chef john chili recipe

Written BySheba G Updated On
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The Best chef john chili recipe

I’ve been making Chef John’s chili recipe for years, and it’s still a staple in my household. My family loves it because it’s hearty, flavorful, and easy to make.

I love it because it’s a great way to use up ground beef that’s been sitting in the fridge for too long, and it’s also a fantastic way to get my kids to eat their vegetables. The recipe is based on traditional chili recipes from the Southern United States, where beef is slow-cooked in a rich tomato sauce with a blend of spices.

This particular recipe is a variation of the classic that’s been tweaked by Chef John to make it even more delicious. The result is a chili that’s both comforting and sophisticated at the same time.

My family and I have made this recipe countless times, and we never get tired of it. It’s perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions like game days or holidays.

One of the best things about this recipe is that it’s incredibly customizable – you can add or subtract ingredients to suit your taste preferences. For example, if you prefer a milder chili, you can reduce the amount of cayenne pepper or omit it altogether.

On the other hand, if you like a spicier kick, you can add more hot sauce or red pepper flakes. This flexibility makes the recipe accessible to everyone, regardless of their taste buds.

Chef John’s Classic Chili

4.5 from 1792 votes

A hearty and flavorful chili recipe inspired by Chef John. This dish is perfect for a comforting meal on a cold day.

Prep Time20 mins
Cook Time45 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time1 hr 5 mins
Servings: 6Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 450 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Chili

2 lbs ground beef
1 large onion, diced
1 large bell pepper, diced
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons chili powder
2 teaspoons ground cumin
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 28 oz can crushed tomatoes
1 15 oz can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
1 15 oz can pinto beans, drained and rinsed
2 cups beef broth
1 tablespoon olive oil

For Toppings

Shredded cheddar cheese
Diced avocado
Sour cream
Fresh cilantro, chopped

👨‍🍳Directions

1Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat.
2Add the ground beef and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes.
3Use a wooden spoon to break up the meat into smaller pieces.
4Drain excess fat if necessary.
5Add the diced onion, bell pepper, and minced garlic to the pot.
6Cook for 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened and the onions are translucent.
7Stir in the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
8Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly, to toast the spices and release their flavors.
9Add the crushed tomatoes, kidney beans, pinto beans, and beef broth to the pot.
10Stir well to combine.
11Bring the chili to a boil over high heat.
12Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for 25-30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chili has thickened and the flavors have melded together.
13Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary.
14Serve the chili hot, topped with shredded cheddar cheese, diced avocado, sour cream, and chopped cilantro.

🔧Equipment

Large pot
Wooden spoon
Cutting board
Knife

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 450 kcal🧈Total Fat: 25g💛Saturated Fat: 10g❤️Cholesterol: 80mg🧂Sodium: 900mg🌾Total Carbs: 25g🥦Dietary Fiber: 8g🍬Sugars: 7g🥩Protein: 28g

📝Notes

You can customize the heat level by adding diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper. For a vegetarian version, substitute the ground beef with a plant-based alternative and use vegetable broth.

Watch Video Of How Chef John’s Classic Chili Works

This chili is a perfect dish for any occasion. It can be served with a variety of toppings, such as shredded cheese, sour cream, and chopped onions.

It can also be served with cornbread or a side of rice. It is a dish that is perfect for a family gathering or a casual dinner with friends.

I love that this chili can be made ahead of time and reheated later, making it perfect for busy weeknights. It is a dish that can be frozen and reheated later.

I like to make a big pot of this chili and freeze individual portions for quick and easy meals throughout the week. It is a dish that is sure to please everyone in your family.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Chef John’s Chili

Q: What type of ground beef should I use for this recipe?

For this recipe, you can use either lean or regular ground beef. If you want to make a leaner chili, use 90% lean ground beef or higher. If you want to make a more traditional chili with a richer flavor, use regular ground beef with some fat.

Q: Can I substitute beans for another type of protein?

You can substitute black beans with pinto beans or kidney beans if you prefer. However, keep in mind that the cooking time may vary depending on the type of bean you use.

Q: How do I store leftover chili?

You can store leftover chili in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days or freeze it for up to two months.

Q: Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker?

This recipe can be adapted for slow cooking – simply brown the ground beef and cook the onions before transferring everything to your slow cooker with the remaining ingredients.

Q: Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?

No, this recipe contains ground beef and is not suitable for vegetarians.

Hi, I’m Sheba G, the creator behind **Sheba’s Recipe**, where I share my favorite homemade dishes and easy recipes anyone can try. I love experimenting in the kitchen and helping others enjoy simple, flavorful meals with confidence.

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