The BEST Chili (Mom's Secret Recipe)!
User Reviews
4.9
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Prep Time
15 mins
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Cook Time
1 hr
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Total Time
1 hr 15 mins
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Servings
8
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Calories
634 kcal
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Course
Side Dish, Main Course, Soup
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Cuisine
American
The BEST Chili (Mom's Secret Recipe)!
Description
This chili recipe begins by mixing ground beef with salt, baking soda, water, and chili powder, resting the mixture briefly to enhance texture. The beef is then browned with sautéed onions, jalapeño, and garlic, incorporating a mixture of chili powders, cumin, oregano, cayenne or chili flakes, chipotle powder, bay leaves, and optionally cinnamon and dark chocolate to build layers of flavor with smoky, spicy, and slightly sweet notes.
The addition of green bell pepper, crushed and diced tomatoes, red kidney beans, pinto beans, beef broth, tomato paste, brown sugar, and optionally vinegar creates a hearty, balanced chili with bright acidity, sweetness, and depth. The slow simmer melds these ingredients into a cohesive dish.
This chili offers rich texture from the varied beans and tender beef, suitable for serving with toppings or on its own as a substantial meal. The recipe’s complexity arises from the careful seasoning and blend of spices.
Ingredients
Ground Beef
- 2 ½ pounds ground beef (regular)
- ¾ teaspoon baking soda
- 2 tablespoon water
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
Chili
- 1 teaspoon neutral cooking oil cooking oil of choice, generic cooking oil
- 1 cup onion (chopped)
- 1 jalapeño (seeded and finely diced, optional)
- 6 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 tablespoon chili powder
- 2 teaspoon cumin
- 2 teaspoon oregano dried
- 2 teaspoon chili flakes (or cayenne pepper, optional)
- 2 teaspoon chipotle powder ( or smoked paprika)
- 2 bay leaf
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon (optional)
- 2 tablespoon chocolate (dark or semi-sweet, chips or bar optional)
- 1 green bell pepper (seeded and diced)
- 14 ½ ounces crushed tomatoes (canned)
- 19 ounces red kidney beans (canned, drained & rinsed)
- 19 ounces pinto beans (canned, drained and rinsed (optional, sub with red kidney beans))
- 14 ½ ounces diced tomatoes (canned, with juice)
- 2 ½ cups beef broth
- 2 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar (sub honey, maple syrup, or sweetener of choice)
- 1 tablespoon vinegar (red wine vinegar, balsamic, or apple cider, optional)
- salt to taste
- black pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the beef, salt, 1 tablespoon chili powder, baking soda, and water. Using your hands or a spoon, mix until evenly combined. Let the beef mixture sit on the counter for 15 minutes.
- In a large pot on medium heat, heat the oil. Add the onions, garlic, and jalapeno. Sauté for 4 - 6 minutes until softened. Add the beef and increase the heat to high. Use a spoon or spatula to break up the meat into ¼" pieces. Sauté until the beef has browned, about 10 - 12 minutes. Note: The beef will release a lot of liquid during the cooking process. Do not drain the liquid. The fat will be skimmed off at the end, if needed and it adds flavor and improves the texture of the beef while cooking.
- Add in the chili powder, cumin, oregano, chili flakes, bay leaf, chipotle powder or smoked paprika and cinnamon (optional). Stirring frequently, sauté for 1 - 2 minutes, until well combined and fragrant.
- Add in the green pepper, tomatoes, beans, beef broth, tomato paste, brown sugar, and chocolate (optional). Stir until evenly incorporated. Bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat and let simmer uncovered 45-60 minutes or until chili has reached desired thickness.Optional: Stir in vinegar and continue cooking for another 10 minutes.
- Once the chili has reached your desired thickness, skim off any fat as desired. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Top with cheddar cheese, green onions, cilantro or other favorite toppings. Enjoy!
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 8Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 634 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 634kcal | 32% |
| Carbohydrates | 49g | 16% |
| Protein | 40g | 80% |
| Fat | 32g | 49% |
| Saturated Fat | 12g | 60% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2g | 12% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 14g | 70% |
| Trans Fat | 2g | 100% |
| Cholesterol | 101mg | 34% |
| Sodium | 1525mg | 64% |
| Potassium | 1451mg | 31% |
| Fiber | 15g | 60% |
| Sugar | 9g | 18% |
| Vitamin A | 1509IU | 30% |
| Vitamin C | 28mg | 31% |
| Calcium | 155mg | 16% |
| Iron | 9mg | 50% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
4.9
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