Classic Chili
This Classic Chili recipe is easy, comforting and healthy. With just a few simple steps you’ll have a flavorful and hearty dinner on the table in 30 minutes that’s sure to be a new family favorite!
It’s a beautiful thing
Classic Chili is one of those familiar recipes that works in so many situations. You can feed a ton of people by making a big batch and having a “chili bar.” You can call this a 30 minute weeknight dinner. This Classic Chili recipe freezes well, so you can plan ahead and batch cook for simple weeknight dinners. So many uses! So easy!
Rich Flavor in Classic Chili
Chili gets so much of its flavor from the aromatics added at the beginning of the cooking process. The onions, garlic and bell peppers lend so much goodness to this one-pot-wonder.
The spices added to my Classic Chili are traditional and simple. I use two types of chili powder – Classic and Ancho. Ancho chili powder is made from dried and roasted poblano peppers. It has a natural smoky and sweet flavor. Whereas the typical spice rack “Chili Powder” is comprised of varying ground chilis and often contains additional spices, such as salt or garlic powder. I find using the two together gives my Classic Chili a more robust flavor.
Potato Masher?
I love to use a potato masher to break apart meat. It’s a trick I learned years ago watching Rachel Ray cook on 30 Minute Meals. It just does the trick!
I love to make this meal healthier, by cooking with lean ground beef. The fattier the meat, the more flavor it will have – that is a very general rule of thumb. However, a family history of cardiovascular disease leads me to choose a leaner ground beef.
The Glorious Kidney Bean
Some benefits of Kidney Beans:
A Protein and a Vegetable – Half a cup of beans contain 7 g Protein! This vegetable is such a powerhouse!
Rich in Thiamine (Vitamin B1) – Vitamin B1 helps to turn food into energy. But more than that, Thiamine can help fight depression and is considered helpful in stabilizing mood!
Improves Memory – This wonder vitamin can have a positive effect on memory and concentration.
Classic Chili
Equipment
- 1 Potato Masher
- 1 Large Pot
Ingredients
- 1½ Cups Yellow Onions, diced
- 1 Cup Bell Pepper, diced green, orange, yellow, red – your choice
- 2 Cloves Garlic, diced
- 1 lb Ground Beef, lean 85/15 or 90/10
- 2 tsp Chili Powder
- 2 tsp Ancho Chili Powder
- 1 tsp Cumin
- 1 tbsp Brown Sugar
- 1 tsp Oregano
- 1½ tsp Kosher Salt
- ½ tsp Ground Black Pepper
- 2 Cans Kidney Beans, 16 oz each dark or light
- 28 oz canned Diced Tomatoes
- 32 oz Chicken Broth
- 2 tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- Favorite Chili Toppings sliced green onions, sour cream, tortilla chips or strips, fresh cilantro, diced avocado, shredded cheese, etc.
Instructions
- Over medium heat add 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil to a large pot. Add onions, peppers and garlic and saute until tender, about 5 minutes.
- Add 1 lb of lean ground beef. Break up with a wooden spoon or potato masher. Cook until browned, about 5 minutes. Drain excess fat.
- Add spices to the pot – chili powder, cumin, ancho chili powder, oregano, brown sugar, salt and pepper. Stir to combine.
- Drain and rinse the beans. Add to the pot and stir.
- Pour in the diced tomatoes, including the liquid.
- Add 32 oz of chicken broth and simmer with a lid on for 15 minutes.
- Serve with your favorite chili toppings – sliced green onions, sour cream, tortilla chips or strips, fresh cilantro, diced avocado, shredded cheese, etc.
