Get ready to tantalize your taste buds with the most mouthwatering Southern chili recipe that will have your family and friends begging for seconds! 🌶️ Deb's Easy to Make Southern Chili is not just another chili recipe - it's a comfort food experience that transforms simple ingredients into a hearty, flavor-packed meal that'll warm you from the inside out. Whether you're a seasoned home cook or a kitchen novice, this foolproof recipe guarantees a delicious dinner that's ready in just 40 minutes!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: Southern
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 can kidney beans
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 1 lb of ground beef, 1 can of kidney beans, 1 can of diced tomatoes, 1 diced onion, 2 minced cloves of garlic, 2 tablespoons of chili powder, 1 teaspoon of cumin, and salt and pepper to taste.
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat a tablespoon of oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the diced onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until it becomes translucent.
- Add the minced garlic to the pot and sauté for an additional 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
- Increase the heat to medium-high and add the ground beef to the pot. Cook the beef, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon, until it is browned and no longer pink, which should take about 5-7 minutes.
- Once the beef is cooked, drain any excess fat from the pot if necessary. Then, stir in the chili powder and cumin, mixing well to coat the meat and onions.
- Add the can of diced tomatoes (with their juice) and the can of kidney beans (drained and rinsed) to the pot. Stir everything together until well combined.
- Season the chili with salt and pepper to taste. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low.
- Cover the pot and let the chili cook for about 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. This will allow the flavors to meld together.
- After cooking, taste the chili and adjust the seasoning if necessary. If you prefer a spicier chili, you can add more chili powder or even a dash of hot sauce.
- Once the chili is ready, remove it from the heat and let it sit for a few minutes before serving. This will allow it to thicken slightly.
- Serve the chili hot in bowls. It pairs wonderfully with cornbread, rice, or tortilla chips. Enjoy your delicious Southern chili!
Tips
- For the most flavorful chili, use fresh ground beef with a slightly higher fat content (80/20) to ensure rich taste and moisture.
- Always drain and rinse kidney beans to reduce excess sodium and improve digestibility.
- Don't rush the sautéing process for onions and garlic - taking time to develop their flavors creates a deeper taste profile.
- For extra depth, consider adding a splash of beef broth or a tablespoon of tomato paste while cooking.
- If you prefer a thicker chili, let it simmer uncovered for the last 5-10 minutes to reduce liquid.
- Experiment with toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped green onions, or fresh cilantro to personalize your dish.
- This chili tastes even better the next day, so don't hesitate to make it in advance for meal prep!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 22g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 70mg
