Texas Chili
There’s nothing quite like a warm, hearty bowl of Texas Chili to cozy up with on a chilly evening. Packed with bold flavors and a touch of spice, this recipe is sure to satisfy your comfort food cravings.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 onion, diced
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 2 cups beef broth
- 2 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tbsp cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- In a large pot, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Add in the onion, bell pepper, and garlic, and cook until the vegetables are tender.
- Stir in the black beans, kidney beans, diced tomatoes, beef broth, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil.
- Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Serve hot, garnished with your favorite toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, and fresh cilantro.
Popular questions:
- Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?
Yes, you can substitute ground turkey for ground beef in this recipe for a lighter option. - Can I add more vegetables to this chili?
Feel free to customize this recipe by adding in additional vegetables like corn, carrots, or zucchini. - Can I make this chili in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can easily adapt this recipe for a slow cooker by browning the meat and vegetables first, then transferring everything to the slow cooker to simmer. - What other spices can I add to enhance the flavor?
You can experiment with adding spices like paprika, oregano, or red pepper flakes to tailor the flavor to your preference. - Can I freeze this chili for later?
Yes, this chili freezes well, making it a convenient option for meal prep or leftovers.
Helpful tips:
- For extra depth of flavor, consider adding a splash of Worcestershire sauce or a dash of hot sauce to the chili.
- If you prefer a thicker chili, you can mash some of the beans with a fork or blend a portion of the mixture before serving.
- For a smokier taste, try adding a bit of smoked paprika or chipotle peppers to the chili.
- To cut down on cooking time, you can use pre-cooked or canned beans instead of dried beans.
- Adjust the level of spice by adding more or less chili powder and cumin to suit your taste preferences.
Expert Secrets:
- To amp up the umami flavor, try adding a small amount of soy sauce or fish sauce to the chili.
- For a Tex-Mex twist, stir in a handful of corn kernels or chopped jalapenos to the chili before simmering.
- To achieve a thicker consistency, you can mix in a bit of masa harina (corn flour) or cornmeal towards the end of cooking.
- For a touch of sweetness, consider adding a spoonful of brown sugar or a drizzle of molasses to balance out the heat.
- To infuse the chili with a rich, smoky flavor, add a couple of chipotle peppers in adobo sauce to the pot.