Want to give your food a little extra flavor and warmth? Look no further than these mouthwatering chili recipes that are sure to satisfy your cravings. Whether you prefer the classic beef version or a vegetarian twist, these recipes offer a perfect balance of spices and ingredients that will leave you wanting more.
Classic Beef Chili Recipe:
This hearty recipe features tender ground beef simmered with onions, garlic, bell peppers, and a blend of spices. The addition of kidney beans and diced tomatoes creates a rich and satisfying texture, perfect for spooning over rice or topping with your favorite garnishes like shredded cheese and sour cream.
Vegetarian Lentil Chili Recipe:
For those seeking a meatless option, this vegetarian lentil chili is a delicious and nutritious alternative. Packed with protein-rich lentils, colorful vegetables, and a flavorful combination of spices, this chili is both hearty and wholesome. Serve it with diced avocado, chopped cilantro, or a squeeze of lime for added freshness.
Absolutely! Chili is a great dish to freeze for later use. Here's how you can do it:
1. Cool the Chili: Allow the chili to cool completely before freezing. This helps prevent the formation of ice crystals and maintains the texture and flavor of the chili.
2. Portion the Chili: Divide the cooled chili into portion-sized containers or freezer bags. This facilitates thawing and reheating just the necessary quantity.
3. Remove Air: If using freezer bags, press out as much air as possible before sealing. This helps prevent freezer burn.
4. Label and Date: Clearly label each container or bag with the contents and the date it was prepared. This ensures you can keep track of how long it's been in the freezer.
5. Freeze: Place the containers or bags of chili in the freezer. Try to lay them flat if using bags to save space and allow for quicker thawing.
6. Thawing and Reheating: When ready to enjoy the chili, you can thaw it overnight in the refrigerator or thaw it more quickly by placing the container or bag in a bowl of cold water. Once thawed, reheat the chili on the stovetop over medium heat until warmed through, stirring occasionally.
Can I use a Crockpot to prepare this?
Sort of. You can still follow the recipe's instructions for stages 1-4 for the best flavor, after which you can move everything to a crockpot and reheat it (I wait to add the bacon back in until I'm ready to serve). Cook until ready to serve, on low heat.
May I omit the bacon?
The secret ingredient that makes this chili the best chili recipe and an award winner is bacon, which also imparts an amazing flavor. Use it if you're competing in a cook-off! If it's really necessary, though, you can omit it. Please go to the recipe notes for details on how to make this chili without bacon.
Is there another kind of meat I could use?
Though any percentage will do (I've used them all, but I generally end up draining some grease if I use 80%), I normally use 90% lean ground beef. This works well with ground turkey, chicken, or practically any ground meat, but be aware that the flavor will be slightly different!
Chili is a versatile dish that pairs well with a variety of sides and accompaniments. Here are some options that go well with chili:
1. Cornbread: A classic choice, cornbread complements the hearty flavors of chili with its slightly sweet and crumbly texture.
2. Rice: Serve chili over cooked rice for a filling and satisfying meal. White rice, brown rice, or even flavored rice like cilantro-lime rice can be great options.
3. Tortilla Chips: Crisp tortilla chips add a satisfying crunch to your chili. They can be enjoyed on the side or crumbled on top as a garnish.
4. Baked Potatoes: Top baked potatoes with chili for a comforting and hearty dish. Add your favorite toppings like cheese, sour cream, and chives for extra flavor.
5. Avocado: Creamy avocado slices or guacamole are perfect for adding a cool and refreshing contrast to the spiciness of chili.
6. Shredded Cheese: Sprinkle shredded cheese, such as cheddar or Monterey Jack, on top of your chili for extra richness and flavor.
7. Sour Cream: Dollop sour cream on top of your chili to add creaminess and help balance out the heat.
8. Chopped Fresh Cilantro: Garnish your chili with chopped fresh cilantro for a burst of freshness and color.
9. Chopped Green Onions: Add a pop of flavor and texture to your chili by sprinkling chopped green onions on top.
10. Pickled Jalapeños: For those who like it spicy, pickled jalapeños are a great addition to chili. They add heat and tanginess to each bite.
Can I use a Crockpot to prepare this?
Sort of. You can still follow the recipe's instructions for stages 1-4 for the best flavor, after which you can move everything to a crockpot and reheat it (I wait to add the bacon back in until I'm ready to serve). Cook until ready to serve, on low heat.
Tips and Variations:
Tips:
1. Use Quality Ingredients: Start with fresh and high-quality ingredients for the best flavor. Fresh vegetables, good-quality meats, and flavorful spices can make a big difference in your chili.
2. Brown the Meat: When making chili with ground beef or other meats, take the time to properly brown the meat before adding it to the pot. This helps develop rich flavor and texture.
3. Layer Flavors: To build depth of flavor, consider sautéing aromatics like onions, garlic, and peppers before adding them to the chili. This extra step can enhance the overall taste of your dish.
4. Adjust Seasoning: Taste your chili as it cooks and adjust the seasoning as needed. Adding more salt, pepper, chili powder, or other spices can help balance the flavors to your liking.
5. Simmer: For the best results, let your chili simmer low and slow. This allows the flavors to meld together and develop a rich, robust taste. It also helps tenderize any meat you're using.
6. Add Beans Carefully: If you're using beans in your chili, add them towards the end of the cooking process to prevent them from becoming too mushy. Alternatively, you can cook them separately and add them in at the end.
7. Store and Reheat Properly: Store leftover chili in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days or freeze it for longer storage. When reheating, do so gently over low heat to prevent the chili from scorching.
Variations:
1. Vegetarian Chili: Skip the meat and make a hearty vegetarian chili using beans, lentils, and plenty of vegetables. You can also add ingredients like quinoa or tofu for extra protein.
2. White Chicken Chili: Instead of beef, use chicken as the main protein in your chili. Combine shredded chicken with white beans, green chilies, and spices for a flavorful and comforting dish.
3. Turkey Chili: Swap out the beef for ground turkey to make a lighter version of chili. Turkey chili is still packed with flavor and protein but has less fat than traditional beef chili.
4. Spicy Chili: If you like your chili with a kick, add extra spices like cayenne pepper, chipotle peppers, or hot sauce to amp up the heat. You can also use spicy sausage or peppers for added fire.
5. Chunky Chili: For a heartier texture, add diced vegetables like carrots, celery, and corn to your chili. This adds extra flavor and nutrients to the dish while making it more filling.
6. Tex-Mex Chili: Give your chili a Tex-Mex twist by adding ingredients like corn, black beans, cilantro, and lime juice. Serve it with tortilla chips or cornbread for a complete meal.
7. Slow Cooker Chili: Adapt your favorite chili recipe for the slow cooker for an easy and convenient meal. Simply combine all the ingredients in the crockpot and let it simmer away until you're ready to eat.
Ingredients:
- - 2 pounds ground beef
- - 1 onion, diced
- - 4 cloves garlic, minced
- - 1 bell pepper, diced
- - 2 cans of kidney beans, drained and washed (15 ounces each).
- - 1 can (28 ounces) diced tomatoes
- - 1 can (6 ounces) tomato paste
- - 3 cups beef broth
- - 3 tablespoons chili powder
- - 2 teaspoons cumin
- - 1 teaspoon paprika
- - Salt and pepper to taste
- - Optional toppings: shredded cheese, sour cream, diced avocado, chopped green onions
Instructions:
1. Brown the Ground Beef: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Drain any excess fat and transfer the beef to the crockpot.
2. Add Ingredients to the Crockpot: To the crockpot with the browned beef, add diced onion, minced garlic, diced bell pepper, drained and rinsed kidney beans, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, beef broth, chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine all ingredients.
3. Cook in the Crockpot: Cover the crockpot with the lid and cook on low heat for 6-8 hours or on high heat for 3-4 hours. The longer cooking time allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.
4. Adjust Seasoning and Serve: Once the chili is done cooking, taste and adjust the seasoning if needed with more salt, pepper, or spices. Serve hot, ladled into bowls, and topped with your favorite garnishes such as shredded cheese, sour cream, diced avocado, or chopped green onions.