Get ready to warm your heart and satisfy your cravings with "Zinias Chili for a Crowd"—the ultimate comfort food that’s perfect for gatherings, game days, or cozy family dinners! This hearty chili combines tender ground beef with a medley of beans and spices, creating a rich and flavorful dish that will have everyone coming back for seconds. With just a little prep time and a simmering pot of deliciousness, you'll be the star of your next get-together. Dive into this recipe and discover the secret to making a chili that not only fills the belly but also warms the soul!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 60 mins
Total Time: 80 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 10 servings
Ingredients
- 2 pounds ground beef
- 1 can kidney beans
- 1 can black beans
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 tablespoon cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all ingredients and preparing your mise en place: dice the onion, mince the garlic, and measure out the spices.
- Heat a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and break it up with a wooden spoon, cooking until it is browned and no pink remains, approximately 8-10 minutes.
- Once the beef is browned, add the diced onions and minced garlic. Sauté together for 3-4 minutes until the onions become translucent and fragrant.
- Sprinkle the chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper over the meat mixture. Stir thoroughly to ensure the spices are evenly distributed and coat the meat.
- Drain and rinse the kidney and black beans. Add the beans, diced tomatoes, and their liquid to the pot. Stir to combine all ingredients.
- Bring the chili to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 45-50 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Taste and adjust seasonings as needed, adding more salt, pepper, or spices to suit your preference.
- Remove from heat and let the chili rest for 10 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld together.
- Serve hot, optionally garnished with shredded cheese, sour cream, or chopped green onions.
Tips
- Mise en Place: Before you start cooking, take a moment to prepare your ingredients. Dicing the onion, mincing the garlic, and measuring out the spices will make the cooking process smoother and more enjoyable.
- Browning the Beef: Make sure to properly brown the ground beef. This step adds depth of flavor to your chili, so don’t rush it! Aim for a nice caramelization.
- Adjust the Spice: Chili is all about personal preference. Feel free to tweak the chili powder and cumin to match your taste. If you like it spicy, consider adding some chopped jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper.
- Simmer for Flavor: Allow your chili to simmer for the full time recommended. The longer it cooks, the more the flavors will meld together, resulting in a richer taste.
- Rest Before Serving: Letting the chili rest for about 10 minutes after cooking allows the flavors to settle and enhances the overall taste.
- Garnish for Extra Flair: When serving, consider adding toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, or chopped green onions for an extra layer of flavor and presentation.
- Make it Ahead: Chili often tastes even better the next day! Make it ahead of time and store it in the fridge, then reheat when you’re ready to serve.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Cholesterol: 75mg
