Introduction: Best Easy to Make Chili

Chili comes in many forms and flavors. This recipe creates an enjoyable and customizable chili that is easy to prepare and has excellent flavor.

Step 1: Gather Ingredients and Cookware

Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon canola oil
    Any cooking oil will do
  • 1 pound hamburger
    Any fat content will work, 80-90% lean is preferred
    For more flavor 1/4 pound of Italian sausage may be added
  • 1 tablespoon Tabasco sauce
    try a favorite hot sauce instead
  • Spices
    Spice quantities may be adjusted for taste if desired
    • 3 tablespoons chili powder
    • 2 tablespoon chipolte powder
    • 2 tablespoon paprika
      Hot Hungarian paprika is preferred, but not required
    • 3 teaspoons cumin
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 Large yellow onion
  • 1 bell pepper
    any color bell pepper will work, green is typically used
  • 4 jalapeno peppers
  • 1 8 oz can tomato sauce
  • Tomatoes
    Canned tomatoes can be petite or regular and may include chilies if desired. Overall quantity should total 28-32 oz
    • 1 14-16oz can diced tomatoes
    • 1 14-16oz can diced tomatoes with chilies
  • Beans
    Bean selection can be varied based on individual preferences, but 28-32oz should be used total
    • 1 14-16oz can dark red kidney beans
    • 1 14-16oz can kidney or pinto beans
  • 1/2 can (6oz) of preferred beer
    Coors light is typically used, but any beer including dark varieties may be used if those flavors are preferred
  • Optional shredded cheddar cheese and sour cream

Cookware

  • Large stew pot with lid
  • Spatula
  • Chef's knife
  • Measuring spoons
  • Large spoon
  • Can opener
  • Cutting Board

Step 2: Brown Meat and Add Vegetables

Start with dicing the onion, bell pepper, and jalapenos; open the cans of beans and drain the liquid; and open the cans of tomatoes and tomato sauce.

Place pot on the stove, add oil, and turn stove to high heat. Add the meat to the pot in chunks and use the spatula to stir and break up the meat by chopping it. Add 1 tablespoon chili powder, chipotle powder, paprika, and cumin to the meat, respectively. Mix the meat around to help it brown evenly. Once the meat is mostly browned reduce the heat to medium and add jalapenos, onion and bell pepper. Continue stirring until the onion becomes semi-transparent.

Always supervise children when knives or appliances are involved. Some steps may need to be completed by an adult.

Always wash hands before and after handling raw meat.

Step 3: Add Beans, Diced Tomatoes, and Tomato Sauce With Remaining Spices.

Add the diced tomatoes, beans, and tomato sauce to the pan and stir until combined. Add 2 tablespoons chili powder, 1 tablespoon chipotle powder, 1 tablespoon Tabasco sauce, 2 teaspoons cumin, and 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar. Stir the mixture until it looks consistent. Reduce heat to medium low and simmer for 10 minutes stirring every couple minutes.

Add more tabasco for a spicier flavor

If bubbling of chili is causing splatter outside the pan a lid may be placed on the pot leaving it offset to one side to allow steam out.

Step 4: Add Beer and Cook

Add about half the can of beer (6oz) and simmer another ten minutes while stirring every couple minutes. Reduce heat to low and allow to simmer 1-2 hours stirring every 5-10 minutes.

Step 5: Enjoy!

Spoon into bowl and add cheese, sour cream, jalapenos, or anything desired. Experiment with the recipe and tweak to taste.