Hearty Chili Bowl Base (Printable)

Hearty chili with beef, beans, corn and spices served over rice or grains

# What You Need:

→ Chili Base

01 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
02 - 1 medium onion, diced
03 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
04 - 1 red bell pepper, diced
05 - 1 green bell pepper, diced
06 - 1 pound ground beef
07 - 2 tablespoons tomato paste
08 - 1 can (15 ounces) diced tomatoes
09 - 1 can (15 ounces) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
10 - 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, drained and rinsed
11 - 1 cup corn kernels
12 - 1 tablespoon chili powder
13 - 1 teaspoon ground cumin
14 - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
15 - 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
16 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
17 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
18 - 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
19 - 1 cup beef or vegetable broth

→ Serving

20 - 2 cups cooked rice or cooked grains

→ Toppings

21 - Shredded cheddar cheese
22 - Sour cream or Greek yogurt
23 - Sliced green onions
24 - Chopped cilantro
25 - Diced avocado
26 - Jalapeño slices
27 - Lime wedges

# How To Make It:

01 - Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onion and sauté for 2 to 3 minutes until softened.
02 - Add minced garlic and diced bell peppers. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes until vegetables begin to soften.
03 - Add ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and no longer pink, approximately 5 to 7 minutes.
04 - Stir in tomato paste and cook for 1 minute, allowing it to caramelize slightly.
05 - Add diced tomatoes, kidney beans, black beans, corn kernels, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Mix thoroughly to combine all ingredients.
06 - Pour in broth, bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low. Cover and cook for 25 to 30 minutes, stirring occasionally until flavors meld and consistency reaches desired thickness.
07 - While chili simmers, prepare rice or grains according to package instructions.
08 - Spoon cooked grains into serving bowls and ladle chili over the top. Add desired toppings as preferred.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • It comes together in under an hour without fancy techniques or stress.
  • Everyone gets to build their own bowl with toppings, so picky eaters and adventurous ones are equally happy.
  • The flavors deepen as it simmers, and it tastes even better as leftovers the next day.
02 -
  • Don't rush the simmering stage—those extra 25 to 30 minutes let the spices meld and deepen in ways you can actually taste.
  • If your chili seems too thick, add more broth a splash at a time; if it's too thin, simmer uncovered for the last 10 minutes to let liquid evaporate.
03 -
  • Brown your meat in batches if your pot is crowded—crowded meat steams instead of browns, and that makes a real difference in flavor.
  • Taste the chili a few minutes before you think it's done and adjust seasonings then; the spices will bloom even more as it finishes cooking.
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