As the summer sun starts to wane and the kids head back to school, our household is buzzing with excitement and a sense of new beginnings. Despite the temperatures still hovering in the 90s, the return to the school routine inevitably brings with it the comforting vibes of fall. And what better way to celebrate the season than with a hearty, warming bowl of our family’s best chili recipe ever?
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Why We Love This Chili
This chili is a hit with everyone in the family. The combination of ground beef, beans, and veggies makes it hearty and satisfying. The spices add just the right amount of flavor without being too overwhelming. Plus, it’s easy to customize with your favorite toppings.
Even though it’s still hot outside, this chili gives us a taste of fall and a sense of comfort as we transition back to the school routine. It’s the perfect meal to come home to after a busy day of learning and activities.
Tips for a Perfect Chili
- Make It Ahead: This chili tastes even better the next day, so consider making it ahead of time and reheating it for an easy dinner.
- Double the Recipe: This chili freezes well, so double the recipe and freeze half for a quick meal on a busy night.
- Spice Level: Adjust the cayenne pepper to your preferred level of heat, or omit it altogether if you prefer a milder chili.
A Family Tradition
The first day back to school is always a big event in our family. It’s a day filled with anticipation, new school supplies, and of course, our favorite family tradition: making chili. This tradition started years ago when we wanted to mark the beginning of the school year with a special meal that everyone loves. Over time, this recipe has become a staple in our home, signaling the unofficial start of fall regardless of what the thermometer says.
The Magic of Chili
Chili is one of those magical dishes that brings people together. It’s hearty, flavorful, and can be customized to suit everyone’s tastes. Our best chili recipe ever is a perfect blend of spices, beans, and vegetables, making it both nutritious and delicious. The smell of it simmering on the stove is enough to draw everyone to the kitchen, eager to dig in.
The Perfect Back-to-School Meal
There’s something incredibly comforting about coming home from a long day at school to a bowl of chili. It’s like a warm hug in a bowl, full of familiar flavors and hearty ingredients that satisfy even the hungriest of appetites. Plus, chili is incredibly versatile. You can serve it with a variety of toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped green onions, and tortilla chips, allowing everyone to customize their bowl just the way they like it.
Making Memories
Every time we make our best chili recipe ever, we’re not just preparing a meal—we’re creating memories. The kids love helping out in the kitchen, whether it’s chopping vegetables, stirring the pot, or setting the table. It’s a time for us to connect, share stories about our day, and enjoy each other’s company. These moments are what make our chili recipe so special. It’s not just about the food, but the experiences we share while making and enjoying it together.
A Recipe for Success
The key to our chili’s success lies in its simplicity. Quality ingredients, the right blend of spices, and a slow simmering process allow the flavors to meld together beautifully. We like to use a mix of ground beef, kidney beans, and plenty of vegetables to create a rich, satisfying dish. The addition of beef broth adds depth to the flavor, while a combination of chili powder, cumin, paprika, and oregano provides the perfect balance of spice.
This is the perfect recipe to use for a crockpot chili recipe, too!
Depending on how much time I have, I’ll prep it for the crockpot and we’ll have delicious chili full of melded, complex flavor by dinner time.
Celebrating the Season
As we settle into the new school year, our best chili recipe ever continues to be a beloved part of our family’s routine. It’s more than just a meal; it’s a way for us to come together and celebrate the season. Whether we’re enjoying it on a warm evening after the first day of school or on a chilly fall weekend, this chili always brings a sense of comfort and joy.
So, as you embrace the back-to-school season, consider starting your own family tradition with a special meal that everyone looks forward to. Whether it’s our best chili recipe ever or another favorite dish, the important thing is to make time for each other and create lasting memories. Here’s to a fantastic start to the school year and many cozy, delicious meals ahead!
Chili con carne, meaning “chili with meat” and commonly known in American English as simply “chili”, is a spicy stew containing chili peppers, meat (usually beef), and often tomatoes and beans.
Mobile cuisine
Family Favorite Chili Recipe
Ingredients
- 1-2 pounds ground beef
- 1 (28 oz) can diced tomatoes with juice
- 1 (6 oz) can tomato paste
- 2 (15 oz) cans dark red kidney beans, rinsed and drained, optional
- 1 can green chilies, 4 oz.
- 1 large yellow onion chopped
- 1 pepper (color of choice) seeded and chopped
- 2 cups beef stock — bone broth for an even richer taste
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1½ tablespoons dried oregano
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- ¾ teaspoon cayenne pepper to taste
- Fresh bread rolls for serving
Instructions
- Heat a large stockpot over medium-high heat to brown the ground beef.
- Add the chopped onion and pepper for about 5 minutes or until onions are translucent.
- To the stockpot, add in the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, beans, chilies, and beef stock. Season with garlic, oregano, cumin, paprika, basil, salt, pepper, and cayenne. Stir to blend, then cover and simmer over low heat for at least 2 hours, stirring occasionally. Chili can be served at any time, though the longer the chili simmers, the better it will taste.
- Cut tops off of the bread rolls and pull out some of the inner bread. When ready to eat, spoon chili inside the bread bowl, top with favorite toppings and enjoy!
Notes
To use a crockpot, cook steps 1 and 2 as normal, and instead of a stockpot, use the crockpot and let the flavors simmer together!
A teaspoon of red chili powder meets the recommended daily allowance for Vitamin A. Vitamin A plays an important role in vision and bone growth.
mobile cuisine
A number of variations of chili have become popularized over the years. Texas-style chili doesn’t contain beans; vegetarian chili (aka chili sin carne) typically replaces meat with corn and other vegetables; chili verde uses pork, tomatillos, and green chili peppers in lieu of beef and tomatoes; and white chili uses white beans and chicken or turkey.
farm flavor
More Tips for the Best Chili Ever
If you’re inspired to create your own back-to-school chili tradition, here are a few tips to ensure your chili turns out perfectly every time:
Freeze for Later: Chili freezes well, making it a great option for busy weeknights. Just thaw and reheat for a quick, satisfying meal.
Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh vegetables and quality ground beef make a big difference in the flavor and texture of your chili.
Don’t Rush: Letting your chili simmer for at least 30 minutes helps the flavors meld together. If you have time, let it cook even longer.
Customize: Chili is incredibly versatile. Feel free to add your favorite ingredients, like corn, bell peppers, or different types of beans.
Make It Ahead: Chili tastes even better the next day, so consider making a big batch and enjoying the leftovers.
And we didn’t even mention the toppings! What has to top your perfect bowl chili? Some of ours are below:
- Cheese and sour cream
- Crackers
- Fritos
- Cornbread
- Green onions
- Cilantro
- Red onion
- Or maybe all of the above!
Share with us your favorite chili recipe toppings in the comments below!
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The best slow cooker Barbacoa Beef recipe! This tender, flavorful beef sirloin is cooked low and slow and one of our top easy weeknight crockpot meals with the most delicious seasonings while you go about your day. Layer with all your favorite toppings for a crave-worthy dinner!
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