Introduction
A big pot of chili is the ultimate comfort food—hearty, rich, and packed with bold flavors. Perfect for family dinners, gatherings, or meal prep, this classic chili gets better the longer it simmers, making it a true crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
• 2 lbs (900 g) ground beef
• 1 large onion, diced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
Tomatoes & Beans:
• 2 cans (14.5 oz each) diced tomatoes
• 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
• 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed (optional)
• 1 can (15 oz) pinto beans, drained and rinsed (optional)
Seasonings:
• 3 tablespoons chili powder
• 2 teaspoons ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
Liquids & Optional Add-ins:
• 1–2 cups beef broth or water (for desired thickness)
• Chopped jalapeños (optional)
• Hot sauce or cayenne pepper (optional)
• A pinch of sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
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Instructions
1. Heat a large pot over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook until fully browned. Drain excess fat if needed.
2. Add diced onion, bell pepper, and garlic. Cook for 3–4 minutes until softened and fragrant.
3. Stir in chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Mix well.
4. Add diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and beans (if using). Stir to combine.
5. Pour in beef broth or water to reach desired consistency.
6. Bring chili to a boil, then reduce heat to low.
7. Cover and simmer for 45–60 minutes, stirring occasionally.
8. Taste and adjust seasoning before serving.
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How to Make
• Brown the beef well to build deep flavor.
• Cook vegetables until soft before adding liquids.
• Toast spices briefly in the pot to enhance aroma.
• Simmer slowly for richer, more developed taste.
• Stir occasionally to prevent sticking at the bottom.
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Variations
• Make it spicy with extra jalapeños or cayenne.
• Skip beans for a Texas-style chili.
• Use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
• Add corn for a touch of sweetness.
• Stir in a bit of dark chocolate or coffee for depth.
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Tips
• Chili tastes even better the next day.
• Simmer longer for thicker, richer chili.
• Adjust liquid slowly—too much can thin the chili.
• Serve with toppings like cheese, sour cream, or green onions.
• Freeze leftovers for an easy future meal.
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Conclusion
This big pot of chili is bold, filling, and incredibly satisfying. Easy to customize and perfect for sharing, it’s a timeless recipe that brings warmth and comfort to every bowl 🌶️🍲