Description
Hearty no beans chili delivers robust southwestern flavor with ground beef, tomatoes, and smoky spices. Comfort meets zest in this quick one-pot meal that satisfies intense cravings and warms souls on chilly nights.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 2 pounds (2 lbs) ground beef (80/20 or lean)
Spices and Seasonings:
- 3 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Vegetables and Tomato Base:
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (28 ounces) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (14.5 ounces) can diced tomatoes (fire-roasted for extra flavor)
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
Additional Ingredients:
- 1 cup beef broth (or water)
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce (optional, for added depth)
- Olive oil (for cooking)
Optional Toppings:
- Shredded cheddar cheese
- Sour cream
- Chopped green onions
- Jalapeno slices
- Fresh cilantro
Instructions
- Prep the foundational protein by searing ground beef in a spacious cooking vessel, utilizing olive oil over moderate heat. Methodically fragment the meat while it caramelizes, ensuring thorough cooking and removing any surplus lipids.
- Introduce diced onions to the rendered beef, allowing them to soften and become translucent. Incorporate minced garlic, stirring briefly to unleash its aromatic essence without burning.
- Pour crushed and diced tomatoes into the meaty base, complementing with tomato paste and robust beef broth. Layer complex flavor profiles by integrating chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, oregano, cayenne, salt, black pepper, and Worcestershire sauce. Thoroughly amalgamate all components.
- Elevate the liquid to a vigorous boil, then immediately reduce thermal intensity to a gentle simmer. Cover the vessel and allow the concoction to meld and concentrate, periodically stirring to prevent scorching. Maintain this low-temperature transformation for approximately 45-60 minutes.
- Conduct a final flavor assessment, calibrating seasonings to personal preference. Transfer the hearty mixture to serving vessels, accompanied by traditional garnishes like cornbread or crisp tortilla chips for textural contrast.
Notes
- Drain beef thoroughly to prevent excess grease and maintain a rich, concentrated chili flavor.
- Use high-quality ground beef with 80/20 lean-to-fat ratio for optimal taste and texture.
- Adjust heat levels by controlling cayenne pepper amount, making it mild or spicy according to preference.
- Consider deglazing pot with a splash of red wine after browning beef to enhance depth of flavor and add complexity to the chili.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 24 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 14 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 24 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg