A true classic, this Chili will always hit the spot with its rich and hearty flavors!
Back in high school, Saturday nights were all about dancing at the weekly ‘teen disco’ held in our school gym, followed by a trip to the local diner, the Coach House, for some good food and even better gossip. After sipping on syrupy-sweet milkshakes, we’d dig into everything from waffles drenched in maple syrup to hash browns and fried eggs. Ah, those were the good ol’ days when we hardly thought about calories or how healthy anything was. But my go-to? It wasn’t even all that bad. I always ordered a comforting bowl of their hearty chili topped with a dollop of sour cream.
The recipe I’m about to share is a true classic and a favorite for many of us. Packed with rich, beefy flavor, a dash of warming spice, and plenty of aromatic goodness, it’s the perfect meal for a cold, blustery day. For me, though, a bowl of hot chili not only brings me back to those carefree days, but it always hits the spot when I’m craving something hearty and satisfying.
Is Chili Healthy?
Yes, this chili is as delicious as it is wholesome. The lean ground beef adds protein, the beans are a good source of fiber, and the tomatoes and bell peppers add vitamins and minerals. To reduce the amount of saturated fat, you could replace the beef with ground turkey. If you’d like to make the chili paleo-friendly, leave out the beans and add extra bell peppers, if desired. For a vegan/vegetarian version, use a plant-based ground “beef” or tofu crumbles.
Clever Ideas To Make your bowl of chili even more delicious
Over the years, I’ve discovered how a few simple tricks can turn a humble bowl of chili into a chef-worthy creation. For starters, adding a small piece of dark chocolate or a tablespoon of quality (unsweetened) cocoa powder gives the chili a subtle depth of flavor, balancing the heat and acidity and adding extra richness to the sauce. A splash of red wine or a few drops of Worcestershire sauce will also beautifully enhance the dish. A pinch of sugar or a drizzle of maple syrup works wonders to tame the acidity of the tomatoes, rounding out the flavors without making the chili overly sweet. And for a smoky, savory kick, a teaspoon of smoked paprika can transform the dish, adding complexity and a hint of elegant warmth.
How to Make Ahead and Store
Chili always tastes better the following day, but bear in mind that it should be cooled and stored within 2 hours. If stored in an airtight container, leftovers will stay good in the fridge for up to 3 days. They can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Serving Suggestions
Nothing goes better with chili than some crispy Fried Tortilla Chips. Instead of sour cream, you can top the chili with this tangy Sour Cream Dip. And did you know that chili and potatoes are a match made in heaven? Split open these Quick Baked Potatoes, fill them with the chili, and finish with some grated cheddar and chopped scallions. For a more wholesome option, try this with Steamed Sweet Potatoes instead.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds lean ground beef
- 1 large onion diced
- 1 jalapeño seeded and finely diced
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 2 1/2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 green bell pepper seeded and diced
- 1 can crushed tomatoes (14.5 ounces)
- 1 can kidney beans (19 ounces)
- 1 can diced tomatoes with juice (14.5 ounces) drained and rinsed
- 1 1/2 cups beef broth
- 1 cup water or beer
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large pot, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Add the diced onion, jalapeño, minced garlic, chili powder, and cumin. Cook for about 5 minutes, until the vegetables are softened.
- Stir in the diced green bell pepper, crushed tomatoes, kidney beans, diced tomatoes with juice, beef broth, water (or beer), and tomato paste. Season with salt and pepper.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 45 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chili thickens to your liking.
Nutrition Info:
Nutrition information are estimates only and may vary based on the specific brands, ingredients, and portion sizes you use. This data is provided for informational purposes only.
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