness and prevent overcooking.
- Tomato combinations create a robust sauce base with layered depth and slight tangy undertones.
- Baking soda helps tenderize beans and balance acidity, creating smoother texture and mellower taste.
- Simmering allows ingredients to meld together, concentrating flavors and creating a thick, hearty consistency.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 340 kcal
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 45mg