thick rich Chili

Thick and Rich Chili Recipe

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs ground beef (80/20 for flavor and texture)
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 1 green bell pepper, diced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes (with juices)
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed (optional)
• 1 cup beef broth (or water)
• 3 tbsp chili powder
• 1 tbsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp smoked paprika (optional for smokiness)
• 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
• 1 tsp ground black pepper
• 1 tsp salt (or to taste)
• 1 tsp sugar (to balance acidity)
• 1/2 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce (optional, for extra depth)
• 2 tbsp olive oil (for cooking)

Instructions:

1. Brown the Meat:
   • In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon, until browned and cooked through. Drain excess fat if necessary.
2. Cook the Vegetables:
   • Push the beef to the side and add the chopped onion, bell pepper, and garlic to the pot. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened.
3. Add the Spices:
   • Stir in the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, black pepper, salt, and oregano. Cook for 1-2 minutes to toast the spices and bring out their flavors.
4. Add Tomatoes and Liquid:
   • Stir in the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, beef broth (or water), and Worcestershire sauce (if using). Bring the mixture to a simmer.
5. Simmer the Chili:
   • Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let the chili simmer gently for 45 minutes to 1 hour, stirring occasionally. This slow simmer will help the flavors meld and naturally thicken the chili.
   • For an even thicker chili, simmer uncovered for the last 15-20 minutes.
6. Add Beans (Optional):
   • If using beans, add the drained kidney beans to the pot during the last 15 minutes of cooking. Stir and continue to simmer until the beans are heated through.
7. Adjust Seasoning:
   • Taste the chili and adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or spices as needed. If it tastes too acidic, add a little sugar to balance it out.
8. Serve:
   • Serve the chili hot, topped with your favorite toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, green onions, or jalapeños.

Cooking Time:

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour
• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

Nutritional Information (per serving, about 6 servings):

• Calories: ~400-450 kcal
• Protein: ~25g
• Fat: ~25g
• Carbohydrates: ~20g (with beans)
• Fiber: ~6g (with beans)
• Sugars: ~6g

This Thick and Rich Chili is a classic, comforting dish with a depth of flavor and just the right balance of heat. The slow simmering makes the chili hearty and thick, perfect for serving with cornbread or over a baked potato!