Calling all chili lovers! Get ready for a mouthwatering journey with our "Quick and Easy Chili Recipe." We've got the best of chili, from tasty variations to secret storage tricks. We'll show you how to choose the perfect tomatoes and guide you through every step, so even beginners can whip up an unforgettable chili. It's the ultimate recipe for cozy nights and family gatherings, packed with flavor and guaranteed to leave everyone asking for more. So, gather your ingredients, fire up your stove, and get ready to savor the goodness of our quick and easy chili!

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Indulge in the Time-Honored Taste of Better Homes and Gardens Chili

Step into the realm of culinary comfort with our beloved Better Homes and Gardens Chili Recipe. This delectable dish has graced family tables for generations, combining the irresistible flavors of ground beef, vibrant vegetables, and an aromatic blend of spices. Prepare to embark on a taste-bud-tingling journey that will leave you craving more.

Gathering the Culinary Treasures

To craft this culinary masterpiece, you’ll need a few key ingredients:

  • One pound of ground beef, ready to sizzle
  • One onion, eagerly awaiting its transformation
  • One emerald-green bell pepper, craving the heat
  • One ruby-red bell pepper, ablaze with flavor
  • One 15-ounce can of tomato sauce, the foundation of our savory journey
  • One 15-ounce can of diced tomatoes, adding texture and zest
  • One 15-ounce can of kidney beans, drained and poised to unleash their hearty beans
  • One 15-ounce can of black beans, eager to join the bean brigade
  • One teaspoon of chili powder, the heart and soul of this flavorful fiesta
  • One teaspoon of ground cumin, adding an earthy whisper
  • One teaspoon of oregano, infusing a hint of Mediterranean magic
  • Salt and pepper to taste, completing the symphony of flavors

Steps to Culinary Perfection

With our ingredients in hand, let’s embark on the culinary journey:

  1. Grasp your trusty skillet and heat it over medium heat. Once it’s nice and cozy, toss in the ground beef. Let it sizzle and brown, tantalizing your senses.
  2. While the beef dances in the pan, grab those vibrant vegetables: the onion, green bell pepper, and red bell pepper. Chop them with precision and add them to the beefy party. Sauté until they’re softened and starting to release their hidden flavors.
  3. Now, it’s time for the magical fusion. Pour in the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, beans (both kidney and black), chili powder, cumin, oregano, and the essential touch of salt and pepper. Let everything come to a joyous boil.
  4. Once the boiling point is reached, reduce the heat and simmer for 30 minutes. This allows the flavors to mingle and create a harmonious symphony of tastes.

Serve It with Love and Toppings

Your chili is now ready to conquer your taste buds. Serve it piping hot, garnished with whatever toppings tickle your fancy. Shredded cheese offers a creamy touch, sour cream adds a tangy twist, and sliced onions provide a crisp contrast.

Expert Tips

  • If you crave a touch of heat, don’t be shy with the chili powder or cumin.
  • For a gentler flavor, ease up on these fiery spices.
  • Feel free to customize your chili adventure. Corn, carrots, or celery can add a delightful crunch and sweetness.
  • Top your chili with your favorite accouterments to create a truly personalized taste experience.

Immerse yourself in the irresistible flavors of this classic chili recipe. It’s a culinary masterpiece that will warm your soul and leave you with a satisfied grin. So, grab your apron, fire up the stove, and let’s embark on a delicious journey together! better homes and gardens chili recipe_1

For those who prefer a meatless option, the better homes and gardens vegetarian chili recipe is packed with flavor and hearty ingredients. If you’re looking for a classic chili recipe, the better homes and gardens chili with beans is a must-try, featuring a blend of spices and tender beans.

Outline: How to Store Leftover Chili

Let’s face it, chili’s one of those dishes that everyone loves to have around a little longer. But to enjoy it safely and keep it tasting as amazing as it did the first day, storing it right is key. Here’s a simple step-by-step guide to make sure you savor every last ounce of that chili heaven:

Handy Tips for Chili Storage:

  • Pop it in the fridge ASAP: The quicker you get that chili chilling, the better. That’s because bacteria love to hang out in warm places, so getting it in the fridge within 2 hours of cooking is the way to avoid any unwanted guests.
  • Seal it tight: Air can make your chili turn a funny shade of funky, so always store it in airtight containers. These keep it fresh and tasty.
  • Divide and conquer: Split up your chili into smaller portions. It makes reheating a breeze and helps you keep track of how much you’ve got left.
  • Freeze for later: Not gonna eat all that chili in the next few days? No problem! Chuck it in airtight freezer-safe containers and it’ll keep for up to 3 months.

Storing Success Steps:

  1. Cool It Down: Let your chili take a little break before putting it in the fridge or freezer. This gives it time to cool off and won’t make your fridge or freezer work overtime to keep it chilly.
  2. Container Time: Scoop that chili into airtight containers or freezer bags. Leave a little space at the top if you’re freezing it, because chili likes to expand when it’s cold.
  3. Label It Up: Pop a label on those containers with what’s inside and the date. It’s like giving your chili a tiny calendar so you know when to eat it.
  4. Fridge or Freeze: Keep your chili in the fridge for up to 4 days, or in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Reheating Chili Bliss:

  • Thaw Your Chili: If you’re thawing frozen chili, give it some time in the fridge overnight. This way, it has plenty of time to thaw out gently.
  • Warm It Slowly: Get a pan on the stove over medium heat and ease your chili back to life. Stir it every now and then to make sure it heats evenly.
  • Avoid Boiling: Don’t go crazy and crank up the heat. Boiling can make your chili lose its amazing texture and flavor, so keep it nice and gentle.

Outline: Choosing the Best Tomatoes for Chili

When it comes to making a chili that’s as delicious as it gets, picking the right tomatoes is like finding the secret ingredient. Different types of tomatoes bring their own unique flavors and textures to the party, so let’s dive into the best options for your chili making adventures.

Vine-Ripened Tomatoes: Savor the Sweetness

If you’re after tomatoes that are bursting with sweetness and flavor, you can’t go wrong with vine-ripened beauties. They’ll melt into your chili, adding a velvety richness that makes every bite a delight.

Roma Tomatoes: The Unsung Hero of Chili

Don’t let their unassuming appearance fool you. Roma tomatoes are the workhorses of the chili world. Their firm texture holds up well during cooking, giving your chili a satisfying bite. Plus, their concentrated flavor packs a punch, adding depth to every spoonful.

San Marzano Tomatoes: Sauce Masters

For a chili that’s destined to become a family favorite, San Marzano tomatoes are the way to go. These Italian gems are prized for their rich, low-acidity flavor. They’re perfect for sauces and long cooking times, patiently simmering away to create a symphony of flavor.

Canned Tomatoes: A Worthy Substitute

If fresh tomatoes are hard to come by, don’t despair. High-quality canned tomatoes can be a trusty backup. Just be sure to opt for whole, peeled tomatoes with minimal additives to ensure the purest tomato experience.

Roasted Tomatoes: Unlock Extra Flavor

Turn plain tomatoes into flavor powerhouses by roasting them in the oven. Toss them at 400°F for 15-20 minutes, or until they’re soft and slightly caramelized. This extra step intensifies their sweetness and adds a depth of flavor that will elevate your chili to the next level.

In the end, the best tomatoes for chili are the ones that meet your taste and preferences. Whether you prefer the soft embrace of vine-ripened tomatoes or the firm grip of Romas, these guidelines will help you craft a chili that’s sure to impress your taste buds and leave you craving more.

Outline: Which Herbs and Spices Make Chili Special?

Delve into the culinary symphony that makes chili a tantalizing treat! These herbs and spices play a delightful dance on your palate, transforming a simple dish into a captivating masterpiece.

Essential Herbs and Spices

  • Chili powder: Picture it as the maestro, setting the tone with its warm and smoky undertones.
  • Cumin: Meet the earthy envoy, adding a rich aroma and a touch of bitter balance to the sweet tomatoes.
  • Oregano: A vibrant harmonizer, bringing freshness with its minty and earthy notes.
  • Thyme: A delicate whisper, offering a hint of floral grace to harmonize the earthy flavors.
  • Cayenne pepper: The fiery virtuoso, adding a touch of heat that dances through the flavor profile.
  • Paprika: A vibrant colorist, enhancing the chili’s hue and adding a hint of sweetness and smokiness.
  • Garlic powder: Savory sorcerer, complementing the spices with its pungent flavor, ensuring a harmonious taste.
  • Onion powder: Another essential ingredient, adding a subtle sweetness that whispers depth into the symphony.

Step-by-Step Seasoning

  1. Gather your ensemble: Assemble these harmonious ingredients and prepare to transform your chili.
  2. Create a flavorful harmony: Begin with a generous helping of chili powder to establish the foundation.
  3. Add earthy notes: Sprinkle in cumin to balance the sweetness and add a deep earthiness.
  4. Introduce freshness: Stir in oregano for a touch of vibrancy and a hint of freshness.
  5. Balance with thyme: Gently incorporate thyme to round out the earthy flavors with a subtle floral note.
  6. Incorporate cayenne: Add a touch of cayenne pepper for a fiery kick that adds depth and complexity.
  7. Enhance the color and sweetness: Sprinkle in paprika for a vibrant color and a hint of smoky sweetness.
  8. Add savory depth: Introduce garlic powder for a savory undertone that complements the other spices.
  9. Add subtle sweetness: Finish with onion powder to add a subtle sweetness that enhances the chili’s overall flavor.

The Result:

By harmonizing these herbs and spices, you create a chili that dances merrily on your taste buds. Each ingredient plays its part, resulting in a dish that’s bursting with flavor and guaranteed to satisfy every craving. So, gather your ingredients and prepare to create a culinary masterpiece that will leave your senses dancing! better homes and gardens chili recipe_1

FAQ

Q1: What are some tasty chili variations to try?

A1: Better Homes & Gardens offers a wide range of chili variations, including red chili, white chili, chicken chili, and vegetarian chili. Each variation has its own unique flavor profile, so you can find one that suits your taste buds.

Q2: How to store leftover chili?

A2: To safely store leftover chili, let it cool completely and then transfer it to an airtight container. Store the chili in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, or in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Q3: How to choose the best tomatoes for chili?

A3: For the best flavor, choose ripe tomatoes with a deep red color and firm texture. Avoid tomatoes that are bruised or have blemishes.

Q4: What herbs and spices make chili special?

A4: Chili is a versatile dish that can be customized with various herbs and spices. Some common herbs and spices used in chili include chili powder, cumin, oregano, thyme, cayenne pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder.

Q5: Is there a quick and easy chili recipe for beginners?

A5: Yes, Better Homes & Gardens provides a Quick and Easy Chili Recipe that is perfect for beginners. This recipe includes simple ingredients and can be prepared in just 35 minutes.