all american chili recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
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The Best all american chili recipe

I’ve been making this All-American chili recipe for years, and it’s always a hit with my family and friends. I love how it’s a hearty, comforting dish that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering. The best part is that it’s incredibly easy to make, and you can customize it to your taste with your favorite toppings or add-ins.

As a busy mom, I appreciate that this recipe is quick to prepare and can be made in large quantities for a crowd. My kids love helping me cook it, and they always get excited when they see the aroma of simmering chili filling the kitchen. This recipe is based on traditional American chili recipes from the Midwest, where beef and pork are slow-cooked in a rich, spicy broth with beans and vegetables.

The result is a thick, satisfying stew that’s full of flavor and texture. Over time, I’ve tweaked the recipe to suit our tastes and dietary needs, but the core ingredients remain the same. One of the things I love about this recipe is how adaptable it is.

You can make it with ground beef, ground turkey, or even vegetarian options like black beans or portobello mushrooms. The key is to use high-quality ingredients and let them simmer together until the flavors meld into one delicious sauce. If you’re new to making chili, don’t worry – this recipe is easy to follow and requires minimal effort.

Just brown the meat, sauté the onions and garlic, add in your spices and beans, and let it all simmer together until the flavors are rich and deep. My kids love helping me stir the pot and taste-testing the finished product. This All-American chili recipe has become a staple in our household, whether we’re serving it as a main course or using it as a topping for baked potatoes or nachos.

It’s also incredibly healthy – packed with fiber from the beans, protein from the meat, and antioxidants from the tomatoes.

All American Chili

All American Chili

4.5 from 1729 votes

A hearty and classic chili made with ground beef, kidney beans, and a rich tomato base. This comforting dish is perfect for game day or a cozy weeknight dinner.

Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time45 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time60 mins
Servings: 6Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 420 kcal

🥘Ingredients

Main Ingredients

2 tablespoons olive oil
2 pounds ground beef (80/20)
1 large yellow onion, diced
1 green bell pepper, diced
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons chili powder
1 tablespoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
1 (15-ounce) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
1 (15-ounce) can pinto beans, drained and rinsed
1 cup beef broth
1 tablespoon brown sugar
Salt and black pepper to taste

For Serving

Shredded cheddar cheese
Sour cream
Chopped green onions
Oyster crackers

👨‍🍳Directions

1Heat the olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat until it shimmers.
2Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon, until browned and no longer pink, about 6 to 8 minutes.
3Use a slotted spoon to transfer the beef to a plate and set aside.
4Reduce the heat to medium and add the diced onion and bell pepper to the pot.
5Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables have softened and the onion is translucent, about 5 minutes.
6Add the minced garlic, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and cayenne if using, and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
7Return the browned beef to the pot, then stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, beef broth, and brown sugar.
8Bring the chili to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer uncovered for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the flavors meld and the chili thickens slightly.
9Stir in the drained kidney beans and pinto beans and continue to simmer for another 10 minutes, until the beans are heated through.
10Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
11The chili should be thick and aromatic, with the beans tender but intact.
12Ladle the chili into bowls and top with shredded cheddar cheese, a dollop of sour cream, and a sprinkle of chopped green onions.
13Serve immediately with oyster crackers on the side.

🔧Equipment

Large Dutch oven or heavy pot
Wooden spoon
Chef’s knife
Cutting board
Measuring cups and spoons
Can opener

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 420 kcal🧈Total Fat: 18g💛Saturated Fat: 6g❤️Cholesterol: 80mg🧂Sodium: 980mg🌾Total Carbs: 35g🥦Dietary Fiber: 9g🍬Sugars: 10g🥩Protein: 32g

📝Notes

For a thicker chili, let it simmer longer uncovered. You can also use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version. Leftovers taste even better the next day.

Watch Video Of How All American Chili Works

This All-American chili recipe is truly a classic for any occasion – whether you’re serving it as a main course or using it as a topping for baked potatoes or nachos.

It’s also incredibly healthy – packed with fiber from the beans, protein from the meat, and antioxidants from the tomatoes.

Plus, leftovers keep beautifully in your fridge or freezer for up to three months.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About All American Chili

Q: What type of meat should I use in this recipe?

For this All-American chili recipe, you can use either ground beef or ground turkey – whichever you prefer! If you want to make it more authentic, use 80/20 ground beef for that classic flavor.

Q: Can I use canned tomatoes instead of fresh?

While fresh tomatoes are preferred for their flavor and texture, canned tomatoes will do in a pinch! Just drain them well before adding them to your pot.

Q: How long should I simmer my chili?

The longer you simmer your chili, the thicker and more flavorful it’ll be! Aim for at least 30 minutes of simmering time – but feel free to let it go longer if you have time.

Q: Can I add other spices or seasonings to my chili?

This All-American chili recipe is all about balance – so go ahead and experiment with different spice blends or seasonings until you find one you love!

Q: How do I store leftover chili?

After your chili has cooled completely, transfer it to an airtight container for storage in your fridge or freezer!

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