Classic Homemade Chili Recipe

When the weather turns chilly, there’s nothing more satisfying than a warm, hearty bowl of chili. This Hearty Beef and Sausage Chili is the perfect comfort food, offering a delicious blend of flavors with just the right amount of spice. It’s ideal for family dinners, game days, or anytime you crave a filling, flavorful meal. Packed with ground beef, beef sausage, beans, and a medley of spices, this chili is sure to become a staple in your household.

Why This Chili Recipe is a Crowd-Pleaser

This chili stands out for its robust flavor and satisfying texture. The combination of lean ground beef and beef sausage gives it a rich, meaty base, while the mix of spices adds depth and warmth. The addition of beans not only enhances the texture but also makes the chili more filling and nutritious. A hint of sweetness from the brown sugar balances the heat from the chili powder and cayenne pepper, creating a harmonious blend of flavors that will please any palate.

Ingredients Breakdown

Let’s take a closer look at the ingredients that make this chili recipe truly special:

• Olive Oil (1 Tablespoon): Used to sauté the onions, adding a subtle richness to the base of the chili.
• Large Onion (1, diced): Provides a savory depth of flavor and a bit of sweetness when sautéed.
• Lean Ground Beef (2 pounds): A classic choice for chili, offering a hearty, meaty texture without too much fat.
• beef Sausage (1 pound): Adds a rich, savory flavor and a slightly different texture compared to beef, making the chili more interesting.
• Apple cider vinegar (1/4 cup): Enhances the flavor with a slight tang, balancing the richness of the meat.
• Diced Tomatoes (14.5 ounces, undrained): Brings a fresh, acidic note that complements the hearty meat and beans.
• Tomato Juice (4 cups): Adds liquid to the chili, creating a rich tomato base that ties all the ingredients together.
• Ketchup (1 cup): Adds a touch of sweetness and a more concentrated tomato flavor.
• Pinto Beans (2 cans, 15 ounces each, undrained): Contribute a creamy texture and absorb the chili’s flavors, making each bite more satisfying.
• Kidney Beans (1 can, 16 ounces, undrained): Their firm texture holds up well in the chili, adding both color and flavor.
• Light Brown Sugar (1 Tablespoon): Balances the acidity and heat with a slight sweetness.
• Chili Powder (3 Tablespoons): The main spice that gives chili its signature heat and depth of flavor.
• Garlic Salt (¾ teaspoon): Adds a savory note with a hint of garlic.
• Freshly Ground Black Pepper (½ teaspoon): Enhances the overall flavor with a subtle heat.
• Paprika (1 teaspoon): Adds a mild, smoky flavor.
• Ground Cumin (1 teaspoon): Provides a warm, earthy flavor that’s essential in chili.
• Cayenne Pepper (¼ teaspoon, or more to taste): Gives the chili a kick of heat; adjust to your preference.
• Shredded Cheddar Cheese and Sour Cream (optional): Perfect for garnishing, adding a creamy and cheesy finish to each bowl.

this RECIPE

Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need

Before you start cooking, make sure you have the following kitchen equipment ready:

• Large Soup Pot: Essential for cooking the chili evenly and allowing it to simmer without spilling over.
• Wooden Spoon: Ideal for stirring the chili and breaking up the meat.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: To accurately measure out ingredients.
• Chef’s Knife: For dicing the onion.
• Cutting Board: To safely chop your ingredients.
• Can Opener: For opening the canned beans and tomatoes.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Hearty Beef and Sausage Chili

Now that you have your ingredients and tools ready, let’s dive into the step-by-step preparation of this delicious chili:

1. Sauté the Onion: Heat the olive oil in a large soup pot over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the diced onion and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion becomes translucent and soft.
2. Cook the Meat: Add the ground beef and beef sausage to the pot. Break the meat into small pieces with a wooden spoon as it cooks. Continue to cook until the meat is browned and cooked through. Drain any excess grease from the pot to avoid a greasy chili.
3. Add Vinegar and Tomatoes: Pour in the Apple cider vinegar and cook for about 1 minute, allowing it to slightly reduce and infuse the meat with its tangy flavor. Then, add the undrained diced tomatoes to the pot.
4. Incorporate the Remaining Ingredients: Stir in the tomato juice, ketchup, pinto beans, kidney beans, light brown sugar, chili powder, garlic salt, black pepper, paprika, cumin, and cayenne pepper. Mix well to ensure all ingredients are evenly distributed.
5. Simmer the Chili: Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally. Once it reaches a boil, reduce the heat to medium-low and let the chili simmer for at least one hour, or up to three hours for a richer flavor. Stir occasionally to prevent the chili from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
6. Serve and Enjoy: Once the chili has thickened to your liking, ladle it into bowls. Top with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of shredded cheddar cheese if desired. Enjoy your hearty, flavorful chili!

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Making Chili

To ensure your chili turns out perfectly every time, avoid these common mistakes:

• Overcooking the Meat: Be careful not to overcook the ground beef and sausage, as this can lead to a dry texture. Brown the meat just until cooked through before draining the grease.
• Not Simmering Long Enough: The longer you simmer the chili, the more the flavors will develop. Try to simmer it for at least an hour, but up to three hours if you have the time.
• Under-seasoning: Don’t skimp on the spices. Chili is all about bold flavors, so make sure to season generously, and adjust the spices to your taste.

Serving and Presentation Tips for Chili

To make your chili even more appealing, consider these serving and presentation tips:

• Garnish Creatively: In addition to sour cream and cheddar cheese, try garnishing your chili with chopped green onions, diced avocado, or a sprinkle of fresh cilantro.
• Serve with Cornbread: A slice of warm, buttery cornbread is the perfect accompaniment to a bowl of chili.
• Use Bread Bowls: For a fun twist, serve the chili in bread bowls for a cozy, rustic presentation.

How to Store and Reheat Leftover Chili

If you have any leftovers, here’s how to store and reheat your chili:

• Storing: Allow the chili to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Freezing: Chili freezes well! Place it in a freezer-safe container, leaving some space at the top for expansion. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
• Reheating: Reheat the chili on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. If the chili has thickened too much, add a splash of water or tomato juice to loosen it up.

Chili Recipe Variations and Swaps

This chili recipe is versatile and can be easily adapted to suit different tastes or dietary needs:

• Turkey Chili: Swap the ground beef and sausage for ground turkey for a lighter version.
• Vegetarian Chili: Skip the meat and add more beans or lentils, along with vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, and corn.
• Spicy Chili: Increase the amount of cayenne pepper or add diced jalapeños for extra heat.

Frequently Asked Questions About Chili

How can I make the chili spicier?
To increase the heat, add more cayenne pepper or chili powder. You can also include fresh hot peppers like jalapeños or habaneros.

Can I make this chili in a slow cooker?
Yes! Brown the meat and sauté the onion on the stovetop first, then transfer everything to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.

What can I use instead of tomato juice?
If you don’t have tomato juice, you can use a combination of water and tomato paste (about 1 tablespoon of paste per cup of water) or even beef broth for a richer flavor.

Conclusion

This Hearty Beef and Sausage Chili is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for warming up on a cold day or feeding a crowd. With its rich flavors, satisfying texture, and customizable heat level, it’s sure to become a favorite in your home. Give this recipe a try, and don’t forget to share it with your friends and family. If you loved this recipe, subscribe to our blog for more delicious and easy-to-follow recipes!

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