Introduction
If you’re in the mood for a hearty, flavorful dish, Sunday chili is the perfect choice. Packed with ground beef, bacon, and a delightful medley of spices, this chili recipe is bound to become a favorite in your household. The best part? It’s not just delicious; it also allows for flexibility in preparation and toppings. Let’s dig into the ingredients and steps to make this scrumptious chili.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
2 teaspoons salt
1 1/2 pounds ground beef
6 slices bacon, cut into small pieces
Half of an onion, diced
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 jalapeno, minced
4 carrots, minced (optional)
2 1/2 tablespoons chili powder
2 tablespoons cumin
1 tablespoon oregano
1 teaspoon garlic powder
3–4 tablespoons tomato paste
One 28-ounce can fire roasted crushed tomatoes
Two 14-ounce cans beans, rinsed and drained (black beans and pinto beans work well)
2 cups beef broth or chicken broth (plus more to thin as needed)
Toppings: avocado, cheese, sour cream, tortilla chips, red onion, cilantro
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time: 30-45 minutes (can simmer longer for enhanced flavor)
Total Time: 1 hour (plus optional simmering time)
Yield: Serves 6-8
Instructions
Start by mixing the salt with the ground beef and set it aside to allow the meat to absorb the seasoning while you prepare the other ingredients. In a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat, cook the bacon pieces until crispy, then drain them on a paper towel-lined plate. Retain 1-2 tablespoons of the bacon fat for sautéing.
Next, add the diced onion, minced garlic, jalapeno, and optionally the minced carrots to the pot, sautéing until everything is soft and fragrant. Then, introduce the salted ground beef and spices to the mix, browning it until fully cooked.
Incorporate the tomato paste into the beef mixture, allowing it to sauté for an additional 2-3 minutes. Following that, add the crushed tomatoes, rinsed beans, broth, and crispy bacon. Bring the mixture to a low simmer and cover it, letting it cook for at least 30-45 minutes. For the best flavors, allow it to simmer for 2 hours or more; you can alternate between low heat and resting the pot off the flame.
As the chili thickens, adjust the consistency with additional broth or water as needed. Finally, serve your chili with an array of toppings such as avocado, cheese, sour cream, tortilla chips, red onion, and fresh cilantro.
Prepare to savor every bite and make plans to enjoy this dish again next Sunday!
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Mix Salt with Ground Beef
In a bowl, mix 2 teaspoons of salt with 1 1/2 pounds of ground beef. Set aside to let the beef absorb the salt while you prepare the other ingredients.
Cook Bacon
In a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat, fry 6 slices of cut bacon pieces until crispy. Once cooked, drain the bacon on paper towel-lined plates. Carefully pour off most of the bacon fat, leaving 1-2 tablespoons in the pot for sautéing.
Sauté Vegetables
Add half of a diced onion, 4 minced cloves of garlic, 1 minced jalapeño, and 4 minced carrots (if using) to the pot. Sauté the mixture until it becomes soft and fragrant.
Brown the Beef
Add the salted ground beef along with 2 1/2 tablespoons of chili powder, 2 tablespoons of cumin, 1 tablespoon of oregano, and 1 teaspoon of garlic powder. Cook until the beef is fully browned.
Add Tomato Paste
Stir in 3-4 tablespoons of tomato paste, and sauté for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
Incorporate Remaining Ingredients
Add one 28-ounce can of fire-roasted crushed tomatoes, two 14-ounce cans of rinsed and drained beans (such as black beans and pinto beans), and 2 cups of beef or chicken broth to the pot. Mix in the crispy bacon as well.
Simmer Chili
Bring the chili to a low simmer. Cover and let it cook over low heat for at least 30-45 minutes, ideally up to 2 hours, to enhance the flavors. You can alternate between keeping it on a low flame and letting it rest in the hot pot. If the chili thickens too much, use extra water or broth to achieve your desired consistency.
Serve with Toppings
After simmering, serve the chili hot with your favorite toppings such as diced avocado, cheese, sour cream, tortilla chips, red onion, and cilantro.
Notes
Flavor Development
Allowing the chili to simmer for a longer time (up to 2 hours) helps the flavors develop further, making it richer and more delicious.
Consistency Adjustment
Keep in mind that the chili will thicken during cooking. Adjust the consistency with additional broth or water as necessary.
Sunday Chili Tradition
Consider making this recipe a Sunday tradition – it’s a great meal to enjoy with family and friends, and leftovers can be wonderful for the week ahead.
Cook techniques
Salting the Ground Beef
Mix the salt with the ground beef and let it sit. This allows the meat to absorb the salt and enhances its flavor.
Cooking Bacon
In a Dutch oven, cook bacon pieces over medium-high heat until crispy. Drain excess fat but retain a small amount for sautéing vegetables.
Sautéing Vegetables
Add diced onion, minced garlic, minced jalapeno, and minced carrots to the retained bacon fat. Sauté until the vegetables are soft and fragrant.
Brown the Beef
Incorporate the salted ground beef into the sautéed vegetables and spices. Cook until the beef is fully browned.
Adding Tomato Paste
Stir in tomato paste and sauté for 2-3 minutes. This helps to deepen the flavor.
Simmering the Chili
Add fire-roasted crushed tomatoes, rinsed beans, and broth to the pot. Bring to a low simmer, cover, and let it cook for at least 30-45 minutes, ideally 2 hours, to develop flavors.
Adjusting Consistency
If the chili thickens too much, add more broth or water to reach your desired consistency.
Serving
Top the chili with your favorite toppings like avocado, cheese, sour cream, tortilla chips, red onion, and cilantro.
FAQ
Can I use different types of beans?
Yes, you can use any type of beans you prefer, such as kidney beans or chickpeas.
Can I make this chili vegetarian?
Yes, substitute the ground beef with a plant-based meat alternative or additional beans and eliminate the bacon.
How can I make the chili spicier?
Add more jalapenos or include other hot peppers, or use a spicy chili powder.
Is it necessary to let the chili simmer for a long time?
While it can be cooked for a shorter time, allowing it to simmer longer enhances the flavors significantly.
How do I store leftover chili?
Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, or freeze for longer storage.
Conclusion
The combination of spices, meats, and fresh ingredients in this chili recipe creates a rich and flavorful dish that is perfect for gatherings or a comforting family meal. Letting it simmer allows the flavors to meld together beautifully, making it a dish that is not only satisfying but also deeply satisfying. Enjoy this chili topped with your favorite garnishes, and it may just become a regular feature in your kitchen rotation.
Chili with Sweet Potatoes
For a healthier twist, incorporate diced sweet potatoes into your chili for added sweetness and nutrition.
Vegetarian Chili
Swap out the ground beef and bacon for mushrooms, lentils, or quinoa for a hearty vegetarian version that doesn’t compromise on flavor.
Spicy Turkey Chili
Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef, and add extra jalapenos or hot sauce for a spicy kick.
Apple Cinnamon Chili
Add diced apples and a sprinkle of cinnamon for a unique flavor profile that balances sweetness with savory elements.
Chili Mac
Mix your chili with cooked macaroni and cheese for a comforting and filling meal that’s great for kids and adults alike.
Mexican Street Corn Chili
Incorporate grilled corn and a hint of lime juice to give your chili a fresh, summery flair reminiscent of Mexican street corn.
BBQ Pulled Pork Chili
Add shredded BBQ pulled pork for a smoky and tangy version that takes traditional chili to the next level.
Chili Cheese Fries
Serve your chili over crispy fries topped with cheese, jalapenos, and sour cream for an indulgent snack or meal.
Breakfast Chili
Top your chili with a fried egg and serve it on a bed of hash browns for a hearty breakfast option.
