When it comes to classic chili, our unbeatable recipe is a surefire winner every time it graces the table. Bursting with flavorful meat and wholesome beans, this chili is renowned for clinching top honors at chili cook-offs year after year. Whether you prefer cooking on the stove or utilizing a slow cooker, the goodness of this chili is made to be shared and savored. Plus, the leftovers are a delight to freeze for future enjoyment.
Essential Equipment and Ingredients
Essential Equipment:
- Meat Chopper
Ingredients:
- 1 Tablespoon of Olive Oil
- 1 Large Onion, Diced
- 2 Pounds of Lean Ground Beef
- 1 Pound of Pork Sausage
- 1/4 Cup of Red Wine Vinegar
- 14.5-Ounce Can of Diced Tomatoes, Petite (Undrained)
- 4 Cups of Tomato Juice*
- 1 Cup of Ketchup
- 2 Cans (15-Ounce each) of Pinto Beans (Undrained)
- 1 Can (16-Ounce) of Kidney Beans (Undrained)
- 1 Tablespoon of Light Brown Sugar
- 3 Tablespoons of Chili Powder
- ¾ Teaspoon of Garlic Salt
- ½ Teaspoon of Freshly Ground Black Pepper
- 1 Teaspoon of Paprika
- 1 Teaspoon of Ground Cumin
- 1/4 Teaspoon of Cayenne Pepper (Adjust for Desired Spice)
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese (Optional)
- Sour Cream (Optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Base
- Begin by adding a tablespoon of olive oil to a large soup pot, setting the heat to medium-high. Once the oil is hot, toss in the diced onions. Sauté the onions for approximately 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
2. Meaty Goodness
- Introduce the lean ground beef and pork sausage into the pot. Cook these meats, breaking them apart into small pieces with the aid of a wooden spoon, until they attain a rich, brown hue. Remember to drain any excess grease for a leaner chili.
3. Flavor Unleashed
- Pour in the red wine vinegar and let it simmer for a minute. Afterward, combine the diced tomatoes, tomato juice, ketchup, pinto beans, kidney beans, light brown sugar, chili powder, garlic salt, freshly ground black pepper, paprika, cumin, and cayenne pepper. This amalgamation of flavors is the secret to our chili's distinctive taste.
4. Simmer to Perfection
- Bring the mixture to a rolling boil over medium-high heat, ensuring you give it a good stir. Once it's bubbling, reduce the heat and let the chili simmer over medium-low heat for at least one hour, but it can go as long as three hours. Stir occasionally during this time, and watch your chili thicken and develop its rich, savory profile.
5. Serve and Enjoy
- When you're ready to savor your labor of love, ladle the chili into bowls. For added indulgence, top it off with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of shredded cheddar cheese. The creamy coolness of sour cream and the gooey richness of cheddar perfectly complement the hearty warmth of the chili.
In conclusion, our Classic Homemade Chili recipe is the ultimate choice for chili aficionados. Its exquisite combination of ingredients and the love you put into its preparation guarantee a dish that will never disappoint. Try this recipe, and you'll understand why it's a perennial winner at chili cook-offs. So whether it's a cozy family dinner or a festive gathering, serve up a bowl of this classic chili, and you're bound to impress.