This chili recipe is my ultimate go-to comfort meal. I love ground beef, beans, and tomatoes that blend with a perfectly balanced spice mix. Every bite offers a flavor explosion that warms my soul. It is hearty, satisfying, and totally ideal for a cozy dinner perfect after a busy day.

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I love making this Best Chili Recipe because it packs a lot of nutritional benefits with every bite. I start by heating 1 tbsp olive oil in a large pot, then add 1 large chopped onion and 4 cloves of minced garlic.

Once the onion gets soft, I add 2 lbs ground beef which gives the dish lots of protein and iron. After the beef is browned, I mix in a (28 oz) can of diced tomatoes with its juice and a (6 oz) can of tomato paste.

The recipe calls for kidney beans and black beans which are a great source of fiber and vitamins. I season with 2 tbsp chili powder, 1 tbsp ground cumin, 1 tsp dried oregano, and a dash of cayenne pepper if you like it spicy.

This homemade chili is inspired by basic chili recipes circulating on Tiktok and even fits well with ideas from Tommy’s Chili Recipe. Its hearty and flavorful nature makes it a fulfilling meal any day.

Why I Like this Recipe

I really love this chili recipe for a few reasons. First off, the mix of spices really makes it flavorful and gives it that kick i love, especially when i add a bit of extra cayenne pepper sometimes. I also appreciate that its super hearty and thick so it fills me up without feeling like i’m eating something light. Another thing is that it’s pretty easy to make even if you’re not a cooking pro, which makes it perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. Plus, all the ingredients just come together in a way that reminds me of comfort food at home, and i really enjoy that vibe.

Ingredients

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Ground beef is a hearty protein and iron source, giving your chili a rich, savory flavor.
Onions add a natural sweetness and a good dose of fibre, which help balance the spices.
Garlic brings a bold, spicy kick plus antioxidants that can help boost your immune system.
Diced tomatoes add tanginess and vitamin C, making the chili extra juicy and balanced.
Kidney beans supply both protein and fibre while lending a hearty texture to the mix.
Chili powder gives the dish a spicy kick and vibrant color that elevates the overall taste.
Olive oil is used to saute the aromatics and adds healthy fats for extra flavor.

Ingredient Quantities

2 lbs ground beef

1 large onion, chopped

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 tbsp olive oil

1 (28 oz) can diced tomatoes with juice

1 (6 oz) can tomato paste

1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed

1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed

2 cups beef broth

2 tbsp chili powder

1 tbsp ground cumin

1 tsp dried oregano

1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional if you like it spicy)

Salt and pepper to taste

How to Make this

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1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat and add the chopped onion and minced garlic, cookin them until soft and slightly browned.

2. Add the ground beef to the pot and cook until it’s browned all over, break it up as it cooks.

3. Drain any extra fat from the pot if needed, then stir in the diced tomatoes with their juice and the tomato paste.

4. Mix in the kidney beans, black beans, and beef broth.

5. Sprinkle in the chili powder, ground cumin, dried oregano, and if you like it spicy, add the cayenne pepper.

6. Season the chili with salt and pepper to taste, making sure to mix everything well.

7. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat so it stays at a gentle boil.

8. Let it simmer uncovered for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally so nothing sticks to the bottom.

9. Taste and adjust any seasonings if needed, add more salt or spices if you think it needs it.

10. Serve hot with your favorite toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, or chopped green onions. Enjoy your hearty chili!

Equipment Needed

1. A large pot for cooking the chili
2. A chef’s knife for chopping the onion and garlic
3. A cutting board to safely chop your ingredients
4. A wooden spoon or spatula for stirring and mixing
5. Measuring cups and spoons for your broth and spices
6. A can opener to open the tomato and bean cans
7. A colander to drain the beans
8. A ladle for serving the chili

FAQ

Q: How long does this chili need to cook? A: You should let it simmer for about 1 to 2 hours on low, so all the flavors blend great together.

Q: Can I swap the ground beef for something else? A: Sure, you can use ground turkey if you want a lighter version but it might change the fattiness a bit.

Q: Do I need to soak the beans before adding them? A: No, just drain and rinse the beans as indicated. They cook fine without soaking since they already come canned.

Q: Is it okay to skip the cayenne pepper? A: Absolutely yes if youre not into spicy food, its optional and you can add it later if you wanna kick up the heat.

The Best Chili Recipe Substitutions and Variations

Ground beef: You can try using ground turkey instead if you’re looking for a leaner alternative. It’ll change the flavor a bit but still works great.
Olive oil: If you don’t have olive oil, vegetable or canola oil works just as well in a pinch.
Kidney beans: You might substitute them for pinto beans or even cannellini beans for a different taste and texture.
Beef broth: Chicken broth or even a good quality vegetable broth can be used if you’re craving something a little lighter.
Chili powder: If you dont have chili powder on hand, try making your own mix using paprika, ground cumin, and a pinch of cayenne pepper.

Pro Tips

1. Try browning the beef in batches so you get a nice sear on the meat. Doing this not only boosts the flavor but also prevents the meat from stewing in its own juices.

2. While cooking the onions and garlic, keep an eye on them because you want them soft and a bit browned but not burnt. Burned garlic gives a bitter taste that can ruin the chili.

3. Let the chili simmer for at least 30 minutes so all the flavors get a chance to blend. Stir it every now and then to keep stuff from sticking and burning on the bottom of the pot.

4. When you taste the chili, don’t be scared to add more salt, pepper, or even extra spices if needed. It’s all about adjusting to your own taste, so feel free to experiment a little bit.