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Best Old Fashioned Chili
Why Make This Recipe
Chili is a classic dish loved by many for its rich flavors and hearty ingredients. This Best Old Fashioned Chili recipe captures the essence of a traditional chili that warms the stomach and soul. With a combination of ground beef, various beans, and flavorful spices, this recipe provides comfort on a cold day or brings a cozy feel to any gathering. It’s simple to make and even better to share with family and friends. You can easily whip it up for a weeknight dinner, or it can be the star at your next potluck.
Not only is this chili delicious, but it’s also versatile. You can serve it with rice, top it with cheese or sour cream, or enjoy it just as it is. Plus, by making this chili, you can control the ingredients, ensuring it meets your taste and dietary preferences.
How to Make Best Old Fashioned Chili
Making the Best Old Fashioned Chili is straightforward and fun. With the right ingredients and a bit of time, you can create a dish that everyone will enjoy. Follow the steps below to bring this tasty chili to life in your kitchen.
Ingredients
To make the Best Old Fashioned Chili, you will need the following ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 can tomato sauce
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Directions
Follow these steps to prepare your chili:
- In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Add chopped onion and minced garlic, and sauté until softened (about 3-5 minutes).
- Add ground beef and cook until browned (about 6-8 minutes), stirring occasionally.
- Stir in chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper, mixing well.
- Add kidney beans, black beans, diced tomatoes, and tomato sauce. Stir to combine.
- Bring to a simmer and let cook for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Serve hot, optionally garnished with cheese or sour cream.
How to Serve Best Old Fashioned Chili
Serving this delicious chili is easy! You can enjoy it on its own, or you might want to elevate the experience by pairing it with some tasty sides. Here are a few ideas:
- With Rice or Cornbread: A scoop of rice or a slice of warm cornbread can help soak up the chili and add extra texture.
- Garnishes: Top your bowl with shredded cheese, diced onions, or a dollop of sour cream for an added burst of flavor.
- Tortilla Chips: Serve it with crunchy tortilla chips for a satisfying crunch.
- Salad on the Side: A fresh green salad can balance the richness of the chili.
How to Store Best Old Fashioned Chili
If you have leftovers (if you’re lucky!), it’s essential to store them correctly:
- Refrigeration: Place the chili in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. It can last for about 3 to 4 days.
- Freezing: For longer storage, you can freeze the chili. Allow it to cool completely, then transfer to freezer-safe containers or bags. It can last for up to 3 months in the freezer. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Tips to Make Best Old Fashioned Chili
Here are some tips to ensure your chili turns out perfectly every time:
- Adjust the Spiciness: If you like your chili spicy, consider adding jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper. For a milder dish, cut back on the chili powder.
- Let it Rest: Chili often tastes better the next day, as the flavors have time to meld together. Consider making it a day in advance!
- Experiment with Beans: Don’t be afraid to mix up the types of beans. Pinto beans or navy beans work well, too.
- Add Veggies: You can incorporate bell peppers, zucchini, or corn for added flavor and nutrition.
Variation
You can try several variations of this old-fashioned chili recipe to suit your taste or dietary needs:
- Vegetarian Chili: Swap the ground beef for textured vegetable protein or extra beans. Use vegetable broth and add more vegetables.
- Turkey Chili: Use ground turkey instead of beef for a leaner option. It will still taste great!
- Spicy Chili: Add chopped fresh peppers, crushed red pepper, or hot sauce to increase the heat level.
- Chili with Beer: Substitute a cup of chicken or beef stock for a dark beer to add depth and enhance the flavors.
FAQs
1. Can I make this chili in a slow cooker?
Yes! Brown the beef first, then add all the ingredients to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for about 3-4 hours.
2. What’s the best way to reheat leftover chili?
You can reheat leftovers on the stovetop in a pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Alternatively, you can use the microwave for easy reheating; just ensure it’s heated evenly.
3. Can I freeze chili after it’s been cooked?
Absolutely! Just allow it to cool, store it in a freezer-safe container, and it will be good for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
Making the Best Old Fashioned Chili is as simple as it is satisfying. Gather your ingredients, follow the directions, and enjoy a hearty meal that’s sure to please everyone at your table.
Print
Best Old Fashioned Chili
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Beef
Description
A rich and hearty classic chili recipe perfect for cold days or gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 can tomato sauce
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
- In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Add chopped onion and minced garlic, and sauté until softened (about 3-5 minutes).
- Add ground beef and cook until browned (about 6-8 minutes), stirring occasionally.
- Stir in chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper, mixing well.
- Add kidney beans, black beans, diced tomatoes, and tomato sauce. Stir to combine.
- Bring to a simmer and let cook for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Serve hot, optionally garnished with cheese or sour cream.
Notes
Chili tastes better the next day as flavors meld. Adjust spiciness to your liking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 10g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: chili, traditional, hearty, comfort food, beef chili
