Why Make This Recipe
First Place Chili is an award-winning dish that stands out for its rich flavors and hearty ingredients. It’s perfect for gatherings, especially on chilly days. Making chili allows you to combine different beans, meats, and spices, resulting in a crowd-pleasing meal. It’s not just tasty, but also healthy and filling, making it a great choice for families.
How to Make First Place Chili
To make First Place Chili, follow these straightforward steps:
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef or turkey
- 1 can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups beef or vegetable broth
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil for cooking
Directions
- In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Add chopped onion, bell pepper, and garlic; sauté until soft.
- Add ground beef or turkey and cook until browned.
- Stir in chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper.
- Add kidney beans, black beans, diced tomatoes, and broth.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and let simmer for 30-40 minutes.
- Serve hot, ideally with cornbread or rice.
How to Serve First Place Chili
First Place Chili is best served hot in bowls. You can top it with shredded cheese, sour cream, or chopped green onions for extra flavor. Pair it with cornbread or rice to complete the meal and make it more filling.
How to Store First Place Chili
You can store leftover chili in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze the chili in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Just thaw in the fridge before reheating.
Tips to Make First Place Chili
- For a spicier chili, add jalapeños or hot sauce during cooking.
- Let the chili sit for a few hours or overnight in the fridge; the flavors will deepen and improve.
- Serve it with crusty bread or tortilla chips for added texture.
Variation
You can easily modify this recipe by introducing additional ingredients like corn, or by replacing the ground meat with chicken or diced vegetables for a vegetarian option.
FAQs
1. Can I make First Place Chili in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can cook it in a slow cooker. Sauté the vegetables and meat first, then add everything else to the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours.
2. How can I make it vegetarian?
Substitute the ground beef or turkey with plant-based meat or add more beans and vegetables like zucchini and carrots.
3. Can I add other beans?
Absolutely! You can incorporate pinto beans or any bean you like. Just make sure to drain and rinse them.
First Place Chili
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Omnivore
Description
An award-winning chili dish with rich flavors and hearty ingredients, perfect for gatherings and chilly days.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef or turkey
- 1 can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups beef or vegetable broth
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil for cooking
Instructions
- In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Add chopped onion, bell pepper, and garlic; sauté until soft.
- Add ground beef or turkey and cook until browned.
- Stir in chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper.
- Add kidney beans, black beans, diced tomatoes, and broth.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and let simmer for 30-40 minutes.
- Serve hot, ideally with cornbread or rice.
Notes
For a spicier chili, add jalapeños or hot sauce during cooking. Let the chili sit for a few hours or overnight for improved flavors.