HUGE POT of Chilli At Home

Instructions

Step 1: Brown the Meat

Start by heating 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Once the beef is fully browned, drain any excess fat, if necessary, and set the meat aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

In the same pot, add the chopped onion, bell pepper, and minced garlic. Sauté for about 5 minutes, or until the vegetables are softened and the onions are translucent. This step brings out the natural sweetness of the veggies, adding depth to the chili’s flavor.

Step 3: Add the Beans and Tomatoes

Next, add the kidney beans, black beans, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, and tomato sauce to the pot. Stir everything together until well combined. These ingredients provide the base of the chili, giving it that rich, hearty texture.

Step 4: Add the Broth and Spices

Pour in the beef broth (or chicken broth), and stir in the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, and cayenne pepper (if you like it spicy). Season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix everything together until the spices are evenly distributed.

Step 5: Simmer the Chili

Bring the chili to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let the chili simmer for at least 45 minutes to 1 hour, stirring occasionally. The longer the chili simmers, the more the flavors will develop, so feel free to let it cook for a longer time if you have it.

If the chili gets too thick, you can add a little more broth or water to reach your desired consistency. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed—sometimes, adding a little extra chili powder or salt can really bring out the flavors.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Once the chili is fully cooked and all the flavors have melded together, it’s time to serve! Ladle the hot chili into bowls, and garnish with your favorite toppings, such as shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped green onions, tortilla chips, or fresh cilantro. Serve the chili with warm cornbread or a side of crackers for a complete meal.

Why You’ll Love a HUGE POT of Chili

1. Perfect for Feeding a Crowd: This recipe is designed to make a large batch, so it’s ideal for family gatherings, game day parties, or meal prepping. It’s a great way to feed a lot of people with minimal effort.
2. Rich and Flavorful: The combination of spices, tomatoes, and beans creates a rich, hearty flavor that’s both savory and slightly smoky. The longer the chili simmers, the better the flavor!
3. Versatile: Chili is incredibly customizable. You can use ground turkey or chicken for a leaner version, swap in different types of beans, or adjust the spice level to your liking. Add extra veggies like zucchini or carrots, or even throw in some corn for added sweetness.
4. Great for Leftovers: Chili is one of those dishes that tastes even better the next day. As it sits in the fridge, the flavors deepen, making it a fantastic dish for meal prepping or reheating later.
5. Comforting and Filling: This chili is the ultimate comfort food. It’s filling and satisfying, perfect for warming you up on a cold day or after a long week.

Tips for Success

• Brown the Meat Well: Browning the meat thoroughly adds depth of flavor and helps create a rich base for the chili. Don’t rush this step!
• Adjust the Heat: If you prefer a spicier chili, you can increase the cayenne pepper or even add a diced jalapeño pepper when sautéing the vegetables. For a milder version, omit the cayenne and reduce the chili powder.
• Add Extra Vegetables: If you want to pack in more vegetables, consider adding chopped carrots, celery, or even sweet potatoes. These will cook down and blend seamlessly into the stew-like texture of the chili.
• Make it Ahead: Chili often tastes better the next day after the flavors have had time to meld. It’s perfect for making ahead of time and reheating for easy meals throughout the week.
• Freezer-Friendly: This chili freezes wonderfully! If you have leftovers, let them cool completely, then store them in airtight containers or freezer bags for up to 3 months. Simply reheat on the stove or in the microwave for a quick and easy meal.

Conclusion

A HUGE POT of Chili is the ultimate comfort food, packed with savory beef, hearty beans, and a rich, flavorful broth. It’s the perfect dish for feeding a crowd or meal prepping for the week ahead. With its bold spices and customizable ingredients, this chili is sure to satisfy everyone at your table.

Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner, a casual gathering, or a weekend party, this chili will be a hit every time. So grab your biggest pot, gather your ingredients, and get ready to enjoy a delicious, satisfying meal that’s perfect for any occasion. Happy cooking!