Southern Homemade Chili

Introduction:

Southern Homemade Chili is a hearty and flavorful dish that’s perfect for feeding a crowd or enjoying as a comforting meal on a chilly day. This recipe combines tender ground beef with a robust blend of spices and a variety of beans, making it a classic American favorite. Whether you’re cooking it on the stove, in a slow cooker, or using an Instant Pot, this chili is sure to satisfy your cravings.

Ingredients

• 2 lbs lean ground beef
• 1 (29-oz) can crushed tomatoes
• 2 (14-oz) cans kidney beans (with liquid)
• 2 (14-oz) cans pinto beans (with liquid)
• 1 (10-oz) can tomatoes with green chiles (with liquid)
• 1 tsp cumin
• ¾ tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1.5 tbsp chili powder
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 2 tsp salt
• 1.5 cups water

Directions

1. Brown the Beef: In a Dutch oven or an 8-qt stockpot, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Do not drain the fat.
2. Add Ingredients: Open the cans of crushed tomatoes, kidney beans, pinto beans, and tomatoes with green chiles. Pour all these ingredients into the pot with the beef, including their liquid.
3. Season the Chili: Add cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, black pepper, and salt to the pot.
4. Add Water: Pour in 1.5 cups of water and stir thoroughly to combine all ingredients.
5. Simmer: Bring the mixture to a simmer. Cook uncovered for 1.5 hours, stirring every 15 minutes.
6. Serve: Serve hot with cheese and your choice of toppings.

Slow Cooker Instructions

1. Brown the Beef: Brown the ground beef in a skillet. Do not drain if using lean ground beef.
2. Transfer to Slow Cooker: Transfer the browned beef and all remaining ingredients into the slow cooker.
3. Cook: Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
4. Serve: Serve hot with cheese and your choice of toppings.

Instant Pot Instructions

1. Sauté the Beef: Turn the Instant Pot to “Sauté” and brown the ground beef. Do not drain if using lean ground beef.
2. Add Ingredients: Add all other ingredients and stir well.
3. Cook: Set the Instant Pot to “Manual” for 15 minutes.
4. Release and Serve: Perform a quick release and serve hot with cheese and your choice of toppings.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 12
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes

Variations

• Vegetarian Option: Substitute the ground beef with lentils or mushrooms for a vegetarian version.
• Spicy Chili: Add extra chili powder or diced jalapeños for a spicier kick.
• Bean Variation: Use different types of beans such as black beans or chickpeas for a unique twist.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftover chili in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
• Reheating: Reheat chili on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. If frozen, thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating. You can also use the microwave, heating in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between.

10 FAQs

1. Can I make this chili ahead of time? Yes, chili can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator or freezer.
2. How can I thicken my chili? Simmering the chili longer can help thicken it. You can also add a slurry of cornstarch and water or mash some of the beans.
3. Can I use ground turkey instead of beef? Yes, ground turkey is a great substitute for lean ground beef.
4. What are some good toppings for chili? Popular toppings include shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped green onions, and crumbled tortilla chips.
5. Is this chili gluten-free? Yes, as long as all the ingredients used are gluten-free, this chili is naturally gluten-free.
6. Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned? Yes, you can use fresh tomatoes. For best results, cook them down to a sauce-like consistency before adding.
7. How do I make this recipe spicier? Add more chili powder, hot sauce, or diced jalapeños to increase the heat.
8. Can I use a different type of bean? Absolutely, feel free to substitute with your favorite types of beans.
9. How do I adjust the recipe for a smaller serving? You can halve the recipe for a smaller batch. Adjust the cooking time as needed.
10. Can I add vegetables to this chili? Yes, diced bell peppers, corn, or carrots can be added for extra flavor and nutrition.

Conclusion

Southern Homemade Chili is a versatile and satisfying dish that brings warmth and flavor to any table. Whether you’re cooking it on the stove, in a slow cooker, or with an Instant Pot, this chili is sure to be a hit with family and friends. With its rich blend of spices and hearty ingredients, it’s perfect for any occasion. Enjoy this classic American comfort food and make it your own with various toppings and variations!

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