Classic Chili Recipe with Beans

Chili is one of those beloved dishes that warms the soul and brings comfort to any table. Its hearty ingredients and rich flavors make it a perfect meal for chilly nights， gatherings with friends， or a simple family dinner. This classic chili recipe with beans is not only delicious but also versatile， allowing for various adaptations based on personal preferences or dietary restrictions. Let’s dive into how to prepare a flavorful pot of chili that is sure to impress.

Ingredients

To make this classic chili， you will need the following ingredients:

• 1 pound ground beef (or turkey for a lighter option)
• 1 medium onion， diced
• 2 cloves garlic， minced
• 1 bell pepper， diced (red or green)
• 2 cans (15 ounces each) kidney beans， drained and rinsed
• 1 can (15 ounces) diced tomatoes (with juices)
• 1 can (8 ounces) tomato sauce
• 2 tablespoons chili powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional for added depth)
• Salt and pepper， to taste
• 1 cup beef or vegetable broth
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Optional toppings: shredded cheese， sour cream， chopped green onions， or jalapeños

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

Before you begin cooking， make sure to gather all your ingredients. Dice the onion， bell pepper， and garlic， and set them aside. If you prefer a spicier chili， you can add fresh jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

In a large pot or Dutch oven， heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once hot， add the diced onion and bell pepper. Sauté for about 5 minutes until the vegetables are soft and fragrant. Add the minced garlic and continue to sauté for another minute， stirring frequently to prevent burning.

Step 3: Brown the Meat

Push the sautéed vegetables to one side of the pot and add the ground beef. Break the meat apart with a wooden spoon as it cooks. Season with salt and pepper. Cook until the meat is browned and fully cooked， about 7-10 minutes. Drain any excess fat if necessary.

Step 4: Add the Spices

Once the meat is browned， sprinkle the chili powder， ground cumin， and smoked paprika (if using) over the meat and vegetable mixture. Stir well to coat the meat and vegetables with the spices， cooking for an additional 1-2 minutes to enhance the flavors.

Step 5: Incorporate the Beans and Tomatoes

Next， add the drained kidney beans， diced tomatoes with their juices， and tomato sauce to the pot. Pour in the beef or vegetable broth， and stir everything together. The combination of beans and tomatoes creates a hearty base that is essential for a classic chili.

Step 6: Simmer

Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling， reduce the heat to low， cover the pot， and let the chili simmer for at least 30 minutes. This simmering time allows the flavors to meld together beautifully. You can let it simmer longer if you have time， even up to an hour for a richer taste.

Step 7: Taste and Adjust Seasonings

After the chili has simmered， taste it and adjust the seasonings as needed. You might want to add more salt， pepper， or chili powder depending on your flavor preferences. If you prefer a thicker chili， you can remove the lid and let it cook for an additional 10-15 minutes to reduce the liquid.

Step 8: Serve

Once your chili is ready， it’s time to serve. Ladle it into bowls and top with your choice of shredded cheese， sour cream， chopped green onions， or sliced jalapeños for an extra kick. Serve with cornbread， tortilla chips， or over rice for a complete meal.

Conclusion

This classic chili recipe with beans is sure to become a staple in your home. Not only is it easy to prepare， but it also allows for plenty of customization. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just a cozy dinner at home， this chili will satisfy and warm you from the inside out. Enjoy the comforting flavors and the joy of sharing a delicious meal with those you love!

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