Are you ready to embark on a culinary adventure that will warm your soul and tantalize your taste buds? Introducing "I Just Made It Up Chili" – a delightful fusion of flavors that comes together in just 50 minutes! This hearty dish is perfect for cozy nights in or impressing friends at your next gathering. With simple ingredients and an easy-to-follow method, you'll discover how this chili can become your go-to recipe for any occasion. Dive in and uncover the secret to creating a bowl of chili that’s not just delicious but also uniquely yours!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 40 mins
Total Time: 50 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef or turkey
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained
- 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 1 pound of ground beef or turkey, 1 diced onion, 2 minced cloves of garlic, 1 can of kidney beans (15 oz, drained), 1 can of diced tomatoes (15 oz), 2 tablespoons of chili powder, and salt and pepper to taste.
- Heat a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Once hot, add the ground beef or turkey. Cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula as it cooks, about 5-7 minutes.
- While the meat is cooking, prepare your vegetables. Dice the onion and mince the garlic. Once the meat is browned, drain any excess fat if necessary.
- Add the diced onion to the pot with the cooked meat. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes, or until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Next, add the drained kidney beans and the can of diced tomatoes (including the juice) to the pot. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
- Sprinkle in the 2 tablespoons of chili powder, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir everything together until well mixed.
- Bring the chili to a gentle simmer. Once it starts to bubble, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it cook for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- After 30 minutes, taste the chili and adjust the seasoning if necessary. If you prefer a thicker chili, you can let it simmer uncovered for an additional 10 minutes.
- Once the chili is cooked to your liking, remove it from the heat and let it sit for a few minutes before serving.
- Serve the chili hot, garnished with your choice of toppings such as shredded cheese, sour cream, or chopped green onions, if desired.
- Enjoy your delicious homemade "I Just Made It Up Chili"!
Tips
- Choose Your Meat Wisely: You can use either ground beef or turkey based on your preference. For a healthier option, turkey is a great choice, while beef adds a rich, savory flavor.
- Don’t Skip the Sautéing: Sautéing the onions and garlic after browning the meat enhances the overall flavor of the chili. Make sure to cook them until they’re fragrant and translucent.
- Adjust the Spice Level: If you like it spicy, consider adding some chopped jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper along with the chili powder.
- Simmer for Flavor: Allowing the chili to simmer for at least 30 minutes will let the flavors meld beautifully. If time permits, simmering longer will deepen the taste even more.
- Garnish for Greatness: Elevate your chili by garnishing with shredded cheese, sour cream, or fresh herbs like cilantro. These toppings add a burst of flavor and make your dish visually appealing.
- Make It Ahead: Chili often tastes even better the next day, so feel free to make a big batch and enjoy leftovers for lunch or dinner throughout the week!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 300kcal
Carbohydrates: 20g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 70mg
