Blue Ribbon Chili is the ultimate comfort food, offering a perfect blend of hearty ground beef, tender beans, and a rich array of spices. This award-winning recipe is a classic take on chili, featuring simple ingredients that come together to create a deeply flavorful and satisfying dish. Ideal for warming up on a cold day or serving at a casual get-together, this chili is both easy to make and packed with robust flavor. The best part? It’s highly versatile, allowing you to customize it with your favorite toppings and variations, making it a go-to recipe for any occasion.
Full Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 ½ teaspoons salt
- 1 ½ teaspoons ground black pepper
- 1 (15 ounces) can kidney beans, drained
- 1 (8 ounces) can tomato sauce
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 2 tablespoons paprika
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
Directions:
- In a large skillet, cook the ground beef and chopped onion over medium heat until browned, about 7-8 minutes. Drain the excess fat.
- Season the beef and onion mixture with salt and pepper.
- Add the kidney beans, tomato sauce, chili powder, paprika, garlic powder, and cumin to the skillet. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
- Reduce the heat to low and let the chili simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Taste and adjust the seasonings as needed. Serve hot.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes
Kcal: 270 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
Recipe Variations:
- Vegetarian Chili: Replace ground beef with a mix of beans like black beans, pinto beans, and chickpeas. You can also add vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, and corn to enhance the flavor and texture.
- Turkey Chili: Substitute the ground beef with lean ground turkey for a lighter option. Adjust the seasonings to your preference, as turkey has a milder taste.
- Spicy Kick: If you enjoy extra heat, add a diced jalapeño or a dash of cayenne pepper when sautéing the onions. You can also garnish with sliced fresh chili peppers.
- Smoky Flavor: For a smoky undertone, add a teaspoon of smoked paprika or a splash of liquid smoke to the chili.
Tips for Best Results:
- Simmer for Flavor: Allow the chili to simmer for at least 20-30 minutes to let the flavors meld together. If you have time, letting it simmer longer on low heat will make the chili even more flavorful.
- Make Ahead: This chili tastes even better the next day as the flavors have more time to develop. You can make a big batch and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze it for up to 3 months.
- Toppings: Customize each bowl with a variety of toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped green onions, avocado slices, and crushed tortilla chips.
Serving Suggestions:
- With Cornbread: Serve the chili with a side of warm cornbread for a classic comfort food pairing.
- Over Rice: For a heartier meal, serve the chili over a bed of steamed rice or quinoa.
- Loaded Chili Bowls: Create a chili bar with different toppings, allowing everyone to customize their own bowl.
Nutrition Information (per serving):
- Protein: Approximately 20g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 15g
- Fiber: Approximately 5g
- Sugars: Approximately 2g
- Fat: Approximately 15g
- Sodium: Approximately 600mg
Additional Related Recipes:
- White Chicken Chili: A creamy chili made with shredded chicken, white beans, and green chilies, offering a milder flavor profile.
- Vegetable Lentil Chili: A hearty, plant-based chili using lentils and a variety of vegetables for a nutritious and filling dish.
- Chili Mac: Combine the chili with cooked macaroni pasta for a delicious and kid-friendly twist on the classic recipe.
History and Background of Chili
Chili is a beloved dish with roots in Mexican and Tex-Mex cuisine. While its exact origins are debated, it is widely believed to have been created by Spanish settlers in the American Southwest. Traditionally, chili con carne (chili with meat) was made with beef, chili peppers, and spices, cooked together to create a hearty and warming meal. Over time, chili recipes have evolved to include various ingredients such as beans, tomatoes, and a wide array of spices, making it a versatile and adaptable dish.
Flavor Profile
This recipe Blue Ribbon Chili offers a classic flavor profile:
- Savory and Hearty: The combination of ground beef and kidney beans creates a rich and hearty base.
- Warm Spices: Chili powder, paprika, garlic powder, and cumin provide a warm, slightly smoky flavor with a hint of spiciness.
- Balanced: The tomato sauce adds a slight tanginess that balances the richness of the beef and beans.
Cooking Techniques
- Browning the Meat: Properly browning the ground beef with onions enhances the flavor of the chili. It creates a deep, savory base that sets the stage for the rest of the ingredients.
- Layering Flavors: Adding spices like chili powder, paprika, garlic powder, and cumin at different stages of cooking helps build a more complex flavor. Toasting the spices slightly in the skillet before adding liquids can bring out their full potential.
- Simmering: Letting the chili simmer on low heat allows the flavors to meld together. The longer it simmers, the more robust the flavor will become.
Ingredient Breakdown
- Ground Beef: Provides the primary protein source and a rich flavor. You can use lean ground beef to reduce fat content.
- Kidney Beans: Offer texture and heartiness, making the chili more filling. You can substitute them with black beans or pinto beans for variety.
- Spices: Chili powder, paprika, garlic powder, and cumin are key to achieving the traditional chili taste. Adjust the amounts to suit your spice preference.
- Tomato Sauce: Adds acidity and depth, balancing the richness of the meat and beans.
Variations and Additions
- Add Vegetables: Incorporate diced bell peppers, zucchini, or corn to add more texture and nutrients.
- Make it Spicy: For a spicy kick, add chopped jalapeños, red pepper flakes, or a dash of hot sauce.
- Smoky Twist: Add a teaspoon of smoked paprika or a bit of chipotle in adobo sauce for a smoky flavor.
- Different Meats: Swap out the ground beef for ground turkey, chicken, or even sausage for a different flavor profile.
Serving and Storage
- Serving: Serve the chili in bowls with a variety of toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, green onions, avocado slices, and crushed tortilla chips. It pairs wonderfully with cornbread or a simple green salad.
- Storage: This chili can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days. It also freezes well; store it in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of water if needed to reach the desired consistency.
Nutritional Considerations
- Gluten-Free: This recipe is naturally gluten-free, making it suitable for those with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease.
- Low Carb: If you’re watching carbs, this chili is relatively low-carb, especially if you omit or limit high-carb toppings.
- High Protein: Packed with protein from the beef and beans, this chili is great for those looking to increase their protein intake.
Enhancing the Flavor
- Slow Cook: For even deeper flavor, prepare this chili in a slow cooker. After browning the beef and onions, transfer all ingredients to the slow cooker and cook on low for 4-6 hours.
- Beer Addition: Replace part of the tomato sauce with a dark beer for a unique depth of flavor. The beer will add a subtle malty undertone to the chili.
- Chocolate Secret: For a more complex flavor, stir in a small piece of dark chocolate or a tablespoon of cocoa powder. It won’t make the chili sweet but will enhance the overall richness.
Conclusion
Blue Ribbon Chili is a timeless, hearty dish that embodies comfort and flavor. Its blend of ground beef, kidney beans, and warm spices creates a savory, satisfying meal that’s easy to prepare and adaptable to various tastes. Whether you enjoy it as is or experiment with different ingredients and toppings, this classic chili recipe is sure to become a staple in your meal rotation. It’s perfect for family dinners, gatherings, or meal prep, offering a delicious and filling option that warms you up from the inside out. With its rich history and versatile nature, this chili truly deserves its blue ribbon status.