Ultimate Chili Recipe: Comforting Flavor for Cozy Nights
Savor the warmth of this ultimate chili recipe, filled with hearty beef and delicious spices, perfect for cozy nights.
Equipment
- - Dutch oven
Ingredients
For the Base
- 2 tablespoons Olive Oil can substitute with canola or vegetable oil
- 1 large Yellow Onion use a sweet onion for a milder taste
- 3-4 cloves Garlic Cloves garlic powder works in a pinch
- 2 tablespoons Tomato Paste can swap with crushed tomatoes if needed
For the Chili
- 1 pound Ground Beef (80-85% lean) great lean alternatives include ground turkey or chicken
- 1 teaspoon Kosher Salt adjust to fit your dietary preferences
- 1 teaspoon Black Pepper can replace with white pepper for a subtler heat
- 2 tablespoons Chili Powder consider cayenne or a spice blend for extra flavor
- 1 teaspoon Ground Cumin try garam masala for a unique twist
- 1 tablespoon Unsweetened Cocoa Powder omit if you prefer a sweeter dish
- 1 teaspoon Dried Oregano substitute with Italian seasoning if needed
- 1 teaspoon Paprika smoked paprika can amp up the flavor
- 1/4 teaspoon Cayenne Pepper omit for a milder taste
- 2 cans Kidney Beans replace with black or pinto beans if preferred
- 28 ounces Fire-Roasted Crushed Tomatoes regular crushed tomatoes can also be used
- 1 can Beef/Chicken Broth swap with vegetable broth for a vegetarian option
- 1 tablespoon Apple Cider Vinegar lemon juice can be a substitute
For Serving
- Toppings choose from sour cream, shredded cheddar, scallions, avocado, fresh cilantro, and tortilla chips
Instructions
Directions
- Start by warming olive oil in a Dutch oven over medium heat until it shimmers.
- Add diced yellow onion to the pot. Sauté until softened, about 3-5 minutes, then stir in minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
- Mix in the tomato paste, stirring occasionally for 2-3 minutes until it darkens.
- Introduce the ground beef along with kosher salt and black pepper. Cook for 6-8 minutes until nicely browned.
- Stir in chili powder, cumin, cocoa powder, oregano, paprika, and optional cayenne. Cook for another minute.
- Add the drained kidney beans, fire-roasted crushed tomatoes, and broth. Bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat to a gentle simmer for 30-40 minutes, allowing the chili to thicken.
- After simmering, turn off heat and stir in apple cider vinegar; taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Notes
Flavor enhancement recommended: let chili sit overnight in the fridge for better flavor development. Always taste and adjust seasonings towards the end of cooking.