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Hearty Soup Chili

A flexible and cozy chili recipe made with pantry staples and fresh ingredients, perfect for chilly nights.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 1 pound ground beef or turkey
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil if using lean meat
  • 1 large onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
  • 28 ounces canned crushed tomatoes
  • 1 cup beef or chicken broth more as needed
  • 1 can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 teaspoon unsweetened cocoa powder optional but adds depth
  • 1 to 2 teaspoons sugar or maple syrup to balance acidity
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Optional add-ins: corn, a splash of coffee, diced sweet potato

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Brown the meat. Set a heavy pot over medium heat. Add olive oil if using lean meat. Add ground beef or turkey and cook until browned with crispy bits forming. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
  2. Build the base. Add onion, bell pepper, and jalapeƱo. Cook until soft, about 5 to 6 minutes. Stir in garlic and tomato paste for 1 minute until it smells toasty and sweet.
  3. Spice it right. Sprinkle in chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and oregano. Toast for 30 seconds.
  4. Liquids and tomatoes. Pour in crushed tomatoes and broth. Scrape the bottom to release all the tasty browned bits. Stir in cocoa powder and a little sugar.
  5. Simmer low and slow. Bring to a gentle bubble. Reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 30 to 45 minutes until thick and glossy. Stir occasionally.
  6. Beans and final taste. Stir in beans and cook for 10 more minutes. Taste and adjust salt, pepper, or chili powder as needed.
  7. Rest and serve. Take the pot off heat and let it sit for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Chili tastes better the next day. Refrigerate up to 4 days or freeze up to 3 months. Reheat gently with a splash of water or broth. For toppings, use shredded sharp cheddar, sour cream, green onions, cilantro, avocado, or crushed tortilla chips.