Cozy Up with this Soul-Warming Hearty Sunday Chili Recipe

Chili nights bring warmth and comfort to every kitchen, and this hearty Sunday chili recipe promises a flavor explosion that will tantalize your taste buds.

Robust beef mingles with rich spices, creating a symphony of textures and aromas.

Slow-cooked to perfection, the chili develops deep, complex flavors that speak to the soul of home cooking.

Each spoonful carries a delightful blend of tender meat, beans, and vibrant seasonings.

The secret lies in the carefully balanced ingredients that transform a simple dish into a memorable meal.

Topped with fresh garnishes like sharp cheddar and cool sour cream, this chili turns an ordinary Sunday into a culinary celebration.

Prepare to savor every delicious bite of this ultimate comfort food.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 40 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour

Calories: 169 kcal

Servings: 4

What to Pick Up for This Cozy Sunday Chili

• Bacon: Provides a smoky depth and rich flavor foundation, choose thick-cut for maximum crispiness.
• Ground Beef: Delivers hearty protein, select 80/20 blend for optimal juiciness and texture.

• Onion: Builds savory undertones, opt for yellow onions with firm, unblemished skin.
• Garlic: Adds intense flavor complexity, choose fresh cloves with tight, compact heads.
• Jalapeño: Introduces subtle heat and brightness, select peppers with vibrant green color and smooth skin.

• Chili Powder: Creates warm, robust spice profile, look for high-quality blends without fillers.
• Cumin: Offers earthy, smoky notes, choose whole seeds or fresh ground for maximum potency.
• Oregano: Provides herbal undertones, select dried Mexican oregano for authentic taste.
• Garlic Powder: Reinforces garlic depth, ensure it's fresh and clump-free.
• Tomato Paste: Concentrates rich tomato flavor, pick brands in glass jars for superior taste.

• Crushed Tomatoes: Delivers tangy base and moisture, select San Marzano for superior quality.
• Beef Broth: Creates layered liquid foundation, choose low-sodium versions for better control.
• Beans: Adds creamy texture and protein, mix kidney and black beans for varied mouthfeel.

Helpful Kitchen Tools for Laid-Back Cooking

• Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot: Essential for cooking bacon and developing deep flavors.
• Slotted spoon: Perfect for removing crispy bacon without excess grease.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Great for stirring and breaking up ground beef while cooking.
• Measuring spoons: Helps accurately add spices for balanced flavor.
• Can opener: Needed for opening canned tomatoes and beans.
• Knife and cutting board: For chopping onions, garlic, and jalapeño.

Let This Chili Simmer While You Kick Back

• Crisp Up the Bacon

Heat a large pot and sizzle bacon until golden and crunchy. Fish out the bacon pieces, leaving behind those delicious drippings.

• Wake Up the Aromatics

Toss chopped onions, minced garlic, and diced jalapeños into the bacon fat. Let them dance and soften until they release their mouth-watering fragrance.

• Brown the Beef

Tumble ground beef into the pot, breaking it into crumbly bits. Cook until it’s richly browned and looking irresistible.

• Spice Things Up

Sprinkle in a symphony of spices and tomato paste. Let them mingle and intensify their flavors for a few minutes.

• Build the Chili Base

Pour in crushed tomatoes, beans, broth, and the reserved bacon. Bring everything to a gentle bubble, letting the ingredients get cozy together.

• Slow and Low Magic

Reduce the heat and let the chili simmer lazily. Stir occasionally and taste as it transforms into a deeply satisfying meal. Adjust seasonings to your heart’s content and serve piping hot.

Smart Substitutions to Keep It Interesting

• Slice bacon into small, uniform pieces for even cooking and maximum flavor infusion throughout the chili.
• Adjust jalapeño quantity or remove seeds to manage heat intensity, making the dish mild or extra spicy based on personal preference.
• This chili tastes even better the next day, so prepare in advance and refrigerate overnight to enhance depth of flavor and allow spices to meld beautifully.
• Replace ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based meat alternatives for a lighter or vegetarian version without compromising taste and texture.
• Store leftover chili in airtight containers for up to 3 months, perfect for quick meals and meal prep enthusiasts wanting delicious, hearty options on busy days.

Tips for Serving a Crowd or a Quiet Night In

• Bacon Bliss Topping: Sprinkle the crispy reserved bacon bits over each chili bowl for a crunchy, smoky texture that adds incredible depth and richness.
• Cheese Lover's Dream: Generously top the hot chili with shredded cheddar, monterey jack, or a blend of cheeses that melts perfectly and creates a creamy layer.
• Fresh Zest Finish: Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro, diced green onions, or a squeeze of lime to brighten the hearty flavors and add a fresh, tangy contrast.
• Comfort Side Companions: Serve alongside warm cornbread, crispy tortilla chips, or fluffy rice to soak up the delicious chili and complete the comfort food experience.

Store It Once, Eat It Twice—Smart Storage Tips

• Whip up a large pot of Sunday Chili and enjoy multiple meals throughout the week. This hearty recipe easily serves 68 people and stays delicious for several days.
• Transfer cooled chili to airtight containers and store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors actually improve as they meld together, making leftovers even more tasty.
• Freeze portions in freezer-safe containers or ziplock bags for up to 3 months. Pro tip: Leave a little space at the top of the container to allow for expansion when freezing.
• Thaw frozen chili overnight in the refrigerator, then warm gently on the stovetop. Add a splash of beef broth to restore moisture and prevent sticking. Stir occasionally to ensure even heating and maintain the rich, robust flavor.

Hearty Sunday Chili Recipe

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4.5 from 19 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Hearty Sunday Chili brings warmth and comfort with its rich, spicy blend of tender beef and robust beans. Simmered slowly with love, this classic dish promises a satisfying meal that connects family and friends around the table.

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Ingredients

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• 1 ½ lbs ground beef
• 6 strips bacon, chopped
• 2 ½ tbsps chili powder
• 2 tbsps ground cumin
• 1 tbsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 small onion, diced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 jalapeno, seeded and minced (optional)
• 3 tbsps tomato paste
• 1 (28 oz) can fire-roasted crushed tomatoes
• 2 (15 oz) cans beans (black, kidney, or pinto), rinsed and drained
• 2 cups beef broth (plus more if needed)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• Shredded cheddar cheese (optional topping)
• Sour cream (optional topping)
• Sliced avocado (optional topping)
• Chopped cilantro or green onions (optional topping)
• Tortilla chips or cornbread (optional topping)

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Instructions

1. Bacon Foundation: Render bacon in a hefty Dutch oven over medium heat until perfectly crisp, extracting the pieces and reserving the rich, smoky grease.
2. Aromatic Base: Sauté diced onions, minced garlic, and chopped jalapeños in the bacon drippings until they become translucent and release their fragrant essence.
3. Meat Transformation: Incorporate ground beef into the vegetable mixture, methodically breaking down the meat while browning thoroughly, ensuring complete caramelization and eliminating excess fat.
4. Spice Awakening: Introduce chili powder, cumin, oregano, garlic powder, and tomato paste, stirring vigorously to activate and intensify the spices’ complex flavor profiles.
5. Liquid Integration: Pour in crushed tomatoes, kidney beans, beef broth, and reserved bacon pieces, bringing the entire mixture to a gentle, bubbling simmer that promises deep, harmonious flavor development.
6. Slow Fusion: Reduce heat and allow the chili to meld and concentrate its flavors, stirring periodically and adjusting liquid consistency as needed. Taste and fine-tune seasoning before ladling into bowls and garnishing with preferred toppings.

Notes

• Use the bacon grease as a secret weapon to add depth and richness to the chili’s base flavor.
• Toast spices with tomato paste for 1-2 minutes to unlock their full aromatic potential and intensify the overall taste profile.
• Monitor liquid levels during simmering, adding beef broth gradually to prevent the chili from becoming too dry or too watery.
• For a leaner version, swap ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based meat alternatives, adjusting cooking time accordingly.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 8 g
• Protein: 22 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg