Homemade chili with beans is a delicious and hearty dish that’s perfect for warming up on a chilly day. Here’s a basic recipe to get you started:
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef (you can also use ground turkey or a meat substitute for a vegetarian version)
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (15 ounces) of kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 ounces) of black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 ounces) of diced tomatoes
- 1 can (6 ounces) of tomato paste
- 2 cups beef or vegetable broth
- 1 tablespoon chili powder (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional toppings: shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped green onions, or sliced jalapeños
Instructions:
- In a large pot, brown the ground beef over medium heat. If you’re using a lean meat, you might need to add a little oil to prevent sticking.
- Once the meat is browned, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté for a few minutes until the onion becomes translucent.
- Add the chili powder, cumin, paprika, and oregano to the pot. Stir to coat the meat and onions with the spices.
- Pour in the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, and beef or vegetable broth. Stir to combine all the ingredients.
- Add the drained and rinsed kidney and black beans to the pot.
- Season the chili with salt and pepper to taste. If you prefer your chili spicier, you can add more chili powder or a dash of cayenne pepper.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let the chili simmer for about 30-45 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Taste the chili and adjust the seasonings if needed. You can also add a bit of sugar if you find the flavors too acidic.
- Once the chili is well-cooked and the flavors have melded together, it’s ready to serve.
- Ladle the homemade chili into bowls and top it with your favorite toppings, such as shredded cheese, sour cream, green onions, or sliced jalapeños.
Homemade chili with beans is a versatile dish, and you can adjust the ingredients and seasonings to suit your personal taste. It’s perfect for a cozy meal, especially when served with some cornbread or tortilla chips on the side. Enjoy!
