Indulge in nostalgia with our Classic Chili recipe, a culinary masterpiece that pays homage to cherished family traditions. This delightful creation mirrors the flavors of the chili your mom used to prepare, featuring the rich blend of ground beef, beans, and a homemade mix of chili seasonings.
A Hearty Meal in No Time
Preparation Time: 5 minutes
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Calories: 334 kcal
The Essential Ingredients
Gather your culinary tools and get ready to embark on a flavorful journey. To make the best classic chili, you'll need:
1. Olive Oil
Begin by heating up 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a generously sized soup pot.
2. Yellow Onion
Add one medium yellow onion, finely diced, and sauté until translucent and fragrant.
3. Lean Ground Beef
Incorporate 1 pound of 90% lean ground beef, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon, and cook until it's beautifully browned.
4. Spice it Up
To impart that signature chili flavor, introduce a harmonious blend of seasonings:
- 2 1/2 tablespoons of chili powder
- 2 tablespoons of ground cumin
- 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons of tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon of garlic powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoons of salt
- 1/2 teaspoon of ground black pepper
For those who crave a bit of heat, add a dash of ground cayenne pepper, optionally.
The Heart of the Dish
Chili's essence lies in the heartiness of its ingredients. Now, enhance the mixture with:
- 1 1/2 cups of beef broth
- 1 can (15 oz.) of petite diced tomatoes, complete with their succulent juice
- 1 can (16 oz.) of red kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (8 oz.) of tomato sauce
Cooking Magic: Crafting the Perfect Classic Chili
1. Start by adding the olive oil to your large soup pot and heating it over medium-high heat for two minutes.
2. Then, incorporate the finely diced onion and let it cook for about 5 minutes, occasionally stirring until it's soft and translucent.
3. With the onion ready, introduce the lean ground beef into the pot, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Cook for 6-7 minutes, ensuring the beef turns a beautiful shade of brown.
4. It's time to infuse the essence of chili. Add the chili powder, ground cumin, granulated sugar, tomato paste, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and, optionally, the cayenne. Stir vigorously until all the elements harmoniously combine.
5. Complete the ensemble with the beef broth, diced tomatoes, drained beans, and the tomato sauce. Stir the ingredients thoroughly to create a tantalizing medley.
6. Now, bring the liquid to a gentle boil. Afterward, reduce the heat to low or medium-low, allowing the chili to simmer, uncovered, for 20-25 minutes. Stir occasionally to keep the flavors in perfect harmony.
7. Finally, remove the pot from the heat and allow the chili to rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This will allow the flavors to meld together, ensuring a delightful dining experience.
Add Your Personal Touch
As a note, some may opt to omit the cayenne pepper, especially when serving this chili to young children. To cater to spice enthusiasts, offer hot sauce on the side, allowing adults to customize their spice level.
In conclusion, our Classic Chili Recipe is a celebration of tradition and a true embodiment of culinary delight. Craft this dish with love and care, and it will become a timeless favorite, surpassing all other recipes with its delectable flavors and heartwarming nostalgia.