Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
- 2 tablespoons minced garlic
- 2 pounds ground beef
- 1 8 oz can tomato sauce
- 1 cup water
- 2 tablespoons chili seasoning
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 1 27 oz can chili beans (do not drain or rinse)
Toppings (Optional)
- Shredded cheddar cheese
- Chopped onions
- Sour cream
- Jalapeños
- Cilantro
- Avocado
Instructions
- Sauté Onions and Garlic: In a Dutch oven or large deep-sided pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 2 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and continue sautéing for an additional 2 minutes to release their aromas.
- Cook Ground Beef: Add the ground beef to the pot and cook over medium heat, breaking up any large pieces with a spoon. Cook until the beef is browned and no longer pink. If there is excess grease, carefully drain it before proceeding.
- Add Seasonings and Simmer: Stir in the tomato sauce, water, chili seasoning, salt, and crushed red pepper flakes. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for 20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Add Beans and Continue Cooking: Add the chili beans (undrained) to the pot, stir well, and continue simmering for another 10 minutes to thicken the chili.
- Serve: Spoon the chili into bowls and top with your choice of shredded cheddar cheese, chopped onions, sour cream, jalapeños, cilantro, and avocado. Serve warm and enjoy your hearty homemade chili.
Notes
- Drain excess grease from the cooked ground beef to reduce fat content and avoid greasy chili.
- Adjust crushed red pepper flakes according to your preferred spice level.
- Use kidney or pinto beans if you prefer different chili bean varieties.
- Leftover chili can be stored in the fridge for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
- For a thicker chili, simmer uncovered for extra 5-10 minutes or mash some beans to thicken the sauce.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
