
Hearty Homemade Chili Recipe 🌶️🍲
This hearty and flavorful chili recipe is perfect for cozy dinners, gatherings, or meal prep. Packed with rich spices, tender ground beef, and a medley of tomatoes and beans, it’s a bowl of comfort you won’t want to miss.
Ingredients
- 2 (14.5 oz) cans fire-roasted diced tomatoes
- 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
- 2 (16 oz) cans chili beans
- ½ cup water
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 ½ tbsp ground cumin
- 2 tsp garlic powder
- 2 tsp onion powder
- 3 tbsp chili powder
- ½ tsp celery seed
- ¼ tsp dried oregano
- 2 tsp roasted beef base
- 2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 6 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 yellow onion (diced)
- 2 green bell peppers (chopped)
- 1 jalapeño (chopped)
- 2 lbs ground beef
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Ground Beef
- Heat a large pot over medium heat.
- Add the ground beef and cook for 8-10 minutes, breaking it up with a spatula until it’s cooked through.
- Transfer the ground beef to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease, leaving about 2 tablespoons of grease in the pot.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
- Add the diced onion, chopped bell peppers, and jalapeño to the pot. Season with salt and black pepper.
- Cook the vegetables for 8 minutes, stirring frequently, until softened.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute, until fragrant.
Step 3: Add Spices and Combine
- Return the cooked ground beef to the pot.
- Stir in the ground cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, celery seed, and oregano. Cook for 2 minutes to toast the spices and enhance their flavor.
Step 4: Build the Chili Base
- Add the crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and chili beans to the pot.
- Stir in the roasted beef base, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, and water. Mix everything well.
Step 5: Simmer the Chili
- Bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for 1-2 hours, stirring occasionally. The longer it cooks, the more the flavors will meld together.
Step 6: Serve and Garnish
- Ladle the chili into bowls and garnish with your favorite toppings: shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped green onions, or sliced jalapeños. Pair with cornbread or tortilla chips for a complete meal.
Why You’ll Love This Chili Recipe
- Rich Flavor: Layers of spices, roasted beef base, and Worcestershire sauce create a deeply satisfying taste.
- Customizable: Adjust the spice level or swap ground beef for turkey, chicken, or plant-based alternatives.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: This chili stores beautifully and tastes even better the next day.
Tips for Success
- Spice Level: For extra heat, leave the seeds in the jalapeño or add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- Consistency: If you prefer a thicker chili, simmer uncovered for the last 15-20 minutes.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve with cornbread, over rice, or as a topping for baked potatoes.
This hearty chili is sure to warm your soul and satisfy your cravings. Whether for a family dinner or a cozy weekend meal, it’s a dish you’ll come back to time and again. Enjoy! 🌟