Classic Chili recipe

This Classic Chili recipe is a hearty and flavorful dish that’s perfect for a cozy dinner. Made with ground beef, beans, and a blend of spices, it’s a comforting meal that’s easy to prepare and loved by all. The slow-cooked beef becomes tender and absorbs the robust flavors of chili powder, cumin, and green chiles, creating a rich and savory chili. Serve it with your favorite toppings like shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, and green onions for a complete and satisfying meal.

Ingredients

• 2 lbs ground beef (85% lean)
• 1 cup diced yellow onion
• 1/4 cup diced celery (about 1 large celery stalk)
• 2 (15-ounce) cans kidney beans with liquid
• 2 (15-ounce) cans pinto beans with liquid
• 2 (15-ounce) cans tomato sauce
• 1 (15-ounce) can petite diced tomatoes, drained
• 1 (4-ounce) can diced green chiles
• 3 tablespoons chili powder
• 2 teaspoons ground cumin
• 2 teaspoons salt, or to taste
• 1 teaspoon ground pepper
• 1 cup water (optional, adjust for desired consistency)
• (Optional) pinch of sugar (to cut the acidity of the tomatoes)

Toppings (Optional)

• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Sour cream
• Green onions

Instructions

1. Brown the Beef: In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion and celery, sautéing until they are soft and fragrant. Drain any excess liquid.
2. Combine Ingredients: Transfer the beef mixture to a 6-8 quart slow cooker. Add the kidney beans, pinto beans, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, diced green chiles, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
3. Adjust Consistency: Add water to reach your desired consistency. If you prefer a thicker chili, omit the water. For a thinner chili, add up to 1 cup of water.
4. Slow Cook: Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 4-6 hours. This slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.
5. Serve: Once the chili is cooked, serve it hot with your choice of toppings such as shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, and green onions.
6. Store: Store any leftover chili in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving.

Tips

• Meat Options: While ground beef is traditional, you can also use ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
• Bean Varieties: Feel free to experiment with different types of beans such as black beans or cannellini beans to suit your taste.
• Spice Level: Adjust the amount of chili powder and add some cayenne pepper if you prefer a spicier chili.
• Thickening: If your chili is too thin, you can thicken it by letting it cook uncovered for the last 30 minutes or by adding a slurry of cornstarch and water.
• Flavor Enhancements: A pinch of sugar helps balance the acidity of the tomatoes, and a splash of lime juice added at the end can brighten up the flavors.

Notes

This Classic Chili recipe is versatile and can be easily customized to your preferences. The slow cooker method ensures a rich and flavorful dish that’s perfect for meal prep or feeding a crowd. Enjoy this comforting and satisfying chili any time of the year!