Chili Recipe

What You’ll Love About This Recipe

This chili recipe is perfect for cozy nights or feeding a crowd, and it’s packed with flavor that everyone will enjoy. You’ll love how easy it is to make, with simple ingredients that come together in one pot. It’s hearty and filling, making it a great meal for any occasion. Plus, it’s customizable, so you can adjust the spice level or add your favorite toppings. Best of all, it tastes even better the next day, making leftovers something to look forward to!

Recipe

Chili is a hearty and flavorful dish that’s perfect for any occasion, offering a balance of spices, protein, and vegetables. This recipe is easy to prepare and can be customized to suit your taste preferences.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef or turkey
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
• 2 tbsp chili powder
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup beef or vegetable broth
• 2 tbsp olive oil

Instructions:

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the ground beef or turkey and cook until browned, breaking it into small pieces. Drain excess fat if needed.
2. Add the diced onion, garlic, and bell pepper to the pot. Sauté for 5 minutes until softened.
3. Stir in the chili powder, cumin, paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1-2 minutes to toast the spices.
4. Add the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, kidney beans, and broth. Stir well to combine.
5. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Simmer uncovered for 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chili thickens.
6. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve hot with your favorite toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, or green onions.

Notes:

• For a vegetarian version, omit the meat and add an extra can of beans or diced vegetables like zucchini or mushrooms.
• Adjust the level of spiciness by increasing or decreasing the cayenne pepper.
• Chili tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to meld.

Time:

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 45 minutes

Serving: 4-6

Nutrition

Chili is a hearty dish packed with essential nutrients. Here’s a breakdown of its nutritional value per serving.

What To Serve With It

I love serving my chili with classic sides like cornbread or rice, but sometimes I’ll mix it up with a crisp green salad for freshness. A cold beer or a fizzy soda pairs perfectly, depending on your mood. Don’t forget the toppings—cheese, sour cream, and chopped onions can take your bowl to the next level.

Side Dishes

Pairing the right side dishes with chili can take your meal from good to great. I love adding spicy toppings like jalapeños, hot sauce, or pickled onions to turn up the heat. Flavor variations matter too—think of creamy avocado or tangy lime to balance the richness. Cornbread is my go-to, with its sweet crumbly texture that complements the chili perfectly. Sometimes, I’ll serve it with tortilla chips for crunch or a fresh green salad to lighten things up. Experiment with sides to find what works for you—it’s all about making the meal uniquely delicious!

Beverage Pairings

Since a great chili deserves the perfect drink to match, let’s talk about what to sip alongside that steaming bowl. I love balancing the heat with something cool, like a tall glass of iced tea—sweet or unsweet, it’s your call. If you’re feeling bold, try spicy margaritas; the tangy lime and kick of chili powder play off the flavors in your bowl. A cold beer works too, especially a light lager that won’t overpower the meal. Whatever you choose, make sure it complements, not competes. Trust me, the right drink turns a good chili into a feast.