Classic Hearty Chili Recipe
Looking for a cozy, crowd-pleasing dish that’s perfect for chilly evenings or casual gatherings? This hearty chili recipe is just what you need! Packed with ground beef, beans, and a blend of bold spices, it’s a warm and comforting meal that’s easy to make and sure to impress. Whether you’re whipping it up for a family dinner, game day, or meal prep for the week, this chili has all the right ingredients for a satisfying meal.
Making this dish is simple with a few kitchen essentials. A large Dutch oven is ideal for cooking everything in one pot, while a durable chef’s knife and cutting board make prepping your veggies a breeze. Don’t forget a can opener for those beans and tomatoes, and a trusty wooden spoon for stirring it all together.
This recipe is versatile and customizable to suit your taste. Want it spicier? Add more cayenne or diced jalapeños. Prefer a smoky twist? A dash of chipotle chili powder will do the trick. The toppings are where the fun begins—think shredded cheese, sour cream, green onions, and even avocado slices for a fresh touch.
Not only is this chili packed with flavor, but it also gets better with time, making leftovers a treat. Serve it with cornbread, crackers, or tortilla chips for the ultimate comfort food experience. Perfect for meal prepping or feeding a crowd, this chili is a go-to recipe that everyone will love.
Grab your pot, gather your ingredients, and get ready to enjoy a delicious bowl of warmth and flavor. It’s time to bring the ultimate chili to your table! 🌶️🍲
Classic Hearty Chili Recipe
Equipment
- Large pot or Dutch oven
- Wooden spoon or spatula (for stirring)
- Cutting board
- Chef’s knife
- Measuring spoons and cups
- Can opener
- Ladle (for serving)
- Bowls and serving utensils
Ingredients
- 1 lb Ground beef, turkey or venison
- 1 lb Ground pork or sausage (optional, for extra flavor)
- 2 tbsp Olive oil
- 1 Large onion, diced
- 2 Bell peppers, diced (any color)
- 4 Cloves garlic, minced
- 1 28oz Can diced tomatoes
- 1 15oz Can tomato sauce
- 1 15oz Can kidney beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 15oz Can black beans, rinsed and drained
- 2 Cups Beef or chicken broth
- 2 Tbsp Chili powder
- 1 Tsp Ground cumin
- 1 Tsp Smoked paprika
- 1/2 Tsp Cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
- 1 Tsp Oregano
- 1/2 Tsp Salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 Tsp Black pepper
- 1 Tbsp Brown sugar or honey (optional, to balance acidity)
- 1 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 Cup Frozen or fresh corn kernels (optional, for texture)
- Fresh cilantro and sliced green onions for garnish
Instructions
Brown the Meat:
- Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the ground beef and pork (if using) and cook until browned, breaking it into crumbles. Drain excess fat if needed and set aside.
Sauté the Vegetables:
- In the same pot, add the diced onion and bell peppers. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened. Add garlic and sauté for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
Combine Ingredients:
- Return the cooked meat to the pot. Stir in diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, beans, broth, and all the spices (chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, cayenne, oregano, salt, and pepper). Add the brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, and corn (if using).
Simmer the Chili:
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and let it simmer for at least 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. For deeper flavors, let it simmer for 1 hour or longer.
Adjust Seasoning:
- Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or spices as desired.t
Serve and Garnish:
- Ladle the chili into bowls and garnish with fresh cilantro, green onions, shredded cheese, sour cream, or avocado slices. Serve with cornbread, crackers, or tortilla chips on the side.
Notes
Tips:
- Make it spicier with additional cayenne or diced jalapeños.
- For a smoky twist, add a teaspoon of chipotle chili powder.
- Leftovers taste even better the next day as the flavors continue to meld.