Thick Chili Recipe

I love coming home to a meal that fills the kitchen with incredible aromas and promises deep comfort. This rich, thick chili recipe does just that, offering a satisfying texture that truly sticks to your ribs. The vibrant colors and hearty consistency make it an instant family favorite, perfect for busy weeknights and satisfying family meals. Get ready for a healthy, convenient, and incredibly flavorful dish everyone will adore.

Ingredient Details & Better Choices

Crafting this flavorful thick chili recipe begins with mindful ingredient choices. Opt for healthier family-friendly options like grass-fed ground beef, organic canned tomatoes and beans, and low-sodium broth. Local farmers’ markets offer peak flavor and support sustainable sourcing for fresh produce.

• 900 g (2 lbs) lean ground beef
• 30 mL (2 tbsp) olive oil
• 2 large (approx. 300 g) yellow onions, diced
• 6 cloves (approx. 30 g) garlic, minced
• 1 large (approx. 200 g) red bell pepper, diced
• 1 large (approx. 200 g) green bell pepper, diced
• 15 g (1 tbsp) chili powder (mild, I sometimes use a hotter blend)
• 10 g (2 tsp) smoked paprika
• 5 g (1 tsp) ground cumin
• 2.5 g (1/2 tsp) dried oregano
• 1 g (1/4 tsp) cayenne pepper (optional)
• 10 mL (2 tsp) sea salt, or to taste
• 2.5 mL (1/2 tsp) black pepper, freshly ground
• 170 g (6 oz) tomato paste: For concentrated flavor and body.
• 794 g (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes (organic for best flavor)
• 411 g (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
• 425 g (15 oz) can dark red kidney beans, rinsed and drained (or black beans)
• 425 g (15 oz) can pinto beans, rinsed and drained
• 700 mL (3 cups) beef broth
• 30 g (2 tbsp) cornstarch & 60 mL (4 tbsp) cold water: For desired thick chili recipe consistency.
• For Garnish & Crema: 1 large (approx. 150 g) red onion, sliced; 50 g (approx. 1/2 cup) all-purpose flour; 5 g (1 tsp) sumac; 120 g (1/2 cup) full-fat plain yogurt or sour cream (Greek yogurt works too); 1 small lime; 30 g (1/2 cup) fresh cilantro, chopped.

Keto/Low-carb

To make this thick chili recipe low-carb, omit beans. Add more meat and non-starchy vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini for bulk.

Vegan

For a vegan version, use 1.5 cups (approx. 270 g) dry lentils or a plant-based crumble instead of beef. Be sure to use vegetable broth.

Gluten-free

Ensure your broth and spice blends are certified gluten-free for a gluten-free thick chili recipe.

Diabetic-friendly

Opt for lean ground meat, control bean portions, and use no-sugar-added tomatoes for a diabetic-friendly dish.

Step-by-Step Cooking Directions

Follow these simple steps to create a rich, hearty thick chili recipe that’s perfect for any occasion.

1. Prepare the Beef: In a large Dutch oven, heat 30 mL (2 tbsp) olive oil over medium-high heat. Add 900 g (2 lbs) lean ground beef; cook 8-10 minutes until deeply browned with a satisfying sizzle. Drain fat and set beef aside.
2. Sauté Aromatics: Reduce heat to medium. Sauté diced yellow onions 5-7 minutes until soft. Stir in minced garlic, red and green bell peppers; cook another 5-7 minutes until peppers soften and smell sweet.
3. Bloom Spices: Stir in chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, oregano, cayenne (if using), salt, and pepper. Cook 1-2 minutes until spices are fragrant and deepened in color.
4. Tomato Paste & Liquids: Add 170 g (6 oz) tomato paste; cook 3-4 minutes, stirring until it caramelizes and darkens. Pour in crushed and diced tomatoes, rinsed kidney and pinto beans, and 700 mL (3 cups) beef broth. Return beef to pot, stirring well.
5. Simmer to Perfection: Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce to low, cover, and simmer for 1.5-3 hours, stirring occasionally. The flavors will meld, and the chili will thicken, coating your spoon. If your thick chili recipe needs more body, stir in a slurry (30 g (2 tbsp) cornstarch + 60 mL (4 tbsp) cold water); cook 5-10 minutes until desired thickness. Taste and adjust seasoning.

Slow Cooker

Brown meat and sauté aromatics, then transfer all ingredients to a slow cooker. Cook on low 6-8 hours or high 3-4 hours until tender.

Instant Pot

Use ‘Sauté’ to brown meat and aromatics. Add ingredients, high pressure 20 minutes. Allow natural release for 10 minutes.

Texture issues

If too thin, simmer uncovered. If too thick, add a splash more broth.

Overcooking prevention

Simmer on low heat; a gentle bubble prevents mushy textures and preserves beans/meat.

Serving Ideas & Occasions

This satisfying thick chili recipe is incredibly versatile for various meals. It serves perfectly as a quick weeknight dinner, a robust option for fitness meal prep, or a comforting centerpiece for family gatherings and game day feasts.

Consider these pairings and toppings:

• Pairings: Warm cornbread, crackers, fluffy white rice, or a hearty baked potato.
• Toppings: Shredded cheddar cheese, a dollop of sour cream, freshly diced avocado, or bright green cilantro.

Fridge vs freezer

Store your leftover chili in airtight containers for 3-4 days in the fridge. For longer storage, freeze it for up to 3 months.

Containers

Always use freezer-safe bags or hard containers to prevent freezer burn and maintain the chili’s delicious quality.

Best reheating method

Gently reheat the thick chili recipe on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring often until hot. Alternatively, warm it in the microwave in short intervals, stirring between each, until it reaches your desired temperature.

Nutrition & Lifestyle Advantages of a Thick Chili Recipe

Our thick chili recipe offers many benefits beyond its incredible taste, making it a smart choice for healthy eating and busy lifestyles.

Weight balance

The high protein and fiber content from lean meat and beans helps you feel full longer, supporting satiety and healthy eating habits.

Energy

This dish provides sustained energy release, making it an excellent post-workout or mid-week meal for busy schedules.

Protein powerhouse

Packed with essential protein for muscle repair and growth, this thick chili recipe is vital for active lifestyles and fitness goals.

Nutrient-dense

It’s rich in vitamins and minerals from the tomatoes, onions, garlic, and beans, contributing to overall well-being.

An easy thick chili recipe is perfect for healthy weeknight dinners, fits well into high-protein recipes, and can be adapted for weight-loss meals. This versatile dish is also naturally gluten-free friendly with careful ingredient selection. You can easily adjust ingredients for lower sodium, higher fiber, or specific dietary needs while keeping all the robust flavor.

Time, Cost & Practical Value

This thick chili recipe is a fantastic value for your time and budget, delivering a complete meal in about an hour. It’s easy to scale for family-friendly dinners or meal prep.

Prep time: 15 minutes. Cook time: 45-60 minutes (simmer). Total time: ~1 hour. Cost per serving: Approximately $2-3, making it a highly economical meal. Budget tips include buying dried beans in bulk, watching for meat sales, and using seasonal vegetables.

This thick chili recipe is excellent for batch cooking; make a large pot on Sunday to enjoy throughout the week or freeze individual portions for future quick meals. It freezes beautifully without loss of quality.

Shopping & Ingredient Sourcing

You can find most ingredients for this thick chili recipe readily at major supermarkets. For the freshest produce, look at local farmers’ markets or specialty stores.

Choose organic canned goods when possible, select lean ground meat from reputable butchers, and opt for fresh, whole spices over pre-ground if available for superior flavor. I often grab extra organic canned tomatoes when they’re on sale; it saves me a trip and ensures I always have them for my favorite thick chili recipe.

Consider using online services like Thrive Market for organic pantry staples or local grocery delivery for convenient sourcing of ingredients.

Pro Adjustments & Hacks

Experiment with these additions to elevate your thick chili recipe:

• Add a dash of unsweetened cocoa powder for depth.
• A touch of smoked paprika adds a lovely smoky note.
• Stir in a spoonful of adobo sauce from chipotles for a smoky kick.

Kid-friendly

Reduce the chili powder for milder taste, and add a little sugar or maple syrup to balance acidity. Serve it with milder toppings like corn chips or extra cheese.

Gourmet

Use premium cuts of beef, such as short rib, for richer flavor. Add roasted poblano peppers, or swap sour cream for a dollop of crème fraîche as a topping.

Dairy-free

Skip the cheese and sour cream, or use plant-based alternatives for a delicious dairy-free option.

Nut-free

This thick chili recipe is naturally nut-free, making it a safe choice for those with nut allergies.

FAQs

Can this thick chili recipe support a weight loss diet?

Yes, it’s high in protein and fiber, promoting satiety and helping manage calorie intake when portioned correctly. Opt for lean ground meat and control bean portions.

What’s the best online source for quality chili ingredients?

Online organic stores like Thrive Market or local grocery delivery services can provide high-quality pantry items and fresh produce directly to your door for ultimate convenience.

How long can a thick chili recipe last in the fridge/freezer?

It lasts 3-4 days in the fridge and up to 3 months in the freezer when stored properly in airtight containers. This makes it excellent for meal prepping.

Is this thick chili recipe good for meal prep?

Absolutely, it reheats wonderfully and its flavors often deepen over time, making it ideal for batch cooking and enjoying throughout the week for easy dinner ideas.

How can I make my chili even thicker?

To make it even thicker, continue simmering uncovered to reduce liquid, or mash a portion of the beans against the side of the pot. I’ve found that mashing a small amount of the cooked beans against the side of the pot truly helps to thicken the consistency of my thick chili recipe without needing extra flour or cornstarch.

What are some common toppings for a hearty thick chili recipe?

Popular toppings include shredded cheese, sour cream, green onions, diced avocado, a squeeze of lime, or a dash of your favorite hot sauce for extra flavor.

Conclusion

This thick chili recipe is your go-to for speed, nutrition, and incredible flexibility in the kitchen. It’s the ultimate comfort food that truly delivers on flavor and satisfaction for healthy weeknight dinners. Don’t wait—plan this delicious thick chili recipe into your weekly rotation soon, and be sure to save it on Pinterest for later!

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