Flavorful Award-Winning Chili
A rich and hearty chili that's perfect for game days or large gatherings, balanced with spices and quality ingredients for a crowd-pleasing comfort food.
Ingredients
Meat & Broth
- 2 pounds ground beef (or turkey for a lighter version)
- 2 cups beef or vegetable broth
Vegetables
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1-2 fresh jalapeños, chopped (optional) Adjust for heat preference.
Canned Goods
- 2 cans 15 ounces each diced tomatoes, undrained
- 2 cans 15 ounces each kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can 15 ounces tomato sauce
Spices
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 tablespoon cumin
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
Preparation
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, brown the ground beef over medium heat until fully cooked. Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Add the chopped onions and garlic to the pot and sauté until the onions are translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the bell pepper and jalapeños, cooking for an additional 3-4 minutes.
Cooking
- Add the diced tomatoes (with juice), kidney beans, tomato sauce, and broth to the pot, stirring to combine.
- Sprinkle in chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Mix well.
- Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for at least 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. For deeper flavor, simmer for up to 2 hours.
- Taste and adjust seasoning as needed before serving.
Notes
Serve with toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped green onions, jalapeño slices, and tortilla chips. Pairs well with cornbread or crusty bread. For a thicker chili, simmer uncovered for the last 15-20 minutes. Consider adding chipotle for a smoky flavor.