Hearty Sunday Chili Recipe: Cozy Comfort in Every Spoonful

Hearty sunday chili bursts with robust flavors that dance across your taste buds like a culinary symphony.

Spices mingle together, creating an aromatic landscape of comfort and warmth.

Tender meat and rich beans promise a satisfying meal that speaks directly to your hunger.

Chopped vegetables add depth and unexpected brightness to each delightful spoonful.

Kitchen experiments often lead to magical moments of deliciousness, and this recipe embodies that spirit perfectly.

Simmering slowly allows ingredients to develop complex, layered tastes that will make you the neighborhood cooking champion.

Gather your ingredients and prepare for a chili experience that will become your new weekend tradition.

Sunday Chili Tips for Deep, Cozy Flavor

• Bacon Brilliance: Save some crispy bacon bits for topping to add extra crunch and smoky flavor to your chili.
• Spice Smart: Adjust chili powder and jalapeno amounts to control heat level, making it mild or fiery based on your preference.
• Simmer Slowly: Let the chili develop deep flavors by simmering longer, which helps blend spices and tenderize meat.
• Fat Management: Drain excess beef fat for a lighter dish, but keep some bacon grease for rich, authentic taste.
• Bean Boost: Mix different bean types like kidney and black beans for varied texture and nutritional complexity.

Storage Notes for Your Sunday Pot

• Store leftover chili in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping it fresh in the refrigerator for 35 days.
• Transfer cooled chili to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, removing excess air. Freeze for up to 4 months without losing flavor or texture.
• Warm chili in a pot over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally and adding a splash of beef broth to prevent sticking and maintain moisture.
• Heat individual portions in a microwave-safe dish, covering with a damp paper towel to prevent splattering and ensure even heating.

Perfect Sides to Go with a Sunday Bowl

• Pair with a robust amber ale to complement the smoky bacon and rich beef flavors, cutting through the chili's hearty spiciness.
• Serve alongside cornbread with honey butter to balance the dish's robust and spicy undertones, adding a sweet and comforting contrast.
• Top with sharp cheddar cheese and fresh cilantro to enhance the chili's depth, providing a creamy and bright counterpoint to the meaty base.
• Accompany with a crisp green salad dressed in lime vinaigrette to refresh the palate and lighten the meal's heavy components.

Easy Variations for Weekend Chili Lovers

• Vegetarian Chili Swap: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or diced mushrooms for a hearty meat-free version. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth to maintain rich flavor.
• Slow Cooker Method: Transfer all ingredients after browning to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours for tender, deeply flavored chili.
• Low-Carb Chili Bowl: Omit beans and replace with extra vegetables like diced zucchini or cauliflower. Serve over cauliflower rice or enjoy as a standalone protein-packed meal.
• Spicy Southwest Remix: Add diced green chiles, use chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, and top with pepper jack cheese for an extra kick of heat and southwestern flair.

Sunday Chili: All Your Questions Covered

• Why use bacon in chili?

Bacon adds a rich, smoky flavor and provides extra depth to the chili. The bacon fat also helps to enhance the overall taste and creates a more complex cooking base.

• Can I make this chili spicier?

Yes, you can increase the heat by adding more jalapeno peppers, using hotter chili varieties like serrano or habanero, or including red pepper flakes. Adjust according to your spice tolerance.

• Is this chili suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! This chili freezes wonderfully and can be stored in airtight containers for up to 3 months. The flavors actually improve after a day or two in the refrigerator, making it perfect for make-ahead meals.

• What type of ground beef works best?

Choose ground beef with 80/20 or 85/15 fat content for the most flavorful and juicy chili. The fat helps keep the meat tender and adds richness to the dish.

Why Sunday Chili Belongs in Your Meal Plan

• A hearty, soul-warming chili that transforms a lazy Sunday into a delicious culinary experience with minimal kitchen effort.
• Takes just about an hour from start to finish, perfect for busy home cooks who want maximum flavor without spending all day in the kitchen.
• Allows endless customization with toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, or chopped cilantro, making it ideal for family dinners and casual gatherings.
• Uses affordable ingredients like ground beef and canned beans, delivering restaurant-quality taste without breaking the bank while feeding multiple people.

Everything You Need for Sunday Chili Success

• Bacon: Provides rich, smoky flavor and renders fat for cooking.
• Ground Beef: Hearty protein base with robust meaty texture.

Ground Beef, Bacon: Classic protein combination for deep flavor foundation.

• Onion: Aromatic base that adds sweetness and depth.
• Garlic: Intense flavor enhancer with strong savory profile.
• Jalapeno: Adds mild heat and fresh pepper complexity.

Onion, Garlic, Jalapeno: Essential aromatics for building chili flavor.

• Chili Powder: Signature spice blend with warm, complex heat.
• Cumin: Earthy, warm spice with distinctive southwestern character.
• Oregano: Herbal note that adds subtle background complexity.
• Garlic Powder: Concentrated garlic flavor for extra seasoning.

Chili Powder, Cumin, Oregano, Garlic Powder: Spice blend for authentic chili taste.

• Tomato Paste: Rich, concentrated tomato flavor and thickness.
• Crushed Tomatoes: Smooth, tangy base for chili sauce.
• Beef Broth: Liquid that adds moisture and rich meaty depth.
• Beans: Protein-rich, creamy texture that bulks up the chili.

How to Simmer a Comforting Sunday Chili

Step 1: Sizzle Bacon

Place a large Dutch oven on medium heat. Cook bacon until crispy and golden. Transfer bacon to a paper towel-lined plate, keeping about 2 tablespoons of rendered bacon fat in the pot.

Step 2: Awaken Aromatics

• Onions
• Garlic
• Jalapeños

into the bacon fat. Sauté until vegetables become soft and fragrant, releasing their incredible flavors.

Step 3: Brown Beef Brilliance

Add ground beef to the pot. Break up meat with a wooden spoon while cooking until no pink remains. Drain excess grease if desired.

Step 4: Spice Symphony

• Chili powder
• Cumin
• Oregano
• Garlic powder
• Tomato paste

Stir and cook to intensify spice flavors and create a rich base.

Step 5: Build Complex Layers

• Crushed tomatoes
• Beans
• Beef broth
• Crispy bacon pieces

Stir everything together and bring to a gentle simmer.

Step 6: Low and Slow Magic

Reduce heat to low. Let chili bubble gently for 45-60 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add extra broth if mixture becomes too thick. Taste and adjust seasonings. Serve piping hot with toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, or chopped green onions.

Sunday Chili Recipe

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4.9 from 17 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Hearty Sunday Chili brings warmth to weekend gatherings with robust flavors that dance across your palate. Simmered with care and packed with rich spices, this comfort classic promises a memorable meal that satisfies both hunger and soul.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meats:

• 1.5 pounds (680 grams) ground beef
• 6 strips bacon, chopped

Spices and Seasonings:

• 2.5 tablespoons chili powder
• 2 tablespoons ground cumin
• 1 tablespoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

Vegetables and Additional Ingredients:

• 1 small onion, diced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 jalapeno, seeded and minced (optional, for heat)
• 3 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 (28 ounces / 794 grams) can fire-roasted crushed tomatoes
• 2 (15 ounces / 425 grams) cans beans (black, kidney, or pinto), rinsed and drained
• 2 cups beef broth (plus more if needed)

Optional Toppings:

• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Sour cream
• Sliced avocado
• Chopped cilantro or green onions
• Tortilla chips or cornbread

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Instructions

1. Render bacon in a spacious Dutch oven over medium heat until perfectly crisp. Extract the bacon with a perforated utensil, preserving approximately 12 tablespoons of rendered fat in the cooking vessel.
2. Introduce diced onions, minced garlic, and chopped jalapeños into the hot bacon fat. Sauté until vegetables become translucent and release their aromatic essence, approximately 34 minutes.
3. Incorporate ground beef into the vegetable mixture, methodically fragmenting the meat while browning. Eliminate excess rendered fat if necessary.
4. Sprinkle chili powder, cumin, oregano, and garlic powder into the meat mixture. Fold in tomato paste and allow spices to bloom, intensifying their flavor profile for 12 minutes.
5. Pour crushed tomatoes and beef broth into the pot. Gently fold in dark red kidney beans and reserved crispy bacon pieces. Initiate a gentle simmer.
6. Reduce heat to minimal setting, allowing chili to gently bubble and meld flavors for 3060 minutes. Periodically stir and monitor liquid consistency, supplementing broth if needed. Calibrate seasoning according to personal preference. Ladle into warm bowls and garnish with preferred accompaniments.

Notes

• Crisp bacon separately for maximum flavor, ensuring it’s cooked evenly without burning.
• Reserve extra bacon grease for added richness and depth in the chili’s base.
• Dice vegetables uniformly to ensure consistent cooking and balanced texture throughout the dish.
• Choose high-quality ground beef with moderate fat content for juicier, more flavorful results.
• Toast spices briefly to enhance their aromatic compounds and release deeper, more complex flavor profiles.
• Allow extended simmering time to develop richer, more melded taste and tenderize meat completely.
• Customize heat levels by adjusting jalapeno quantity or adding different pepper varieties.
• Make this chili keto-friendly by replacing beans with low-carb vegetables like zucchini or cauliflower.
• Prepare larger batches since chili tastes even better after overnight refrigeration, letting flavors intensify.
• Top with diverse garnishes like Greek yogurt, fresh cilantro, or avocado for added nutrition and excitement.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 169
• Sugar: 10g
• Sodium: 101mg
• Fat: 8g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 23g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 2g
• Cholesterol: 20mg