Print

Cozy Family Chili Recipe

cozy family chili recipe - featured image
Print Recipe

A hearty, easy, and freezer-friendly chili recipe perfect for cozy family dinners. Made with simple pantry staples and packed with bold flavors.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb ground beef (80/20 preferred)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 large yellow onion, diced
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 red bell pepper, diced
  • 14.5 oz canned diced tomatoes
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 cup beef broth or stock (low sodium recommended)
  • 1 tablespoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon brown sugar
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Optional toppings: shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped green onions, fresh cilantro

Instructions

  1. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat until shimmering but not smoking.
  2. Add 1 lb ground beef and brown for 8-10 minutes, breaking it apart and stirring occasionally until no pink remains. Drain excess fat if desired.
  3. Add diced onion, minced garlic, and diced red bell pepper to the pot. Sauté for about 5 minutes until vegetables are softened and fragrant.
  4. Stir in 2 tablespoons tomato paste, 1 tablespoon chili powder, 1 teaspoon cumin, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, and 1 teaspoon brown sugar. Mix well to coat evenly.
  5. Pour in 14.5 oz canned diced tomatoes with juice and 1 cup beef broth. Add drained kidney beans and stir, scraping the bottom of the pot to loosen browned bits.
  6. Reduce heat to low and partially cover the pot. Simmer gently for 30 minutes, stirring every 10 minutes. Add water or broth if chili becomes too thick.
  7. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and black pepper. Add cayenne or hot sauce if more heat is desired.
  8. Serve hot with optional toppings such as shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped green onions, or fresh cilantro.

Notes

Brown the meat well for best flavor and avoid overcrowding the pot to prevent steaming. Add spices after vegetables soften to avoid bitterness. Simmer for at least 30 minutes for flavor melding. Cool completely before freezing and reheat gently with a splash of water or broth. Optional variations include using ground turkey, adding jalapeños for heat, or slow cooker method.

Nutrition

Keywords: chili, family dinner, freezer-friendly, easy recipe, hearty, ground beef chili, cozy meal

Find it online: https://lyrafeast.com/cozy-family-chili-recipe-easy-hearty-freezer-friendly-dinner-idea/