THE BEST EASY CHILI
- WineCheeseScallops
- Oct 23, 2024
- 6 min read
Updated: Jan 3
Nothing warms the soul like a hearty bowl of chili, and our Best Easy Chili Recipe is here to be your go-to comfort dish! This chili is a symphony of rich flavors, featuring smoky bacon, a mix of savory ground meats, and a blend of spices that packs the perfect punch of heat. The addition of beer brings out the chili’s depth, while the beans and tomatoes create a hearty, satisfying texture. Whether you're gearing up for game day, hosting a cozy family dinner, or just craving something warm on a chilly evening, this recipe is all about bold flavors and belly-warming goodness.
What makes our chili stand out is its adaptability! You can make it as mild or as spicy as you like by adjusting the chipotle chili powder. And with garnishes like sour cream, Cheddar cheese, and lime wedges, everyone can personalize their bowl to their own taste. Serve it with your favorite side of cornbread or tortilla chips for the ultimate meal. You’ll find yourself coming back to this recipe time and time again, and trust us, it only gets better the next day!
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Chipotle Chili Powder Chipotle chili powder is a smoky, moderately spicy powder made from dried and smoked jalapeño peppers. It adds a unique depth of flavor to dishes, delivering a blend of heat, smokiness, and a touch of sweetness. This ingredient is a star player in our chili recipe, elevating the overall taste profile with its rich and earthy undertones. Chipotle chili powder is not only great for flavor but also provides some health benefits, as it contains capsaicin, known for boosting metabolism and promoting heart health.
Beer Incorporating beer into chili is a classic move that adds a layer of complexity to the dish. The alcohol in the beer evaporates during the cooking process, leaving behind a slightly bitter, malty flavor that enhances the savory notes of the meat and spices. We recommend using a light beer like Corona for this recipe, as it contributes a subtle tang without overwhelming the other ingredients. Beer also acts as a tenderizer for the meat, ensuring a smoother texture in every bite. If you're looking to skip the alcohol, you can substitute it with beef broth to keep the depth of flavor.
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Chili has a long-standing reputation as a beloved comfort food that transcends cultures and cuisines. Though its exact origin is often debated, it is widely accepted that chili originated in Texas, where its bold flavors and hearty ingredients made it a staple dish among settlers and cowboys. This recipe brings that classic taste into your kitchen but with a twist! By blending traditional flavors with a few modern elements like chipotle chili powder and Corona beer, we’ve crafted a chili that honors its roots while adding our own flare.
The use of smoky bacon and a mix of ground beef and pork creates a balanced base that sets this chili apart from more common variations. It’s a recipe that blends Tex-Mex influences with a hint of Southern charm, making it a true crowd-pleaser for any occasion. Whether you’re cooking for a casual family dinner or preparing for a game day gathering, our Best Easy Chili Recipe is designed to bring warmth, flavor, and a sense of togetherness to the table.
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Helpful Tips, Serving Suggestions, or Storage Advice
Adjust the Spice Level: For a milder chili, reduce the amount of chipotle chili powder or replace it with a milder chili powder.
Use Fresh Spices: Freshly ground spices have a more intense flavor, so try to use the freshest chili powder, cumin, and paprika for the best taste.
Simmer Longer for Richer Flavor: The longer you let the chili simmer, the deeper the flavors will become. If you have time, let it cook for 2-3 hours.
Double the Recipe: Chili freezes well, so make a double batch and save some for those busy nights when you need a quick meal.
Top It Off: Offer a chili bar with a variety of toppings like avocado, jalapeños, crushed tortilla chips, and diced onions so everyone can customize their bowl.
Pair with Sides: Serve with cornbread, tortilla chips, or a simple green salad to complete the meal.
Storing Leftovers: Store leftover chili in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. It also freezes well for up to 3 months.
Reheating Tips: When reheating, add a splash of beef broth or water to bring back some of the moisture and keep the chili from becoming too thick.
Serving Suggestions: This chili is also fantastic over a baked potato or as a topping for hot dogs for a game day twist!
Make It Vegetarian: Swap out the beef and pork for extra beans and veggies like zucchini or mushrooms for a vegetarian version.
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Why This Recipe Stands Out
Bacon Base: The smoky flavor of bacon sets the stage for an incredibly rich and savory chili.
Balanced Heat: A combination of chili powder and chipotle chili powder gives the perfect level of heat without being overwhelming.
Versatility: Easy to adjust for different spice preferences or dietary needs.
Beer Boost: The addition of beer adds a subtle depth of flavor that you won’t find in typical chili recipes.
Double Meat: Using both ground beef and pork enhances the texture and flavor, making it extra hearty.
Perfect for Meal Prep: This recipe freezes exceptionally well, making it ideal for batch cooking and meal prep.
Customizable Toppings: Endless options for garnishes allow everyone to create their ideal bowl.
Full of Protein: With two kinds of meat and beans, this chili is packed with protein to keep you full and satisfied.
One-Pot Wonder: Fewer dishes mean more time enjoying the meal and less time cleaning up.
Crowd-Pleaser: This chili is perfect for game day, potlucks, or family dinners, and it's sure to impress even the pickiest eaters.
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Ingredients:
6 slices thick-cut applewood smoked bacon, diced
4 cloves garlic, finely chopped
2 medium onions, finely chopped
1 red bell pepper, chopped
1 yellow bell pepper, chopped
3 Tbs chili powder
1 Tbs ground cumin
1 Tbs chipotle chili powder
2 tsp dried oregano
1 Tbs smoked paprika
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
1 pound lean ground beef
1 pound ground pork
1 cup beer (we use Corona)
1 (15-ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed
1 (15-ounce) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
1 (28-ounce) can diced tomatoes, with juice
Lime wedges, for garnish
Sour cream, for garnish
Shredded Cheddar cheese, for garnish
Sliced scallions, for garnish
Instructions:
In a large heavy-bottomed Dutch oven, cook the diced bacon over medium heat until it is lightly crisp, stirring occasionally.
Once the bacon is browned, add the garlic, onions, bell peppers, chili powder, cumin, chipotle chili powder, oregano, and smoked paprika. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Cook until the vegetables are tender and fragrant.
Add the ground beef to the pot, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Cook until the beef begins to brown.
Add the ground pork, breaking it up with a spoon as well, and cook until it is no longer pink (about 4 minutes).
Stir in the beer and beans, mixing everything well.
Add the crushed and diced tomatoes to the pot. Turn the heat down to low and let it simmer for about 1 1/2 hours.
Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Serve the chili in bowls and garnish with lime wedges, a dollop of sour cream, shredded Cheddar cheese, and sliced scallions.
We’re so excited for you to try this recipe! To make it even easier, we’ve put together a list of our favorite kitchen tools that are super helpful for this recipe. By using our affiliate links below, you’ll not only be getting top-notch products but also supporting our blog, Wine Cheese Scallops. Thank you so much for your support—happy cooking!
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Their high-quality selection never disappoints!
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