Chili is a dish that brings people together, and there’s no better way to enjoy this comfort food than with a recipe that’s packed with flavor and depth. The “Best Damn Chili” is exactly what it promises—a robust and flavorful chili that will leave your taste buds craving more. Whether you’re serving it at a family gathering, for a tailgate, or enjoying it on a cozy evening, this chili is designed to impress with its hearty meat, bold spices, and layers of complex flavors. It is a dish that combines various vegetables, spices, and beans, simmered to perfection for a rich, satisfying experience.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

4 tablespoons olive oil
1 yellow onion, chopped
1 red bell pepper, chopped
1 Anaheim chile pepper, chopped
2 red jalapeño peppers, chopped
4 cloves garlic, minced
2½ pounds lean ground beef
¼ cup Worcestershire sauce
1 pinch garlic powder, or to taste
2 beef bouillon cubes
1 (12 fluid ounce) can light beer (such as Coors®)
1 (28 ounce) can crushed San Marzano tomatoes
1 (14.5 ounce) can fire-roasted diced tomatoes
1 (6 ounce) can tomato paste
½ cup white wine
2 tablespoons chili powder
2 tablespoons ground cumin
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1 tablespoon chipotle pepper sauce
2½ teaspoons dried basil
1½ teaspoons smoked paprika
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon dried oregano
½ teaspoon ground black pepper
2 (16 ounce) cans dark red kidney beans
1 cup sour cream
3 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
½ teaspoon ground cumin

Directions

Sauté Vegetables: In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add chopped onion, red bell pepper, Anaheim chile pepper, jalapeño peppers, and minced garlic. Sauté until softened, approximately 5 minutes.
Brown the Meat: Add ground beef to the pot with the vegetables. Cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Drain excess fat if necessary.
Add Seasonings and Liquids: Stir in Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, beef bouillon cubes, and beer. Cook for about 5 minutes, allowing the beer to reduce slightly.
Incorporate Tomato Products and Spices: Add crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, white wine, chili powder, ground cumin, brown sugar, chipotle pepper sauce, dried basil, smoked paprika, salt, dried oregano, and black pepper. Stir well to combine.
Simmer: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and let it simmer for at least 90 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Add Beans: Stir in kidney beans. Continue to simmer, uncovered, for an additional 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the chili to thicken.
Prepare Crema: In a blender, combine sour cream, chopped cilantro, and ground cumin. Blend until smooth.
Serve: Ladle the chili into bowls. Drizzle with the crema and garnish with additional cilantro if desired.

Nutritional Facts (per serving)

Calories: Approximately 600 kcal
Total Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
Cholesterol: 80mg
Sodium: 900mg
Total Carbohydrates: 50g
- Dietary Fiber: 12g
- Sugars: 10g
Protein: 35g

The Origins of Chili

Chili has roots deeply embedded in the history of the American Southwest and Mexican cuisine. The dish, commonly known as chili con carne (chili with meat), has evolved over time from the indigenous foods of the Americas, where native peoples used chili peppers as an essential ingredient in their meals. Spanish settlers brought beef to the region, which combined with local ingredients to create the chili we know and love today.

Why This Recipe is ‘The Best’

The name “Best Damn Chili” isn’t just a bold statement; it’s a reflection of the recipe’s depth of flavor, the variety of ingredients, and the careful balance of spices. The key to this chili’s excellence lies in the combination of savory meats, spicy peppers, and a rich mix of herbs and spices. Here’s what makes this chili stand out:

Perfectly Balanced Spices: The Best Damn Chili uses a blend of chili powder, cumin, paprika, and cayenne pepper to create a smoky, earthy base. These spices form the foundation of the dish’s flavor profile. The addition of chipotle pepper sauce and smoked paprika adds complexity and a subtle heat that lingers without overpowering the other flavors.
Beer and Wine for Depth: The use of beer and white wine is another standout feature of this recipe. The beer adds a slight bitterness that complements the richness of the meats and balances out the heat from the spices. The white wine provides acidity, helping to cut through the richness of the beef and sausage, making each bite more flavorful.
The Combination of Meats: By combining lean ground beef with spicy sausage, the Best Damn Chili achieves a perfect balance of savory flavors and textures. The beef provides a solid base for the chili, while the sausage adds spice and extra depth. This combination creates a chili that is meaty without being overly greasy.
Tomatoes for Richness: The crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, and tomato paste form the foundation of the chili’s hearty texture. They provide acidity and sweetness, balancing out the richness of the meats and spices. San Marzano tomatoes are often recommended for their sweet flavor and lower acidity, ensuring that the chili remains balanced and rich.
Beans for Texture: The dark red kidney beans provide texture and fiber, making the chili filling and hearty. Beans not only enhance the nutritional value of the dish but also contribute to the overall balance of flavors. They absorb the spices and enhance the chili’s complexity, making it satisfying and delicious.
Toppings to Enhance the Experience: The addition of sour cream and fresh cilantro provides a cool contrast to the heat of the chili. The sour cream helps to mellow out the spice, while the cilantro adds a fresh, herby flavor that brightens the dish. These toppings allow for customization, ensuring that each person can adjust the chili to their liking.

The Importance of the Right Beans

Beans are often a divisive ingredient in chili. Some purists believe that chili should be made with just meat, while others swear by the inclusion of beans. In the case of Best Damn Chili, beans play a vital role in the dish’s texture and nutritional content. The use of kidney beans adds heartiness and helps balance the rich meats and spices.

Perfect for Meal Prep and Leftovers

One of the great advantages of making chili is that it gets better with time. The Best Damn Chili is a great dish for meal prep, as the flavors continue to develop and deepen after a few hours of simmering. In fact, many chili enthusiasts believe that leftover chili is even better the next day, making it an ideal dish for batch cooking.

Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just making a large batch for the week ahead, this chili can be stored in the fridge for several days or frozen for longer-term storage. Simply reheat it, and you have a quick, flavorful meal ready to go. This makes the Best Damn Chili perfect for busy weeknights or meal planning.

Versatility: How to Serve Best Damn Chili

While chili is delicious on its own, there are many ways to serve it that elevate the dish even further. Here are a few ideas for how to enjoy this chili:

With Cornbread: Cornbread is a classic pairing with chili. The slightly sweet, crumbly texture of cornbread complements the heat of the chili and provides a satisfying contrast. Whether you make it from scratch or purchase it pre-made, cornbread is a perfect accompaniment.
Over Rice: Serve the chili over a bed of rice for a more substantial meal. The rice helps to soak up the flavorful broth, making each bite even more satisfying. You can use white rice, brown rice, or even quinoa for a healthier twist.
With Tortilla Chips: For a fun twist, serve the chili with a side of tortilla chips. The crunch of the chips provides a nice contrast to the smoothness of the chili, and they’re perfect for scooping up the chili. You can even top your chili with crumbled chips for added texture.
As a Chili Dog: If you’re craving a hot dog, top it with the Best Damn Chili for a delicious and hearty twist on the classic chili dog. The chili adds a rich flavor and spice that takes the hot dog to the next level.
Topped with Cheese and Sour Cream: For an added layer of richness, top the chili with shredded cheese and a dollop of sour cream. The cheese melts into the chili, while the sour cream helps to balance out the heat. You can also add other toppings such as diced onions, jalapeños, or fresh cilantro to suit your taste.

Health Benefits of Best Damn Chili

While chili is often considered a comfort food that’s rich and filling, the Best Damn Chili also offers several health benefits, thanks to its lean meats, beans, and vegetables. Here’s why this chili is not only delicious but also nutritious:

High in Protein: The combination of lean ground beef and sausage provides a significant amount of protein, which is essential for muscle growth, repair, and overall health. The beans also contribute plant-based protein, making this chili a great source of protein for both meat-eaters and vegetarians alike.
Rich in Fiber: Beans are an excellent source of fiber, which aids in digestion, helps lower cholesterol, and promotes a feeling of fullness. The fiber in the beans helps make this chili a satisfying meal that can keep you full for longer.
Packed with Vitamins and Minerals: The tomatoes, peppers, and beans in this chili provide a wealth of essential vitamins and minerals. These include vitamin C, vitamin A, potassium, and folate, all of which are vital for immune function, skin health, and overall well-being.
Low in Saturated Fat: By using lean ground beef and incorporating plant-based ingredients like beans, this chili is relatively low in saturated fat. Reducing saturated fat intake can help support heart health and lower the risk of chronic diseases.

Conclusion

The Best Damn Chili is a recipe that truly lives up to its name. With its bold flavors, satisfying texture, and perfect balance of heat and richness, it’s the kind of chili that will have everyone coming back for more. Whether you’re hosting a tailgate, cooking for a family dinner, or simply craving a hearty meal, this chili is sure to please.

This chili isn’t just about the flavors—it’s also about the experience. It’s a dish that brings people together, whether shared at a gathering or enjoyed with loved ones. Its versatility, ease of preparation, and delicious taste make it the perfect comfort food.

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