George's Hearty Chili 🌶️🍲

Warm up with this comforting and satisfying chili recipe, perfect for cozy nights and gatherings with friends! This dish is not just about the flavors; it's also about the warm memories it creates around the dinner table. Pair it with cornbread or tortilla chips for a complete meal that everyone will love! 🥖

Ingredients

For the chili

• 2 pounds lean ground beef
• 46 fluid ounces of tomato juice
• 29 ounces of tomato sauce
• 15 ounces of kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 15 ounces of pinto beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 1/2 cups chopped onion
• 1/4 cup chopped green bell pepper
• 1/8 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
• 1/2 teaspoon white sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cumin
• 1/4 cup chili powder

Instructions

1. In a large deep skillet, cook the ground beef over medium-high heat until evenly browned. Drain excess fat and crumble the beef.

🍳 Browning the beef adds depth of flavor to your chili. Don't rush this step!

2. In a large pot over high heat, combine the cooked ground beef, tomato juice, tomato sauce, kidney beans, pinto beans, chopped onions, green bell pepper, cayenne pepper, sugar, oregano, black pepper, salt, cumin, and chili powder.

3. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer for 1 1/2 hours.

⏳ Stir occasionally to ensure nothing sticks to the bottom of the pot. The longer you let it simmer, the richer the flavors will become!

4. Slow cooker option: If using a slow cooker, set it on low, add all ingredients, and cook for 8 to 10 hours.

Variations

• Vegetarian: Substitute the ground beef with lentils or a mix of your favorite chopped vegetables, like zucchini and carrots. You can also use meat substitutes available in the market. 🍆

• Spicy Kick: Add jalapeños or your favorite hot sauce for an extra kick!

• Beans Galore: Feel free to add more types of beans like black beans or garbanzo beans for a heartier texture.

• Smoky Flavor: Incorporate smoked paprika for an added layer of smoky goodness.

• Make it a Meal: Serve over rice or with a side of baked potatoes to make the dish even more filling! 🍚🥔

Enjoy this chili with your loved ones, and relish the warmth it brings to your home!