Save The smell of chili simmering on the back burner takes me back to my first apartment, where I learned that patience makes the difference between dinner and a memory. My neighbor Maria would knock on my door whenever she smelled spices hitting hot oil, claiming my chili was better than any restaurant. I never told her my secret was just letting it cook while I watched terrible movies on the couch.
Last winter during a snowstorm, I made a triple batch and texted everyone on my street to bring their own bowls. We ended up with twelve people crowded around my tiny table, passing toppings like sour cream and shredded cheese like they were precious commodities. Something about a steaming bowl of chili makes people stay longer than they planned.
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Ingredients
- Ground beef: The 80/20 ratio gives you the richness that makes chili feel indulgent without needing extra fat
- Yellow onion: Creates the savory foundation that holds everything else together
- Garlic: Fresh minced cloves add that aromatic kick that powder alone cannot achieve
- Bell peppers: Both red and green add sweetness and subtle depth
- Jalapeño: Optional heat that wakes up the back of your palate
- Diced tomatoes: The backbone liquid that carries all the spices
- Kidney beans: Creamy texture that makes every spoonful satisfying
- Tomato paste: Concentrated umami that deepens the color and flavor
- Beef broth: Adds another layer of meatiness
- Chili powder: The primary spice that gives this dish its identity
- Ground cumin: Earthy warmth that complements the beef
- Smoked paprika: Subtle smokiness without needing a smoker
- Cayenne pepper: Adjustable heat for your tolerance level
- Dried oregano: Herbal notes that balance the heavy spices
- Salt and black pepper: Essential seasoning that brings everything forward
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Instructions
- Brown the beef:
- Cook the ground beef in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat until no longer pink, breaking it apart as it sizzles
- Soften the vegetables:
- Add onion, garlic, bell peppers, and jalapeño, cooking until they yield to the spoon and smell sweet
- Wake up the spices:
- Stir in chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, cayenne, oregano, salt, and pepper until the aroma fills your kitchen
- Concentrate the flavors:
- Mix in tomato paste and let it cook for a minute to deepen its richness
- Build the base:
- Pour in diced tomatoes, kidney beans, and beef broth, stirring until everything is coated in that spiced liquid
- Let it simmer:
- Bring to a gentle bubble, then lower the heat and cover while it transforms over 45 minutes
- Thicken it up:
- Uncover and cook longer if you want a heartier consistency, tasting to adjust salt or heat
- Finish and serve:
- Ladle into bowls and let everyone add their own toppings like sour cream, cheese, cilantro, or avocado
Save This became my go-to meal after my daughter was born, when cooking anything complicated felt impossible. I could dump everything in the pot during nap time and have dinner ready without standing at the stove for hours.
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Making It Your Own
The beauty of chili is how it adapts to whatever you have in your pantry. I have made it with ground turkey when beef felt too heavy, added extra beans when I needed to stretch it further, and thrown in sweet potatoes for unexpected sweetness.
The Topping Strategy
Sour cream cuts through the heat while shredded cheese adds salty richness. Diced avocado brings creaminess without dairy, and fresh cilantro wakes everything up with its bright herbal punch.
Sides That Complete The Meal
Cornbread is classic for a reason, that slightly sweet crumb soaks up every drop. Steamed rice works beautifully if you want to stretch it even further.
- Warm tortillas on the side make it feel more like a taco dinner
- A simple green salad with vinaigrette balances the richness
- Corn chips add satisfying crunch when crumbled on top
Save Some recipes are just meant to be shared, passed down, and adapted until they become yours in all but name.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → How long does chili con carne need to simmer?
Simmer for at least 45 minutes to develop deep flavors. For thicker consistency, continue simmering uncovered for an additional 10-15 minutes.
- → Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely. Like many stews, the flavors deepen and improve overnight. Store in the refrigerator and reheat gently before serving.
- → What can I serve with this?
Classic toppings include sour cream, shredded cheddar, chopped cilantro, green onions, and diced avocado. Cornbread or steamed rice make excellent sides.
- → How can I adjust the spice level?
Reduce or omit the jalapeño and cayenne for a milder version. Add extra chili powder or fresh hot peppers if you prefer more heat.
- → Can I substitute the ground beef?
Ground turkey or chicken work well for a lighter version while maintaining texture. Plant-based ground meat alternatives also blend seamlessly.
- → Is this gluten-free?
The stew itself is naturally gluten-free when using appropriate canned goods. Always verify labels on canned tomatoes and broth, and choose gluten-free toppings.
