Dad’s Award Winning Secret Ingredient Chili
A comforting and delicious chili made from scratch, featuring a blend of spices and a secret ingredient for added depth of flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 60 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: None
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cans (14.5 oz each) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 2 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 splash of beer (optional but recommended)
Instructions
- Brown the ground beef in a large pot over medium heat, breaking it into small pieces until no longer pink (about 5-7 minutes).
- Add the chopped onion, bell pepper, and minced garlic to the pot and cook for another 5-6 minutes until vegetables are softened.
- Stir in the diced tomatoes, kidney beans, black beans, chili powder, cumin, and the splash of beer. Mix well to combine.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer uncovered for at least 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Taste the chili and season with salt and pepper as needed before serving hot.
Notes
For a vegetarian option, substitute ground beef with lentils or textured vegetable protein. Customize spiciness by adding jalapeños or cayenne pepper.