Are you looking for a delicious and hassle - free meal that you can whip up with minimal effort? Look no further than this classic chili recipe! It's so simple that you could practically make it in your sleep. With just five ingredients and a mere fifteen minutes of prep time, you'll have a mouth - watering chili ready to simmer in your slow cooker.
Let's start by gathering the necessary ingredients. You'll need some ground beef, which serves as the protein base of the chili. Lean ground beef is a great choice as it's healthier, but you can also opt for regular ground beef if you prefer a richer flavor. Next, grab a can of diced tomatoes. The tomatoes add a tangy and juicy element to the chili, and the diced form makes them easy to incorporate into the dish.
Another essential ingredient is a can of kidney beans. Kidney beans are not only packed with fiber and protein but also give the chili a hearty and substantial texture. You'll also need some chili powder. Chili powder is the key to giving the chili its signature spicy and smoky flavor. You can adjust the amount according to your spice preference. Finally, a bit of onion is required. Onions add a sweet and savory undertone to the chili, enhancing its overall taste.
Now, let's move on to the prep work. First, heat a large skillet over medium - high heat. Add the ground beef to the skillet and break it up with a spatula as it cooks. Make sure to cook the beef until it's browned all over and no longer pink in the center. This usually takes about 5 - 7 minutes. While the beef is cooking, you can start chopping the onion. Once the beef is cooked, drain any excess fat from the skillet.
Add the chopped onion to the skillet with the cooked beef. Sauté the onion until it becomes translucent and fragrant, which should take about 3 - 5 minutes. Then, sprinkle the chili powder over the beef and onion mixture. Stir well to ensure that the powder is evenly distributed and coats the beef and onion. The chili powder will start to release its wonderful aroma as it heats up in the skillet.
After that, open the can of diced tomatoes and pour them into the skillet. Make sure to include the tomato juice as well, as it will contribute to the chili's liquid base. Stir the mixture thoroughly to combine all the ingredients. Now, open the can of kidney beans and drain and rinse them under cold water. Add the kidney beans to the skillet and stir again. Your chili mixture is now ready to be transferred to the slow cooker.
Pour the entire chili mixture from the skillet into the slow cooker. Set the slow cooker to low heat and let the chili simmer for about 4 - 6 hours. During this time, the flavors will meld together beautifully, and the chili will thicken up. The slow - cooking process allows the spices to penetrate every bite, resulting in a rich and flavorful chili.
Once the chili is done simmering, give it a good stir. You can serve the chili in bowls and top it with your favorite toppings. Some popular toppings include shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped cilantro, or a dollop of guacamole. The cheese will melt over the hot chili, adding a creamy and indulgent element, while the sour cream will provide a cool and tangy contrast to the spiciness of the chili. Cilantro adds a fresh and herbaceous flavor, and guacamole brings a creamy and avocado - rich taste.
This chili is not only delicious but also very versatile. You can serve it as a main course on its own, or pair it with some warm cornbread or tortilla chips. It's also a great option for meal prepping. You can portion the chili into containers and store them in the fridge for a few days or in the freezer for longer - term storage. Whenever you're in a rush and need a quick and satisfying meal, just heat up a container of this chili, and you're good to go.
In conclusion, this classic chili recipe is a must - try for anyone who loves easy and flavorful meals. With its simple ingredients, short prep time, and long - simmering slow - cooker method, it's the perfect dish for busy weeknights or lazy weekends. So, head to the grocery store, gather the ingredients, and start making this amazing chili today!
