why make this recipe
This First Place Chili Recipe is a heartwarming dish that brings comfort and flavor to your table. With its rich ingredients and balanced spices, it’s perfect for family gatherings or cozy nights at home. The great thing about this chili is its versatility; you can adjust the heat level and add your favorite toppings. Making this recipe is also a fun way to connect with loved ones as you cook together in the kitchen.
how to make First Place Chili
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs Ground Beef (80/20 blend recommended for flavor and moisture)
- 1 large Onion, chopped
- 2 Green Bell Peppers, chopped
- 2 Red Bell Peppers, chopped
- 4 cloves Garlic, minced
- 2 (28 oz) cans Crushed Tomatoes
- 1 (15 oz) can Tomato Sauce
- 1 (15 oz) can Diced Tomatoes, undrained
- 1 (15 oz) can Kidney Beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 (15 oz) can Black Beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 (15 oz) can Pinto Beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 cup Beef Broth
- ¼ cup Chili Powder (adjust to taste)
- 2 tablespoons Ground Cumin
- 1 tablespoon Smoked Paprika
- 1 tablespoon Dried Oregano
- 1 teaspoon Cayenne Pepper (optional, for extra heat)
- 1 teaspoon Salt (or to taste)
- ½ teaspoon Black Pepper (or to taste)
- 2 tablespoons Olive Oil or Vegetable Oil
- 1 tablespoon Brown Sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
- Fresh Cilantro, chopped (for garnish, optional)
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese (for garnish, optional)
- Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt (for garnish, optional)
- Chopped Green Onions (for garnish, optional)
- Jalapeño slices (for garnish, optional, for extra heat lovers)
Directions:
- Begin by prepping your vegetables. Chop the onion, green bell peppers, and red bell peppers into uniform pieces. Mince the garlic cloves. Having all your vegetables ready will make the cooking process smoother.
- In a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until it is browned. Drain off any excess grease after browning.
- Once the beef is browned and drained, add the chopped onion and bell peppers to the pot. Sauté over medium heat for about 5-7 minutes, or until the vegetables have softened and the onions are translucent.
- Stir in the minced garlic, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and black pepper. Cook for another minute, stirring constantly, until fragrant.
- Pour in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and diced tomatoes (undrained) into the pot. Add the rinsed and drained kidney beans, black beans, and pinto beans. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
- Pour in the beef broth and bring the chili to a simmer. Once simmering, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for at least 1 hour. Stir occasionally.
- After simmering, taste the chili and adjust the seasoning as needed. Add the optional brown sugar if you find the chili too acidic.
- Ladle the chili into bowls and garnish with your favorite toppings.
how to serve First Place Chili
Serve the chili hot in bowls and offer a variety of toppings like fresh cilantro, shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped green onions, or jalapeño slices. This way, everyone can customize their bowl to their liking.
how to store First Place Chili
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 4 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze the chili for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
tips to make First Place Chili
- Use a blend of beans for varied texture and flavor.
- For a thicker chili, let it simmer longer uncovered.
- Adjust the amount of chili powder and cayenne based on your heat preference.
variation
You can make a vegetarian version by substituting ground beef with a mixture of lentils and mushrooms. You can also use different beans like garbanzo or navy beans for a twist.
FAQs
1. Can I make this chili in a slow cooker?
Yes, simply brown the ground beef and sauté the vegetables before adding them to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours.
2. Is there a way to make this chili spicier?
Sure! You can add more cayenne pepper or include sliced jalapeños in the mix for extra heat.
3. Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
Yes, use about 2-3 pounds of fresh tomatoes. Blanch them first to remove the skins and chop them before adding.
First Place Chili
Ingredients
Method
- Chop the onion, green bell peppers, and red bell peppers into uniform pieces. Mince the garlic cloves.
- In a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until it is browned. Drain off any excess grease after browning.
- Once the beef is browned and drained, add the chopped onion and bell peppers to the pot. Sauté over medium heat for about 5-7 minutes, or until the vegetables have softened and the onions are translucent.
- Stir in the minced garlic, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and black pepper. Cook for another minute, stirring constantly, until fragrant.
- Pour in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and diced tomatoes (undrained) into the pot. Add the rinsed and drained kidney beans, black beans, and pinto beans. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
- Pour in the beef broth and bring the chili to a simmer. Once simmering, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for at least 1 hour. Stir occasionally.
- After simmering, taste the chili and adjust the seasoning as needed. Add the optional brown sugar if you find the chili too acidic.
- Ladle the chili into bowls and garnish with your favorite toppings.
Notes
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