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.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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)
Instructions
- Bacon Foundation: Render bacon in a hefty Dutch oven over medium heat until perfectly crisp, extracting the pieces and reserving the rich, smoky grease.
- Aromatic Base: Sauté diced onions, minced garlic, and chopped jalapeños in the bacon drippings until they become translucent and release their fragrant essence.
- Meat Transformation: Incorporate ground beef into the vegetable mixture, methodically breaking down the meat while browning thoroughly, ensuring complete caramelization and eliminating excess fat.
- Spice Awakening: Introduce chili powder, cumin, oregano, garlic powder, and tomato paste, stirring vigorously to activate and intensify the spices’ complex flavor profiles.
- 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.
- 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