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Easy Homemade Chili

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A flavorful and comforting Easy Homemade Chili with ground beef (or turkey), beans, tomatoes, and a blend of seasonings, all cooked in one pot for a quick, satisfying meal.

Ingredients

  1. 1 lb ground beef (or turkey)
    1 medium onion, chopped
    2 cloves garlic, minced
    1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
    1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
    1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes (with juices)
    1 can (6 oz) tomato paste
    1 cup beef broth (or water)
    2 tablespoons chili powder
    1 teaspoon ground cumin
    1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
    Salt and pepper to taste
    1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
    1 tablespoon olive oil (for cooking)

Instructions

Cook the ground meat: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef (or turkey) and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat.

  1. Sauté the onions and garlic: Add the chopped onion to the pot and cook for about 3-4 minutes, or until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
  2. Add the tomatoes and beans: Stir in the diced tomatoes (with their juices), tomato paste, kidney beans, and black beans. Add the beef broth (or water) and stir to combine.
  3. Season the chili: Stir in the chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using). Mix well to coat the ingredients in the spices.
  4. Simmer the chili: Bring the chili to a simmer over medium heat. Once it starts to bubble, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer uncovered for 25-30 minutes, stirring occasionally. The chili will thicken as it simmers.
  5. Adjust the seasoning: Taste the chili and adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or chili powder if desired.
  6. Serve: Ladle the chili into bowls and serve with your favorite toppings such as shredded cheese, sour cream, green onions, or chopped cilantro. Enjoy with cornbread or tortilla chips for added texture.

Notes

  • For a vegetarian version, omit the ground meat and add extra beans, such as pinto or garbanzo beans, or use plant-based crumbles or tofu.
  • For more heat, add more crushed red pepper flakes, diced jalapeños, or hot sauce.
  • If you prefer a thicker chili, let it simmer uncovered longer or mash some beans to thicken the broth.
  • To make chili-mac, add cooked pasta like elbow macaroni in the last 10 minutes of simmering.

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