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–+ servings
Old Fashioned Chili

Old Fashioned Chili That Warms the Soul and Your Kitchen

This Old Fashioned Chili is a heartwarming dish that brings nostalgia and flavor, perfect for cozy evenings and gatherings.
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Course: Main Dishes
Cuisine: American
Keyword: chili recipe, comfort food, Cozy Meals, game day chili, hearty chili, Old Fashioned Chili
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Servings: 6 servings
Calories: 350kcal

Equipment

  • Large pot

Ingredients

For the Meat

  • 1 pound ground beef choose lean for a healthier option
  • ½ pound ground pork adds richness

For the Aromatics

  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil can use olive oil for extra flavor
  • 1 medium onion yellow or white, provides sweetness
  • 1 medium green bell pepper brings color and sweetness
  • 2 cloves garlic fresh is best

For the Base

  • 14 ounces diced tomatoes (canned) can use fire-roasted for extra depth
  • 8 ounces tomato sauce
  • 1 cup kidney beans can substitute with black beans
  • 1 cup beef broth use homemade or low-sodium

For the Spices

  • 2 tablespoons chili powder adjust for heat preference
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon paprika can be sweet or smoked
  • ½ teaspoon dried oregano
  • ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper use sparingly for heat
  • 1 teaspoon brown sugar can substitute with honey
  • to taste salt essential for flavor
  • to taste black pepper freshly ground for best flavor

Instructions

Step-by-Step Instructions for Old Fashioned Chili

  • Heat the vegetable oil over medium heat in a large pot until shimmering, about 2 minutes. Add diced onions and bell pepper.
  • Sauté the diced onion and bell pepper for about 5 minutes until tender and fragrant.
  • Stir in minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until aromatic.
  • Increase heat to medium-high, add ground beef and ground pork, and cook for 6-8 minutes until browned.
  • Drain any excess fat from the pot to avoid greasy chili.
  • Sprinkle in the chili powder, ground cumin, paprika, dried oregano, and cayenne pepper, and stir for about 1 minute.
  • Add diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, beef broth, and brown sugar; stir to combine.
  • Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, reduce heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for 30 minutes.
  • After 30 minutes, stir in kidney beans and simmer uncovered for an additional 15 minutes.
  • Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper before serving hot.

Notes

When storing, cool to room temperature and use airtight containers for the fridge or freezer.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cup | Calories: 350kcal | Carbohydrates: 32g | Protein: 25g | Fat: 15g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 8g | Cholesterol: 75mg | Sodium: 600mg | Potassium: 800mg | Fiber: 10g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 500IU | Vitamin C: 35mg | Calcium: 50mg | Iron: 3.5mg