My Family Chili

Today was a very dreary day in Orlando, Florida. The constant, steady rain was relentless and the chill in the air kept many people warm and snuggled up in their homes. 
 
While I had had plans to go out and take advantage of a full free Sunday, one quick glance outside and I realized that my only business was to make a pot of Chili and settle in for a day of old movies and pinterest browsing.
 
So, after braving the rain for breakfast with a friend, and a dash into my local Publix - I found myself in the kitchen, working from our family chili recipe, The Thorn Birds miniseries playing in the background, and the rain still pounding outside. It couldn't get any cozier than that!
 
Although my family recipe is quite good – I usually take my own liberties with it. I take out the bell peppers and probably add more garlic than I should. But I would say, I have improved it! Just don’t tell my Aunts. Shh… 
 
While Chili may seem daunting (at least it was to me before I first made it) - this is a pretty simple recipe and the perfect go-to dish for a cozy cold weather day inside!

This dish also freezes well! But I usually just make it all my meals until it's done!
 

​Ingredients

• 2 lbs Ground Chuck
• 2 Small Yellow Onions (or 1 big one… I always buy the bag of small onions – so they were on hand!)
• 3 (15.2 oz) cans Dark Red Kidney Beans (undrained)
• 2 (6 oz) Cans Tomato Paste
• 1 Clove Garlic (minced)
• ½ Cup Water
• 1-2 Tablespoons Chili Powder 
• 2 Tablespoons Pepper
• 1 Tablespoon Salt
• Garlic Powder and any other favorite spices to taste

​Recipe

• Brown Beef in large pan with onions and garlic - adding salt and pepper to taste.
  • The guidelines above for seasonings is all to taste. I usually keep adding to my recipe until it’s perfect! Start small and keep tasting!
• Once beef is thoroughly cooked, strain in colander.
• In a large pot add Kidney Beans, tomato paste, water, and beef!
• Stir, stir, stir.
• Add seasonings to taste. I love plenty of pepper, just a little bit of salt, and random other findings from my cupboard - such as garlic powder or Italian Herbs. Note: I am very careful with the Chili Powder. I don’t like my chili to be smoke-y so I add in a little – taste – add a little more – taste… so on and so on until it is perfect!
• Stir, stir, stir.
• Cover pot, turn heat setting to low and let simmer for 40 minutes.
• Serve!

Family Recipe in my Mom's Baker Dish. 

​Notes:

​Feel free to add yummy toppings to your chili – my favorites are simple:            

•  Shredded Mozzarella Cheese
•   Dollop of Sour Cream

​Recipe Note: In the last two Chili’s I’ve made – I add just a pinch of cinnamon. Not bad, not bad.





Any fun things in your Family's Chili Recipe? Comment below!


Author and Photography Credits: Maggie Burns