Description
Mexican-inspired chili brings robust flavors from ground beef, beans, and spices that simmer into a hearty comfort meal. Warm spices and rich tomato base create a soul-satisfying dish perfect for family dinners or weekend gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 pound (454 grams) ground beef
- 1 can 15 ounces (425 grams) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can 14.5 ounces (411 grams) diced tomatoes
- 1 cup (240 milliliters) beef broth
Aromatics and Seasonings:
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt to taste
Garnishes:
- Shredded cheese
- Chopped green onions
- Sour cream
Instructions
- Meticulously prep ingredients by finely dicing garlic and onions. Drain and rinse kidney beans thoroughly, then dice tomatoes into uniform chunks. Organize all components for efficient cooking workflow.
- Heat 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Sauté onions and garlic until translucent and fragrant, creating an aromatic flavor foundation.
- Introduce ground beef to the pot, breaking it into small crumbles. Cook until completely browned and no pink remains, ensuring proper meat preparation.
- Incorporate drained kidney beans, diced tomatoes, and 2 cups (473 milliliters) beef broth. Stir ingredients to combine and distribute flavors evenly.
- Season the mixture with 1 teaspoon (5 grams) salt, 2 tablespoons (30 grams) chili powder, and 1 teaspoon (5 grams) ground cumin. These spices will develop a robust and complex flavor profile.
- Reduce heat to low and allow chili to simmer uncovered for 35-40 minutes. Monitor liquid consistency, adding additional beef broth if needed to prevent excessive thickening.
- Taste and adjust seasonings, ensuring balanced flavor intensity. If desired, add optional heat with cayenne pepper or hot sauce.
- Serve hot, garnishing with shredded cheddar cheese, chopped green onions, and a dollop of sour cream. Accompany with warm sourdough bread for a complete meal experience.
Notes
- Customize Heat Levels: Dial up or tone down the spiciness by playing with chili powder and cayenne amounts to match your personal flavor preference.
- Control Beef’s Richness: Removing excess fat after browning ensures a lighter, cleaner-tasting chili without sacrificing deep meaty flavors.
- Master Browning Technique: Sear ground beef until it develops a golden-brown crust, which locks in savory notes and creates a robust foundation for your dish.
- Final Flavor Balancing: Sample your chili right before serving, tweaking salt and spices to create a perfectly harmonized taste profile.
- Quick Texture Rescue: When your chili seems too thin, sprinkle in cornmeal to naturally thicken the consistency and add subtle corn undertones.
- Prep Time: 18 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 24 g
- Fiber: 6 g
- Protein: 22 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg