Grandma’s Chili Recipe
A hearty and comforting chili made with ground beef, peppers, garlic, tomatoes, and kidney beans. Richly seasoned and simmered to perfection for a classic family favorite.
8 Servings
Ingredients
- 1 ½ pounds 80% lean ground beef
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt plus more to taste
- 1 onion diced
- 1 red bell pepper diced
- 1 green bell pepper diced
- 6 garlic cloves minced
- 3 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 1-ounce packet taco seasoning
- 1 28-ounce can crushed tomatoes
- 2 15-ounce cans kidney beans undrained
- 4 cups water or low-sodium chicken broth
Optional Toppings
- Shredded cheddar cheese
- Sour cream
- Fritos
Instructions
Brown the Beef
- Heat an 8-quart pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and season with 1 teaspoon of kosher salt. Allow the meat to cook, undisturbed, for approximately 3 minutes so that the bottom browns. Use a spatula or potato masher to break the beef into small pieces.
Sauté the Vegetables
- Add the diced onion, red bell pepper, green bell pepper, and minced garlic. Sauté for approximately 2 minutes, or until the vegetables begin to soften.
Bloom the Spices
- Add the chili powder and taco seasoning. Stir continuously as the spices toast and the vegetables further soften, approximately 3 minutes.
- If dark spots develop on the bottom of the pot, scrape them up with a wooden spoon or add 2–3 tablespoons of water or broth to prevent burning.
Finish the Chili
- Add the crushed tomatoes to the pot and stir, scraping up all browned bits from the bottom. Pour in the kidney beans, including their liquid, followed by the water or broth. Stir to combine and bring the chili to a gentle simmer.
- Cook for approximately 5 minutes to allow flavors to meld. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Serve
- Ladle into bowls and top with shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, and Fritos if desired. Serve immediately, or allow to cool before storing.
Notes
To make Grandma’s Chili Recipe gluten-free, substitute the taco seasoning with a certified gluten-free blend, as some packaged seasonings may contain wheat-based additives.
All other ingredients are typically gluten-free; however, verify labels on canned beans, broth, and toppings to ensure they meet gluten-free standards.
All other ingredients are typically gluten-free; however, verify labels on canned beans, broth, and toppings to ensure they meet gluten-free standards.