Description
Hearty Midwestern Chili celebrates robust flavors with rich ground beef, tender beans, and aromatic spices simmering slowly. Comfort comes in a bowl, promising warmth and satisfaction for hungry families craving a soul-satisfying meal you’ll want to savor.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein:
- 2 pounds (907 grams) lean ground beef (90/10 or 93/7)
Vegetables and Aromatics:
- 1 large onion (diced)
- 3 garlic cloves (minced)
- 30 ounces (850 grams) diced tomatoes (with their juice)
- 10 ounces (283 grams) diced tomatoes and green chilis (with their juice)
- 30 ounces (850 grams) tomato sauce
Spices and Beans:
- 2 teaspoons cumin powder
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt (or to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 15 ounces (425 grams) can black beans (drained and rinsed)
- 30 ounces (850 grams) kidney beans (two 15-ounce cans, drained and rinsed)
Instructions
- Brown ground beef in a skillet over medium-high heat for 4-5 minutes, crumbling with a spatula until fat renders and meat separates.
- Incorporate diced onions into the skillet, sautéing for 4-5 minutes until translucent and softened.
- Introduce minced garlic and dry spices including cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Stir continuously for 30 seconds to bloom aromatics and intensify flavors.
- Transfer seasoned meat mixture to a 6-quart slow cooker, ensuring even distribution.
- Pour black beans, kidney beans, diced tomatoes, diced tomatoes with green chilis, and tomato sauce into the slow cooker. Mix thoroughly to combine all ingredients.
- Secure lid and cook on high temperature for 3-4 hours or low temperature for 6-8 hours, allowing flavors to meld and develop.
- Perform final taste test, adjusting seasonings as necessary to enhance overall flavor profile.
- Ladle hot chili into serving bowls, ensuring each portion contains a balanced mix of meat, beans, and sauce.
Notes
- Enhance beef flavor by using a cast-iron skillet for initial browning, creating deeper caramelization and richer taste.
- Control spice levels by adjusting chili powder and adding optional jalapeños for extra heat without overwhelming the dish.
- Make the chili more nutritious by incorporating additional vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini during the initial sautéing stage.
- Transform into a gluten-free and low-carb version by replacing beans with diced sweet potatoes or additional vegetables, maintaining hearty texture and protein content.
- Prep Time: 10-11 minutes
- Cook Time: 3-8 hours (slow cooker)
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 229 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 560 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 22 g
- Fiber: 7 g
- Protein: 21 g
- Cholesterol: 50 mg