Ah, chili! It’s that warm, comforting dish that brings people together, isn’t it? Whether it’s a chilly evening or game day with friends, a hearty bowl of chili is always a crowd-pleaser. This recipe is special because it packs a punch with its spiciness and flavor. Trust me, the combination of ground beef, kidney beans, and aromatic spices creates a symphony of taste that warms your soul. I remember the first time I made chili from scratch, and I was hooked! The smell wafting through the kitchen was irresistible. You’ll want to dive right in—so let’s get cooking!
Ingredients List
Gather these simple yet essential ingredients to whip up the most delicious chili. You’ll need:
- 1 lb ground beef, which adds a rich flavor and texture
- 1 can kidney beans (15 oz) for that hearty, filling bite
- 1 can diced tomatoes (14.5 oz) to give it that juicy goodness
- 1 onion, chopped, for a savory base
- 2 cloves garlic, minced, to boost the flavor
- 2 tablespoons chili powder for that signature spice
- 1 teaspoon cumin, adding a warm, earthy note
- Salt to taste, because we all need a little seasoning
- Pepper to taste, for that extra kick
Having everything prepped and ready makes cooking a breeze, so let’s get to it!
How to Prepare Chili
Getting your chili ready is easier than you might think! Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a delicious pot of chili simmering in no time. Let’s dive in!
Step 1: Browning the Beef
Start by heating a large pot over medium heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Cook until it’s nicely browned, about 5-7 minutes. You want to see that beautiful deep brown color—this is where the flavor begins!
Step 2: Cooking the Aromatics
Once the beef is browned, toss in the chopped onion and minced garlic. Stir them around and cook for about 3-4 minutes, or until the onion turns translucent. You’ll love the savory aroma that fills your kitchen—it’s a sign you’re on the right track!
Step 3: Adding Spices
Now, sprinkle in the chili powder and cumin, stirring them into the mixture. Cook for about 1 minute to let those spices bloom. You’ll notice the fragrant smell really intensifying at this point—such a treat!
Step 4: Combining Ingredients
Next, add the kidney beans and diced tomatoes straight to the pot. Make sure to stir everything well, and season with salt and pepper to taste. This is where the magic happens—mixing it all together really brings out those flavors!
Step 5: Simmering the Chili
Bring your chili to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 30 minutes. This simmering time is crucial, as it allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Just keep an eye on it and stir occasionally!
Tips for Success
To make your chili truly unforgettable, here are a few tips that have worked wonders for me! First, don’t hesitate to adjust the spice level—add more chili powder if you like it hot, or dial it back for a milder flavor. Toppings can elevate your chili, so consider adding shredded cheese, sour cream, or fresh cilantro just before serving for that extra burst of flavor. Also, if you want to develop deeper flavors, make your chili a day ahead and let it sit in the fridge overnight. Trust me, it just gets better with time!
Nutritional Information
Keep in mind that nutritional values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use, so these numbers are just an estimate. Typically, a serving of this chili contains about 350 calories, 20g of fat, 25g of protein, and 30g of carbohydrates. It’s a satisfying meal that won’t break the calorie bank!
FAQ Section
Can I make chili ahead of time?
Absolutely! Making chili ahead of time is a fantastic idea. Just prepare it as usual, let it cool, and store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors develop beautifully overnight!
How can I adjust the spice level?
If you love heat, kick it up a notch by adding more chili powder or even some diced jalapeños! For a milder version, reduce the chili powder or serve with a dollop of sour cream to balance the flavors.
What are the best toppings for chili?
Some popular toppings that pair perfectly with chili include shredded cheese, sour cream, fresh cilantro, diced onions, and even avocado slices. They add a delightful contrast to the spicy goodness!
Why You’ll Love This Chili Recipe
- Incredible Flavor: Each bite is packed with a perfect balance of spices and savory goodness that warms your soul.
- Easy to Make: With simple steps and minimal fuss, this chili is perfect for both beginner cooks and seasoned chefs.
- Hearty and Filling: The combination of ground beef and beans makes this a satisfying main course that keeps you full.
- Customizable: You can easily adjust the spice level and toppings to suit your own taste preferences.
- Meal Prep Friendly: It’s great for making ahead—just store it in the fridge or freezer for busy nights!
Chili: 5 Bold Ways to Ignite Your Taste Buds
- Gesamtzeit: 45 minutes
- Ertrag: 4 servings 1x
- Ernährung: Kalorienarme
Beschreibung
A spicy and flavorful chili dish.
Zutaten
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 can kidney beans (15 oz)
- 1 can diced tomatoes (14.5 oz)
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Anweisungen
- In a large pot, brown the ground beef over medium heat.
- Add chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook until onion is translucent.
- Stir in chili powder and cumin, cooking for 1 minute.
- Add kidney beans and diced tomatoes to the pot.
- Season with salt and pepper, then stir well.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes.
- Serve hot.
Notes
- Adjust spice level by adding more chili powder.
- Top with shredded cheese or sour cream if desired.
- This dish can be made ahead and refrigerated for better flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Kochen Zeit: 30 minutes
- Kategorie: Main Course
- Methode: Stovetop
- Küche: Mexican
Ernährung
- Portionsgröße: 1 cup
- Kalorien: 350
- Zucker: 3g
- Natrium: 600mg
- Fett: 20g
- Gesättigte Fettsäuren: 8g
- Ungesättigte Fette: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Kohlenhydrate: 30g
- Faser: 8g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterin: 70mg
Keywords: chili, spicy, beef, beans
