Description
This Best Homemade Chili recipe is a hearty and flavorful dish made with ground beef, kidney beans, and a blend of aromatic spices. Perfect for a cozy family dinner, it features a rich tomato base and a mix of peppers and onions sautéed to caramelized perfection. The chili is simmered to develop deep flavors and enhanced with a touch of baking soda to balance acidity, resulting in a thick, savory stew that serves 8 and comes together in just 35 minutes.
Ingredients
Meat and Vegetables
- 2 pounds ground beef (or turkey)
- 2 small green peppers (about 2 cups diced)
- 1 small yellow onion (about 1 ½ cups diced)
Tomato Base
- 2 cans diced tomatoes (15-ounce cans)
- 15-ounce can tomato sauce
- 6-ounce can tomato paste
- 15 ounces water
Beans
- 2 cans kidney beans (drained and rinsed, 15-ounce cans)
Spices
- 3 tablespoons chili powder
- 2 tablespoons garlic powder
- 2 tablespoons onion powder
- 3 tablespoons cumin
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon chipotle powder
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- ½ tablespoon salt
- 1 teaspoon white pepper
- ½ teaspoon baking soda (optional)
Instructions
- Sauté Peppers and Onions: In a large dutch oven, sauté the diced green peppers and yellow onions over medium heat until they become translucent and start to caramelize, enhancing their natural sweetness and flavor.
- Add Spices: Add all the seasoning powders except the baking soda to the pot. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes while stirring continuously to release their aromas without burning.
- Brown the Meat: Add the ground beef or turkey to the pot and brown it until it is just cooked through. It’s fine if the meat remains slightly pink before combining with the other ingredients.
- Add Tomato Ingredients: Pour in the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, and water. Stir well to combine all elements evenly.
- Simmer Chili: Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium-low heat. Let it cook for about 15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- Add Beans and Baking Soda: Stir in the drained kidney beans followed by the optional baking soda. The sauce will bubble up as baking soda neutralizes acidity. Continue stirring over medium heat until the bubbling subsides.
- Finish and Serve: Remove the chili from the heat. Serve hot and enjoy this comforting homemade chili with your favorite toppings or sides.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey for a leaner option.
- The baking soda is optional but helps reduce acidity for a smoother taste.
- Adjust cayenne and chipotle powder to increase or decrease spiciness according to preference.
- Serve with toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, or chopped green onions for added flavor.
- This chili freezes well and can be stored for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
