Get ready to embark on a mouthwatering culinary journey with the most irresistible chili recipe that will transform your dinner table into a flavor explosion! This MA Woods Chili Con Carne isn't just another ordinary chili recipe - it's a hearty, soul-warming dish that promises to become your new go-to comfort meal. Packed with rich, deep flavors and a perfect balance of spices, this chili will have your family and friends begging for seconds (and maybe even the recipe)!
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
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 can (15 ounces) kidney beans, drained
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Gather all ingredients and prepare your cooking equipment, including a large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, cutting board, and sharp knife.
- Heat a large pot over medium-high heat and add the ground beef. Break the meat into small crumbles using a wooden spoon or spatula, cooking until it's fully browned and no pink remains.
- Add chopped onions to the browned beef and sauté for 3-4 minutes until the onions become translucent and slightly softened.
- Mince the garlic cloves and add them to the beef and onion mixture, stirring for about 30 seconds until fragrant to release their aromatic oils.
- Pour in the crushed tomatoes, stirring to combine with the beef and onion mixture.
- Add chili powder and cumin to the pot, stirring thoroughly to distribute the spices evenly throughout the mixture.
- Drain the kidney beans and add them to the pot, mixing gently to incorporate.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting the spices as needed.
- Reduce heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- After simmering, taste and adjust seasonings if necessary. The chili should have a thick, rich consistency.
- Remove from heat and let the chili rest for 10 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld together.
- Serve hot in bowls, optionally garnishing with shredded cheese, sour cream, or chopped green onions if desired.
Tips
- For the most tender and flavorful meat, use ground beef with a slightly higher fat content (80/20 works best).
- Take your time browning the meat - this step builds incredible depth of flavor.
- Don't rush the simmering process. Low and slow cooking allows the spices to fully develop and the meat to become incredibly tender.
- For an extra flavor boost, consider toasting your spices in the pan for 30 seconds before adding other ingredients.
- If the chili becomes too thick during cooking, add a little beef broth or water to maintain the desired consistency.
- Make a big batch - this chili tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to meld overnight.
- For a more complex flavor, try adding a small piece of dark chocolate or a splash of coffee during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 30g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 90mg
