Are you tired of bland, boring chili that leaves your taste buds begging for excitement? Get ready to discover the game-changing recipe that will transform your weeknight meals forever! "A Honey of a Chili" isn't just another standard chili recipe – it's a flavor explosion that perfectly balances sweet and savory, promising to become your new go-to comfort food. With a secret ingredient that will make your family and friends ask, "What's your magic touch?", this recipe is about to become the star of your culinary repertoire.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 can kidney beans
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp honey
- 2 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Gather all ingredients and necessary cooking equipment, including a large pot or Dutch oven, cutting board, and measuring spoons.
- Heat a large skillet or pot over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and break it apart using a wooden spoon or spatula, cooking until the meat is browned and no longer pink, approximately 7-8 minutes.
- While the beef is cooking, dice the onion and mince the garlic cloves, preparing them for sautéing.
- Once the beef is fully browned, drain excess fat if desired, then add chopped onions and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until the onions become translucent and fragrant.
- Add kidney beans (undrained), diced tomatoes, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper to the beef mixture. Stir thoroughly to combine all ingredients.
- Drizzle honey over the chili and stir well, allowing the honey to integrate and balance the spicy and savory flavors.
- Reduce heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
- Taste and adjust seasoning as needed, adding more salt, pepper, or honey to suit your preference.
- Remove from heat and let the chili rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld together.
- Serve hot, optionally garnishing with shredded cheese, sour cream, or chopped green onions.
Tips
- For maximum flavor, use fresh ground beef with a slightly higher fat content (80/20 blend) to ensure rich, deep taste.
- Don't rush the browning process – letting the ground beef develop a nice caramelized exterior adds incredible depth to your chili.
- The honey is your secret weapon! Add it gradually and taste as you go to achieve the perfect sweet-spicy balance.
- If you prefer a thicker chili, let it simmer uncovered for the last 5-10 minutes to reduce and concentrate the flavors.
- This chili tastes even better the next day, so don't hesitate to make it in advance. The flavors will continue to meld and intensify overnight.
- For extra richness, consider topping with a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of sharp cheddar cheese.
- If you want to make it spicier, add a diced jalapeño with the onions or a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra kick.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 22g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 65mg
