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Best Chili

Best Chili Recipe: Hearty Comfort with Custom Spice Levels

Discover the Best Chili recipe that warms your soul with customizable spice levels and hearty ingredients.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 2 hours
Thickening Time 30 minutes
Total Time 2 hours 50 minutes
Servings: 6 bowls
Course: Soups
Cuisine: American
Calories: 350
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Base
  • 2 tablespoons Olive Oil Can substitute with vegetable oil.
  • 1 medium Yellow Onion Chopped; can substitute with shallots or red onions.
  • 1 pound Lean Ground Beef Can substitute with ground turkey or chicken.
  • 3 cloves Garlic Minced; use fresh for best results.
For the Spice Blend
  • 1 tablespoon Chili Powder Use 1 for mild, 2 for spicy.
  • 1 teaspoon Ground Cumin
  • 1 tablespoon Brown Sugar Adjust for sweetness.
  • 1 teaspoon Dried Oregano
  • to taste Salt & Black Pepper Fundamental seasonings.
For the Chili Texture
  • 2 tablespoons Tomato Paste
  • 4 cups Low Sodium Beef Broth Can use chicken broth.
  • 1 can Fire Roasted Crushed Tomatoes Can substitute with diced tomatoes.
For the Beans
  • 1 can Red Kidney Beans Classic for chili.
  • 1 can Pinto Beans Can swap with black beans or omit.
For Toppings
  • 1 cup Shredded Cheddar Cheese Optional topping.
  • 1 cup Sour Cream For cooling down spice.
  • 1 medium Avocado Diced for topping.
  • to taste Chopped Onions & Cilantro For garnish.

Equipment

  • large Dutch oven

Method
 

Cooking Steps
  1. Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat, add chopped onion, and sauté until softened.
  2. Add lean ground beef, breaking apart, and cook until browned, about 5 minutes.
  3. Stir in minced garlic and cook until fragrant, then add chili powder, cumin, brown sugar, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix well and toast spices for 1-2 minutes.
  4. Add tomato paste to the mixture, stirring well and cooking for an additional minute.
  5. Pour in beef broth and add crushed tomatoes, stirring to incorporate.
  6. Introduce red kidney beans and pinto beans to the pot, and bring to a gentle boil.
  7. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 1 to 2 hours, stirring occasionally.
  8. Uncover for the last 30 minutes to thicken the chili.
  9. Serve hot with shredded cheddar, sour cream, avocado, and any favorite toppings.

Nutrition

Serving: 1bowlCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 25gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 80mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 800mgFiber: 10gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 150mgIron: 3mg

Notes

For varied spice levels, adjust chili powder quantity. Simmering longer enhances flavor, and leftovers can be stored or frozen for future meals.

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