Here’s a recipe for a huge, hearty pot of chili that’s perfect for family dinners, meal prep, or freezing for later. It’s rich, spicy, and packed with flavor.
Ingredients (Serves 8–10)
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2 lbs ground beef, turkey, or a mix
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2 large onions, chopped
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4 cloves garlic, minced
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2 large bell peppers, chopped (red, yellow, or green)
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2–3 cans (14 oz each) diced tomatoes
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2 cans (15 oz each) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
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1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
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1 can (6 oz) tomato paste
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2–3 cups beef or chicken broth
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2–3 tbsp chili powder
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2 tsp cumin
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1 tsp smoked paprika
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1 tsp oregano
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1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
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Salt and black pepper to taste
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Optional toppings: shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped green onions, cilantro
Instructions
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Brown the meat:
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In a large pot, cook the ground meat over medium heat until browned. Drain excess fat.
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Sauté vegetables:
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Add onions, garlic, and bell peppers to the pot. Cook for 5–7 minutes until softened.
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Add spices:
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Stir in chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, cayenne, salt, and pepper. Let cook for 1–2 minutes to release flavors.
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Add tomatoes and beans:
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Mix in diced tomatoes, tomato paste, and drained beans. Stir well.
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Pour in broth:
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Add 2–3 cups of broth until you reach your desired chili thickness.
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Simmer:
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Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for at least 45 minutes to 1 hour, stirring occasionally. The longer it simmers, the deeper the flavor.
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Adjust seasoning:
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Taste and adjust salt, pepper, and chili powder as needed.
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Serve:
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Ladle into bowls and top with cheese, sour cream, green onions, or cilantro. Great with cornbread, rice, or tortilla chips.
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💡 Tips:
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For a smoky depth, add a chopped chipotle pepper in adobo sauce.
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Make it vegetarian by replacing meat with extra beans and vegetables.
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This chili freezes beautifully in portions—perfect for meal prep.
If you want, I can give a “super fast 10-minute prep version for a huge pot” that maximizes flavor while saving time. That way, you don’t have to spend hours chopping and simmering.