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Hearty Chili Recipe

Hearty Chili Recipe


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4.9 from 36 reviews

  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 7 1x

Description

Hearty no-bean chili delivers rich, meaty flavors with ground beef and bold spices. Comfort merges with zest in this simple, satisfying meal that promises warmth and pleasure for anyone craving a classic southwestern-style dish.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 lb (pounds) ground beef, lean
  • 28 oz (ounces) can chunky tomato purée or diced tomatoes
  • 2 cups beef broth
  • 6 oz tomato paste
  • 1 white onion, finely diced
  • 1 green bell pepper, finely chopped
  • 1 jalapeño, deseeded and minced
  • 4 cloves garlic, finely minced
  • 2 tsps ground cumin
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 2 tbsps mild chili powder
  • 1 tsp kosher salt
  • 1 tsp freshly cracked black pepper
  • 2 tbsps cornmeal
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • Thinly sliced scallions
  • Sour cream
  • Shredded cheddar cheese
  • Tortilla chips
  • Cubed avocado
  • Chopped onion

Instructions

  1. Meat Preparation: Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high temperature, then crumble ground beef into the pan, breaking into small fragments and cooking until completely browned, approximately 5-6 minutes.
  2. Vegetable Infusion: Incorporate diced onions, green peppers, jalapeño, and garlic into the meat mixture, sautéing until vegetables become soft and translucent, developing a rich aromatic base.
  3. Seasoning Technique: Generously sprinkle cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, kosher salt, and black pepper across the meat-vegetable blend, stirring thoroughly to distribute spices evenly and create a deep flavor profile.
  4. Base Development: Integrate tomato paste and cornmeal, continuously stirring for 2-3 minutes to enhance depth and prevent potential scorching, while creating a thickening foundation.
  5. Liquid Integration: Pour crushed tomatoes and beef stock into the pot, using a wooden spoon to dislodge caramelized bits from the bottom, ensuring maximum flavor extraction.
  6. Simmering Process: Reduce heat to low, allowing chili to gently simmer uncovered for 10-15 minutes, occasionally stirring and adjusting liquid consistency as needed.
  7. Final Touches: Taste and refine seasoning, then serve in bowls topped with shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, and scallion garnishes.
  8. Storage Method: Preserve remaining chili in an airtight container, refrigerating for up to 4 days or freezing for a maximum of 2 months for future meals.

Notes

  • Meat Selection: Choose ground beef with 80/20 fat ratio for optimal flavor and juiciness, preventing dry chili.
  • Spice Balancing: Toast spices briefly in hot pan to intensify their aromatic compounds and deepen overall taste profile.
  • Texture Control: Use cornmeal as natural thickener, helping create rich consistency without overwhelming the chili’s core flavors.
  • Storage Strategy: Cool chili completely before refrigerating to prevent bacterial growth and maintain best taste quality.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Simmering
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 7
  • Calories: 360
  • Sugar: 5 g
  • Sodium: 700 mg
  • Fat: 18 g
  • Saturated Fat: 7 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 20 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 28 g
  • Cholesterol: 85 mg