HOMEMADE CHILI WITH MIXED BEANS

• Salt and pepper to taste
• Olive oil for sautéing
• Optional toppings: shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped cilantro, avocado, or jalapeño slices

How to Make Homemade Chili with Mixed Beans

Step 1: Cook the Ground Meat

1. Heat the oil: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat.
2. Brown the meat: Add the ground beef (or turkey) to the pot. Cook for 5-7 minutes, breaking it up with a spoon as it browns. Continue cooking until the meat is no longer pink. If you’re using leaner meat, you may want to drain excess fat.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

1. Add the onions and garlic: Once the meat is cooked through, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until the onions are softened and translucent.
2. Add the seasonings: Sprinkle in the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and cinnamon. Stir well to coat the meat and onions with the spices, allowing them to bloom in the hot oil for a minute or two. This step helps bring out the deep, aromatic flavors.

Step 3: Add the Liquids and Beans

1. Add the tomatoes and tomato paste: Pour in the diced tomatoes and tomato paste. Stir well to combine and let the tomato paste dissolve into the mixture.
2. Pour in the broth: Add the broth (beef or vegetable) and stir until everything is well mixed.
3. Add the beans and chilies: Stir in the mixed beans and diced green chilies, if using. The beans will absorb the flavors of the chili as it simmers, making them tender and delicious.

Step 4: Simmer the Chili

1. Bring to a simmer: Bring the chili to a gentle boil over medium-high heat. Once it’s bubbling, reduce the heat to low and cover the pot.
2. Simmer for flavor: Let the chili simmer for at least 30-45 minutes, stirring occasionally. This allows all the flavors to meld together and the chili to thicken. The longer it simmers, the richer the flavors will become, so feel free to let it cook for up to 1-2 hours if you have time.

Step 5: Taste and Adjust

1. Season to taste: After simmering, taste the chili and adjust the seasonings with additional salt, pepper, or chili powder if you like more heat. You can also add a dash of sugar or honey to balance out the acidity from the tomatoes, if desired.
2. Serve: Once the chili has reached your desired consistency and flavor, it’s ready to serve!

How to Serve Your Homemade Chili with Mixed Beans

• Classic toppings: Serve the chili with your favorite toppings, such as shredded cheese, sour cream, sliced avocado, fresh cilantro, or diced onions. For extra heat, top with jalapeños or a drizzle of hot sauce.
• Side options: Pair your chili with cornbread, tortilla chips, or a side salad for a complete meal.
• Chili over rice: For a heartier meal, serve the chili over a bed of steamed rice, quinoa, or even baked potatoes.

Tips for the Best Chili

• Make it ahead: Chili is one of those dishes that tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop. Make a big batch and store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3-4 days or freeze for longer storage.
• Customize it: Feel free to swap in different types of beans or vegetables to make this chili your own. For a spicier kick, add diced jalapeños or chipotle peppers, or adjust the amount of chili powder and cumin.
• Vegetarian version: To make this chili vegetarian or vegan, simply omit the ground meat and add extra beans, vegetables, or even meat alternatives like textured vegetable protein (TVP) or tempeh.

Conclusion

This Homemade Chili with Mixed Beans is the perfect dish to satisfy your cravings for a hearty, flavorful meal. Whether you’re feeding a family or hosting a casual get-together, this chili is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. With its rich, smoky, and spicy flavors, it’s a comfort food classic that you’ll want to make over and over again. Plus, with so many ways to customize it, this recipe is versatile enough to suit any taste. So grab your ingredients, start simmering, and enjoy a warm bowl of chili today!