Chili with Beans: A Flavorful Recipe for a Cozy Night
Are you craving a hearty, flavorful meal that warms you from the inside out? Look no further than this delicious chili with beans recipe! This recipe is perfect for a cozy night in, a game day gathering, or even a weeknight dinner. It's packed with flavor, easy to customize, and guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients You'll Need:
This recipe uses readily available ingredients, making it perfect for a spontaneous cooking session. Let's get started!
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Provides a healthy fat base for sautéing.
- 1 large onion, chopped: Adds sweetness and depth of flavor.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: A must-have for boosting the savory notes.
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped: Contributes a vibrant color and slight sweetness.
- 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes: Forms the base of the chili's sauce.
- 1 (15 ounce) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed: Adds heartiness and protein.
- 1 (15 ounce) can pinto beans, drained and rinsed: Another great source of protein and fiber.
- 1 (15 ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed: Provides variety in texture and flavor.
- 1 cup beef broth: Enhances the richness of the chili.
- 1 tablespoon chili powder: The star ingredient that brings the heat and spice.
- 1 teaspoon cumin: Adds an earthy warmth to the chili.
- 1/2 teaspoon oregano: Contributes a slightly herbaceous note.
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional): For those who like a little extra kick.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Season to your preference.
- Optional toppings: Shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped onions, cilantro.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
This recipe is incredibly easy to follow, even for beginner cooks!
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Sauté the aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and green bell pepper and cook for another 3-5 minutes, until slightly tender.
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Build the flavor base: Stir in the chili powder, cumin, oregano, and cayenne pepper (if using). Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly, to toast the spices and release their aromas. This step is crucial for a truly flavorful chili.
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Add the remaining ingredients: Add the crushed tomatoes, kidney beans, pinto beans, black beans, and beef broth to the pot. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours for a deeper, richer flavor. The longer it simmers, the better it tastes!
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Serve and enjoy: Ladle the chili into bowls and top with your favorite toppings, such as shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped onions, or cilantro. Serve with crusty bread or cornbread for a complete meal.
Tips and Variations:
- Spice it up: Add more cayenne pepper or a pinch of chipotle powder for extra heat.
- Make it meatier: Brown 1 pound of ground beef or turkey before adding the other ingredients for a heartier chili.
- Add vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables like diced carrots, zucchini, or corn.
- Use different beans: Experiment with other beans like cannellini beans or great northern beans.
- Slow cooker option: This chili is perfect for slow cooking! Simply combine all ingredients in a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
This chili with beans recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. It's versatile, delicious, and perfect for any occasion. Enjoy!
