A warm bowl of comfort that tastes like home — rich, hearty, and simmered with love.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35–45 minutes
Total Time: 50–60 minutes
Servings: 6–8 bowls
Ingredients
Choose Your Protein
(Use the same amount of seasoning & ingredients either way.)
- Classic: 1 ½ lbs ground beef
- Turkey: 1 ½ lbs ground turkey (leans lighter but still hearty)
Base Ingredients
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, drained & rinsed
- 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained & rinsed
- 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (15 oz) can diced tomatoes
- 1 cup beef broth (or chicken broth for turkey chili)
Seasonings
- 2 tbsp chili powder
- 2 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
- 1 tsp salt (add more to taste)
- ½ tsp black pepper
Optional Add-Ins / Toppings
- Shredded cheddar
- Sour cream
- Green onions
- Jalapeño slices
- Cornbread on the side (the Southern way!)
Directions
1. Sauté the Vegetables
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add onion, bell pepper, and garlic.
- Sauté 4–5 minutes until softened and fragrant.
2. Brown the Meat
- Add your ground beef or turkey to the pot.
- Cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon.
- Drain excess grease if using beef.
3. Season & Build the Flavor
- Stir in chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, cayenne, salt, and pepper.
- Toast spices for 1 minute to deepen the flavor.
4. Add Beans & Tomatoes
- Add crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, beans, and broth.
- Stir well to combine.
5. Simmer Low & Slow
- Bring chili to a gentle boil.
- Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer 30–40 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
6. Serve with Love
- Ladle chili into bowls.
- Add shredded cheese, avocado, green onions, or sour cream if desired.
- Serve warm with cornbread, crackers, or over rice.
Notes from Mama Clara’s Kitchen
“A good pot of chili warms the belly and the heart. Let it simmer slow and steady, baby — that’s where the love comes in.”
