Every family needs a trusted chili recipe. One that is comforting, homey and perfect for cold winter’s night. This is our absolute favorite Easy Classic Chili Recipe.
As a college girl studying abroad in France, I never thought I’d made life-time friends and end up living in the same state. But it happened.
My classes in France were mostly filled with foreign students from everywhere, Germany, Spain, Russia, The Netherlands, China and even some French kids. There were also of course a few Americans.
I remember meeting my friend Kristen. Tall, blond, with a super fun and positive vibe. I liked her right of the bat. Someone who was not only easy to talk to but also to be around fun!
Most of the time I felt like she was just as lost or confused as I was, so it was nice to commiserate.
Aside from lots of acquaintances, I was hoping to really hit it off with someone. Someone I could hang out with, share this crazy adventure with and hopefully travel with. So after meeting Kristen, I was pretty psyched to say the least.
What I didn’t know was that she was actually in France with her husband! Who was also studying while in France. And lucky for me, he was just as awesome!
These 2 love birds, who happened to be from Minnesota by way of Montana, became my travel besties! Truly the 3 Musketeers! The 3 of us traveled through Europe together! And I could not have asked for better travel partners.
Seriously! Even though I was traveling with a married couple, these 2 never once made me feel awkward, out of place or like a 3 wheel. I love these guys!
So much that to this day, when I travel with the hubs, I somehow always end up reminiscing about one of our many European adventures. Like the time we slept in a Norwegian airport with not heat. Or when we got lost in Portugal or when we lived it up in Paris on my 21st birthday.
Fast forward, 9 almost 10 years later and we are still friends. And as good friends do, we share recipes. This one is one of my favorite recipes Kristen has shared with me.
The simplest most classic Chili I have ever had. The epitome of perfectly executed comfort food.
Since having this chili at Kristen’s house, I have not only made it for my family and friends, but have shared the recipe with about a dozen folks. It’s that good!
I am just getting around to sharing it on the blog! What is wrong with me right!
I love this recipe so much, that I feel confident in saying this is the only chili recipe you will ever need.
Life is one crazy adventure sometimes. And looking back at my time abroad, it would not have been nearly as amazing had I not met these 2 crazy people 😊
So tonight you better believe we are having this Easy Classic Chili with my Best Ever Cornbread.
Yields Serves 6
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 tsp olive oil
- 1 lbs. ground beef or turkey
- 1 onion chopped
- 1/2 bell pepper, chopped or 1 small can of green chiles
- 3 stocks celery chopped small
- 1 tablespoon garlic, minced
- 1 can (28 ounce) crushed tomatoes
- 1 can (15 ounce) tomato sauce
- 1 can (16 ounce) kidney beans (drained & rinsed)
- 1 can (16 ounce) black beans (drained & rinsed)
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika, dried oregano, cayenne pepper, cumin, salt, black pepper
Instructions
- In a large pot or Dutch oven heat brown meat. Remove meat and set aside. Drain excess grease from pot if needed.
- Add oil to the same pot and sauté onion, pepper (or green chiles) and celery for 5 minutes then add the garlic and cook for 1 more minute.
- Add the browned meat into the pot along with the rest of the ingredients (tomatoes, sauce, beans and spices).
- Mix all the ingredients and simmer for 30 minutes.
- Serve with cheese, sour cream and a good sprinkling of green onions.
Notes
Feel free to swap canned beans for cooked beans if you have any on hand. If chili is too acidic add 1 tablespoon sugar to cut acidity. This is a phenomenal make-ahead meal that saves well in the fridge or freezer. It also makes for a great pot luck meal or meal for new parents! And don’t forget to serve alongside my famous cornbread!
Originally posted 2017-01-18 05:54:00.
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