Hearty Homestyle Chili

When the weather turns chilly, there’s nothing quite like a bowl of hearty homestyle chili to warm you up from the inside out. This classic recipe combines ground beef or turkey with a medley of spices and beans to create a rich, flavorful dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just craving some comfort food, this chili is sure to hit the spot.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients:

• 2 pounds ground beef or turkey
• 2 small green peppers, about 2 cups diced
• 1 small yellow onion, about 1 ½ cups diced
• 2 cans diced tomatoes (15-ounce cans)
• 15-ounce can tomato sauce
• 6-ounce can tomato paste
• 15 ounces water
• 2 cans kidney beans, drained and rinsed (15-ounce cans)

Spices and Seasonings:

• 3 tablespoons chili powder
• 2 tablespoons garlic powder
• 2 tablespoons onion powder
• 3 tablespoons cumin
• 1 tablespoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon chipotle powder
• ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
• ½ tablespoon salt
• 1 teaspoon white pepper
• ½ teaspoon baking soda (optional)

Directions

1. Preparing the Vegetables

Start by dicing the green peppers and yellow onion. In a large dutch oven, sauté the diced peppers and onions over medium heat until they become translucent and begin to caramelize. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes.

2. Adding the Spices

Next, add all of the spices and seasonings except for the baking soda. Cook the mixture for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring continuously to prevent the spices from burning. This step is crucial as it helps to release the flavors of the spices, creating a more robust chili.

3. Cooking the Meat

Add the ground beef or turkey to the pot. Cook until the meat is just browned, with some pink remaining. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Stir frequently to ensure even cooking and to break up the meat into smaller pieces.

4. Combining the Tomatoes and Simmering

Once the meat is browned, stir in the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, water, and tomato paste. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium-low heat and cook for 15 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together and the sauce to thicken slightly.

5. Adding the Beans

After the chili has simmered for 15 minutes, mix in the drained and rinsed kidney beans. Continue to simmer the chili, allowing the beans to heat through and the flavors to combine.

6. Final Touches

If you choose to use the baking soda, add it now. Stir continuously as the mixture will bubble up slightly. This step is optional but can help to neutralize the acidity of the tomatoes, resulting in a smoother chili. Reduce the heat and simmer until the chili has thickened to your desired consistency.

7. Serving

Remove the chili from the heat and serve it hot. This recipe makes about 6 servings, each packed with hearty goodness.

Prep and Cooking Time

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes

Nutritional Information

• Calories: Approximately 350 per serving
• Servings: 6

Enjoy this hearty homestyle chili on a cold day, or make a batch for your next family gathering. It’s easy to prepare and guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. Pair it with some cornbread or a side salad for a complete meal. Happy cooking!

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