Chili with beans is a comforting and filling dish that’s perfect for a cozy night in or for feeding a large crowd. It’s a versatile recipe that allows for plenty of customization based on your heat preference and the ingredients you have on hand.
Chili with Beans Recipe:
Prep Time: 10 minutes Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 large onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound ground beef or turkey
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 can (15 ounces) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 1 can (8 ounces) tomato sauce
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, adjust to heat preference)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 cup beef or vegetable broth
- Garnishes: shredded cheese, sour cream, diced onions, cilantro, avocado
Instructions:
- Sauté the Vegetables:
- In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and red bell pepper, cooking until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Brown the Meat:
- Increase the heat to medium-high and add the ground meat to the pot. Cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and no longer pink.
- Add Beans and Tomatoes:
- Stir in the kidney beans, black beans, crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and tomato paste.
- Season the Chili:
- Add the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, dried oregano, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
- Simmer:
- Pour in the broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat to low and simmer, uncovered, for about 1 hour 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. The chili should thicken and the flavors will meld together.
- Serve:
- Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve hot, garnished with your choice of shredded cheese, sour cream, diced onions, cilantro, or avocado.
This hearty chili is ideal for warming up on cold days or for enjoying year-round as a reliable comfort food. It’s packed with protein, fiber, and a rich depth of flavor that comes from the combination of spices and slow cooking. Enjoy your homemade chili with a side of cornbread, over rice, or with a simple green salad for a complete meal.