The Best Homemade Chili

Homemade Chili is a classic comfort food dish that’s perfect for warming up on chilly days or for serving at gatherings with friends and family. This hearty and flavorful recipe combines tender ground beef, savory bacon, aromatic spices, and a variety of beans and vegetables for a deliciously satisfying meal. Whether you like it mild or spicy, this homemade chili is easily customizable to suit your taste preferences. Serve it with your favorite toppings such as shredded cheese, sour cream, or sliced green onions for a cozy and comforting meal everyone will love.

Ingredients:

• Bacon: Adds smoky flavor and richness to the chili.
• Onion and Bell Peppers: Provide sweetness and texture to the dish.
• Garlic: Adds aromatic flavor to the chili.
• Spices: A blend of chili powder, ground cumin, paprika, chipotle powder, dried oregano, salt, and cayenne powder (optional) creates a robust and flavorful base for the chili.
• Ground Beef: Adds protein and heartiness to the chili.
• Beer: Adds depth of flavor and richness to the chili.
• Black Beans and Red Kidney Beans: Add protein, fiber, and texture to the chili.
• Crushed Tomatoes and Diced Tomatoes: Provide a rich and thick base for the chili.

Instructions:

1. Cook the diced bacon in a large pot until almost done, then add the diced onion and bell peppers and cook until softened.
2. Add the minced garlic and spices, and cook until aromatic.
3. Add the ground beef and cook until no longer pink.
4. Stir in the beer, rinsed and drained beans, crushed tomatoes, and diced tomatoes.
5. Cover and simmer the chili on low heat for 1.5 hours, stirring occasionally. Adjust the consistency with water if needed.
6. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt as needed.

Tips:

• For extra flavor, brown the ground beef before adding it to the pot.
• If you prefer a thicker chili, you can add a tablespoon of cornmeal or masa harina during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
• Customize the chili by adding your favorite toppings such as shredded cheese, sour cream, diced onions, or chopped cilantro.
• Store any leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, or freeze for longer storage. Chili often tastes even better the next day as the flavors have time to meld together.