Robust Joy of Cooking Chili Recipe with Spicy Kick

Chili unleashes a flavor explosion that transforms ordinary meals into extraordinary culinary adventures.

This hearty masterpiece weaves together spices, meat, and passion into a single steaming bowl of comfort.

Robust ingredients merge like a delicious symphony, creating layers of intensity that ignite every sense.

Each spoonful tells a story of tradition and creativity, inviting you to experience pure gastronomic magic.

Generations of home cooks have perfected this soulful dish, turning simple ingredients into a legendary meal.

Regional twists and personal touches make chili more than just food, it’s a celebration of taste and community.

Get ready to embark on a mouthwatering journey that will transform your dinner table.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 18 minutes

Cook Time: 40 minutes

Total Time: 58 minutes

Calories: 350 kcal

Servings: 4

Chili Ingredients You’ll Need

• Garlic: Choose fresh, firm cloves with no green sprouts for the most robust flavor.
• Onion: Select a medium-sized onion that feels heavy and has no soft spots for maximum sweetness.

• Ground Beef: Pick lean ground beef with good marbling for rich, meaty texture.
• Kidney Beans: Look for canned beans without added salt for better control of dish's seasoning.
• Tomatoes: Choose canned diced tomatoes with no added seasonings for pure tomato flavor.

• Beef Broth: Opt for low-sodium versions to manage salt content in your chili.
• Olive Oil: Select extra virgin olive oil for deeper, more authentic taste.
• Salt: Use kosher or sea salt for a cleaner, more balanced seasoning.
• Chili Powder: Seek out fresh, vibrant chili powder for maximum warmth and depth.
• Ground Cumin: Choose whole cumin seeds and grind fresh for most intense aroma.

• Cheddar Cheese: Pick sharp cheddar for extra tangy kick.
• Green Onions: Select bright green, crisp stalks for fresh, zesty topping.
• Sourdough Bread: Choose artisan-style bread with pronounced tangy notes.

Best Ways to Store and Freeze Chili

• Preserve Freshness: Store leftover chili in airtight containers, keeping it refrigerated for up to 4-5 days. The flavors will continue to develop and become even more delicious as they meld together.
• Freeze for Future Meals: Pour cooled chili into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Properly stored, it maintains excellent quality for 3-4 months, creating a quick meal option for busy days.
• Reheat with Care: Warm refrigerated chili in a saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Add a splash of beef broth to restore moisture and maintain the original creamy consistency.
• Smart Portion Planning: Divide chili into individual serving sizes before freezing. This strategy allows you to thaw exactly what you need, reducing food waste and ensuring maximum convenience for quick meals or last-minute dinner solutions.

Chili-Making Tools and Essentials

• Large pot: Perfect for cooking chili, giving you plenty of room to stir and simmer.
• Cutting board: Stable surface for chopping onions and garlic with ease.
• Sharp knife: Essential for dicing ingredients quickly and safely.
• Wooden spoon: Great for stirring and breaking up ground beef while cooking.
• Can opener: Helps you easily access kidney beans and tomatoes.
• Measuring spoons: Ensures you add just the right amount of spices.
• Colander: Useful for draining and rinsing beans smoothly.
• Ladle: Convenient for serving hot chili into bowls.

Simmering Instructions for a Perfect Chili

• Kickstart the Flavor Base

Chop garlic and onions into tiny pieces. This aromatic duo will create a mouthwatering foundation that makes your chili pop with incredible depth.

• Brown the Protein

Sizzle ground beef in a hot pot, breaking it into delicate crumbles until perfectly caramelized. The rich, golden-brown meat will infuse your chili with robust flavor and hearty texture.

• Build Your Chili Landscape

Tumble in kidney beans and tomatoes, then splash in beef broth. Sprinkle a dance of spices – chili powder and cumin – stirring everything into a harmonious symphony of deliciousness.

• Let the Magic Simmer

Lower the heat and allow your chili to bubble gently, transforming raw ingredients into a soul-warming masterpiece. Give an occasional stir, letting flavors meld and intensify over 30-40 minutes.

• Serve with Personality

Ladle your steaming chili into bowls and crown with a sprinkle of sharp cheddar, fresh green onions, or whatever toppings make your taste buds sing. Pair with crusty bread for the ultimate comfort meal that hugs you from the inside out.

Chili Tweaks and Heat Level Options

Replace ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based crumbles for a leaner or vegetarian twist. Each protein brings a unique flavor profile to your chili.

Adjust heat levels by adding jalapeños, chipotle peppers, or different chili powders. Start with small amounts and taste as you go to find your perfect spice balance.

Mix kidney beans with black beans, pinto beans, or cannellini beans for added texture and nutritional complexity. Different beans create layers of interest in every spoonful.

Transform this recipe into a hands-off meal by transferring ingredients to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours, allowing flavors to meld and develop deep, rich taste without constant monitoring.

Great Toppings and Pairings for Chili

• Boost Dinner Experience: Serve chili in deep, wide bowls to showcase its hearty texture and colorful ingredients.
• Customize Chili Toppings: Layer shredded cheddar cheese, chopped green onions, and a dollop of sour cream for extra flavor and visual appeal.
• Create Chili Companions: Pair with warm cornbread or toasted sourdough slices to soak up the rich, spicy sauce and add delightful crunch.
• Elevate Meal Presentation: Arrange garnishes in small dishes, allowing guests to personalize their chili and enjoy an interactive dining experience.

Hearty Joy Of Cooking Chili Recipe

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4.7 from 29 reviews

• Total Time: 58 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Rich Mexican-style Chili provides hearty comfort with deep, complex flavors from carefully selected spices and premium ground beef. Skillful simmering creates a robust, warming dish perfect for family gatherings and cold evening meals.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb (454 g) ground beef
• 1 can 15 oz (425 g) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can 14.5 oz (411 g) diced tomatoes
• 1 cup (240 ml) beef broth
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsps chili powder
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp paprika
• Salt to taste
• Shredded cheese
• Chopped green onions
• Sour cream

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Instructions

1. Ingredient Preparation: Finely dice garlic and onions, drain and rinse kidney beans, and chop tomatoes into uniform pieces. Arrange all ingredients for smooth cooking process.
2. Aromatic Base: In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Sauté onions and garlic until translucent, releasing their rich, savory essence.
3. Meat Integration: Add ground beef, methodically breaking it into fine crumbles. Cook thoroughly until no pink remains, ensuring complete protein transformation.
4. Liquid and Bean Fusion: Pour in kidney beans, diced tomatoes, and beef broth. Stir to create a harmonious blend of textures and initial flavor layers.
5. Spice Infusion: Sprinkle salt, chili powder, and ground cumin into the mixture. Stir well to distribute spices evenly, developing a deep, complex flavor profile.
6. Simmering Process: Reduce heat to low, allowing chili to gently simmer uncovered for 35-40 minutes. Periodically check liquid consistency, adding broth if mixture becomes too thick.
7. Final Seasoning and Serving: Taste and fine-tune seasonings, adjusting heat with cayenne or hot sauce if desired. Ladle into warm bowls and top with shredded cheddar cheese, chopped green onions, and a creamy sour cream dollop. Serve alongside crusty sourdough bread for a satisfying, hearty meal.

Notes

• Mise en Place Matters: Carefully prepping ingredients beforehand ensures smooth cooking and prevents last-minute scrambling, making the chili-making process more enjoyable and efficient.
• Meat Browning Technique: Crumble ground beef into small pieces while cooking to achieve even browning and maximize flavor development, preventing large meat clumps.
• Simmer for Depth: Low and slow simmering allows spices to meld together, creating a rich, complex flavor profile that transforms simple ingredients into a memorable dish.
• Customize Your Heat: Easily adjust spice levels by incrementally adding cayenne pepper or hot sauce, allowing each cook to personalize the chili’s intensity to their preferred taste.

• Prep Time: 18 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 8 g
• Protein: 24 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg