Get ready to warm your soul with a bowl of Big Mike's Red Meat Chili! This hearty, flavorful dish is perfect for chilly evenings or gatherings with friends and family. Packed with tender ground beef, zesty spices, and a delightful blend of tomatoes and beans, this chili is sure to become a staple in your recipe collection. With just a little prep and a simmering pot, you can create a masterpiece that will have everyone asking for seconds. Dive into this recipe and discover the secret to chili perfection!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 1 hrs 30 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs 45 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 2 pounds ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cans diced tomatoes
- 1 can kidney beans
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients on a clean workspace. Ensure you have a large pot or Dutch oven ready for cooking the chili.
- In the pot, heat a tablespoon of oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes, or until the onion is translucent and fragrant.
- Add the minced garlic to the pot and continue to sauté for an additional 1-2 minutes, being careful not to let the garlic burn.
- Next, add the ground beef to the pot. Break it apart with a wooden spoon and cook until it is browned and no longer pink, approximately 7-10 minutes. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
- Once the beef is cooked, stir in the chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Mix well to coat the meat and vegetables with the spices, and cook for another 2 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Open the cans of diced tomatoes and kidney beans. Pour the diced tomatoes (with their juices) into the pot, followed by the kidney beans (drained and rinsed). Stir everything together to combine.
- Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let the chili simmer for about 1 hour, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- After 1 hour, taste the chili and adjust the seasoning as needed, adding more salt, pepper, or chili powder to suit your taste.
- Continue to simmer the chili uncovered for an additional 30 minutes to thicken the sauce, stirring occasionally.
- Once the chili has reached your desired consistency, remove it from the heat. Let it sit for a few minutes before serving to allow the flavors to deepen.
- Serve Big Mike's Red Meat Chili hot, garnished with your favorite toppings such as shredded cheese, sour cream, or chopped green onions. Enjoy!
Tips
- Use Fresh Ingredients: For the best flavor, opt for fresh garlic and onions. Fresh herbs can also elevate the dish even further.
- Adjust the Spice Level: If you like it spicy, consider adding diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the mix for an extra kick.
- Let it Simmer: The longer you let the chili simmer, the better the flavors will meld together. If you have time, let it cook for an additional hour for maximum flavor.
- Toppings Matter: Don’t forget the toppings! Shredded cheese, sour cream, and chopped green onions add great texture and flavor to your chili.
- Make it Ahead: This chili tastes even better the next day, so consider making a big batch and storing leftovers in the fridge for a quick meal later.
- Serve with Bread: Pair your chili with some crusty bread or cornbread to soak up every last drop of that delicious sauce.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 28g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Cholesterol: 90mg