Image of a delicious bowl of Best Damn Chili Recipe topped with cheese and herbs

Best Damn Chili Recipe

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why make this recipe

Chili is a favorite comfort food for many! It warms you up and fills you up with amazing flavors. The Best Damn Chili Recipe stands out because it uses a mix of spices, hearty beans, and rich meat to create a perfect balance. This recipe not only tastes incredible but also brings people together. Serve it at gatherings or cozy family dinners, and watch everyone reach for a second bowl!

how to make Best Damn Chili

Ingredients:

  • 2 lbs (900g) ground beef (80/20 ground chuck recommended)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 large yellow onions, diced
  • 2 large bell peppers (any color, a mix is great), diced
  • 2-3 jalapeños, finely minced (seeds removed for less heat)
  • 6-8 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup (4 tablespoons) chili powder
  • 2 tablespoons ground cumin
  • 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
  • 1 tablespoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (or to taste)
  • 1 teaspoon unsweetened cocoa powder or 1 oz of dark chocolate
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 2 teaspoons kosher salt (plus more to taste)
  • 1 (6-ounce) can tomato paste
  • 1 (12-ounce) bottle of dark beer (like a stout or porter) or an additional 1.5 cups of beef broth
  • 2 cups (480ml) low-sodium beef broth
  • 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
  • 1 (15-ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
  • 2 (15-ounce) cans dark red kidney beans, rinsed and drained
  • 2 (15-ounce) cans pinto beans, rinsed and drained

Directions:

  1. Heat a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned, about 8-10 minutes. If needed, do this in batches to prevent steaming. Transfer the cooked beef to a bowl, leaving some fat in the pot. If your beef is lean, add olive oil.

  2. Reduce the heat to medium. Add diced onions, bell peppers, and jalapeños. Sauté until the vegetables soften, about 10-12 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

  3. Add chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, cayenne pepper, cocoa powder, salt, and black pepper to the vegetables. Stir for 60 seconds to toast the spices and deepen their flavors.

  4. Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 2-3 minutes until it darkens slightly, enhancing the flavor.

  5. Pour in the beer or additional beef broth. Scrape the bottom for any browned bits, and let it simmer to reduce by half.

  6. Return the cooked beef to the pot. Add remaining beef broth, crushed tomatoes, and diced tomatoes. Mix everything and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for at least 1.5 hours, stirring every 20-30 minutes. For the best flavor, 2-3 hours is ideal.

  7. After simmering, stir in rinsed kidney beans and pinto beans. Simmer uncovered for another 30 minutes. This lets the beans warm and absorb the chili’s flavors while the sauce thickens.

  8. Taste the chili and adjust seasoning if needed. Let it sit for at least 15 minutes before serving.

how to serve Best Damn Chili

Serve this chili with toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped green onions, or fresh cilantro. You can enjoy it on its own or serve it with cornbread, tortilla chips, or over rice for a hearty meal.

how to store Best Damn Chili

Leftover chili can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. It also freezes well! Place it in a freezer-safe container, and it will last for 3-4 months. To reheat, simply thaw in the fridge overnight and warm on the stove or in the microwave.

tips to make Best Damn Chili

  • For extra depth of flavor, let the chili simmer longer if you have time.
  • Adjust the spice level based on your preference by adding more or less cayenne pepper or jalapeños.
  • If you like a thicker chili, reduce the amount of broth or let it simmer longer to evaporate more liquid.

variation

You can easily customize this chili by adding other vegetables, like corn or zucchini, or switching up the beans. For a spicier version, try using spicy sausage or adding more jalapeños!

FAQs

1. Can I make chili in a slow cooker?
Yes! You can brown the meat and sauté the vegetables before adding them to the slow cooker. Then add all ingredients and cook on low for 6-8 hours.

2. Can I use turkey instead of beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great substitute and will make the chili lighter.

3. What should I do if my chili is too thick?
Just add a bit more beef broth or water until you reach your desired consistency.

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