Name: Chili: 7 Steps to a Perfectly Hearty Soup
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound ground beef (453.6 grams); 1 yellow onion (diced); 1 green bell pepper (diced); 2 cloves garlic (minced); 2 tablespoons chili powder; 1 tablespoon cumin; 1 teaspoon kosher salt; 1/2 teaspoon ground chipotle; 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 28 ounces diced tomatoes (undrained, 794 grams); 15 ounces tomato sauce (425 grams); 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce; 1 tablespoon liquid smoke; 15.5 ounces kidney beans (drained and rinsed, 439 grams)

Chili is a comforting dish that many enjoy, especially during cooler months. This easy chili recipe comes together simply with easy-to-find ingredients. You will love the subtle spice and smoky flavor of this delicious and hearty soup. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight meal or a dish to impress friends, chili is versatile and satisfying.

Why You’ll Love This Chili (Note: 6-8 benefits; add 2 Column D keywords + 1 JSON.Details tag.)

This chili recipe is not only delicious but also incredibly easy to make. Here are a few reasons why you will love this dish:

Hearty and filling, perfect for a family dinner.
Can be made in just 45 minutes, making it a quick meal option.
Versatile; you can customize it with different toppings like sour cream and cheese.
Great source of protein thanks to the kidney beans and ground beef.
Can be made spicier by adding more chili flakes or hot peppers.
Perfect for meal prep; it stores well and tastes even better the next day.
Works as a base for many other dishes, such as chili con carne or as a topping for baked potatoes.

This dish falls under the American cuisine category and is suitable for a low-calorie diet.

Ingredients for Chili

Gather these items:

1 pound ground beef (453.6 grams)
1 yellow onion (diced)
1 green bell pepper (diced)
2 cloves garlic (minced)
2 tablespoons chili powder
1 tablespoon cumin
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon ground chipotle
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
28 ounces diced tomatoes (undrained, 794 grams)
15 ounces tomato sauce (425 grams)
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon liquid smoke
15.5 ounces kidney beans (drained and rinsed, 439 grams)

How to Make Chili Step-by-Step

Step 1: Preheat a large heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Add in the ground beef, breaking it up as it begins to cook. Once broken up, add the onion, bell pepper, and garlic. Cook until the onions are tender, about 5 to 7 minutes. Drain off any excess grease.
Step 2: Season the meat with chili powder, cumin, ground chipotle, and cayenne pepper. Stir in the tomatoes, tomato sauce, Worcestershire sauce, liquid smoke, and kidney beans. Bring to a roaring boil.
Step 3: As soon as the chili comes to a boil, turn down the heat to a simmer. Continue cooking, uncovered, for 30 minutes. You should only see small intermittent bubbles.
Step 4: Taste the soup and add more salt and pepper to taste. Top with sour cream, red onions, and cheddar cheese.

Pro Tips for the Perfect Chili

Keep these in mind:

Adjust cayenne and black pepper according to your spice preference.
For a vegetarian chili, substitute ground beef with lentils or a meat substitute.
Serve with toppings like sour cream, red onions, and cheddar cheese for added flavor.
Make a large batch and freeze leftovers for quick meals later.

Best Ways to Serve Chili

There are many ways to enjoy chili:

Serve it with cornbread for a classic pairing.
Top baked potatoes with chili for a hearty meal.
Use it as a topping for nachos or tacos for a spicy twist.

How to Store and Reheat Chili

After cooking, let the chili cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. You can refrigerate leftover chili for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze it for up to 3 months. When reheating, heat it on the stovetop over low heat until warm throughout. This recipe takes a total of 45 minutes to prepare and is perfect for meal prep.

Frequently Asked Questions About Chili

What’s the secret to perfect Chili?

The secret to perfect chili lies in the balance of spices. Use a combination of chili powder, cumin, and other spices to create depth. Don’t forget to taste it as it cooks and adjust the seasoning according to your preference.

Can I make Chili ahead of time?

Yes, chili can be made ahead of time. In fact, it tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together. Simply store it in the refrigerator or freeze it for later use.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Chili?

To avoid common mistakes, ensure you sauté the vegetables properly and do not skip the seasoning. Additionally, be careful not to overcook or undercook the beans, as they can become mushy or tough.

Variations of Chili You Can Try

There are many exciting variations of chili to explore, such as:

Chili con carne: A traditional version with meat.
Vegetarian chili: Using beans, lentils, and vegetables as the main ingredients.
Chili with chili paste: For those who love an extra kick of heat.
Spicy stew: Adding more hot peppers or chili flakes for the heat lovers.

These variations can cater to different dietary needs and preferences while still celebrating the rich flavors of chili.

Chili: 7 Steps to a Perfectly Hearty Soup - Chili - main visual representation

For more tips on cooking chili, check out our cooking techniques and ingredient selection guides.

Chili: 7 Steps to a Perfectly Hearty Soup - Chili - additional detail

For more information on the health benefits of chili, visit Healthline.