Best Recipes for Chili

Whether you like it extra spicy or simple and mild, chili is a meal you can get excited about. Stay warm on a chilly night with a nice bowl of chili. Cook a large batch on the weekend and heat it up after a long day at work. Throw it in the crock pot while you're gone, and let it cook on it's own while you're away. Here, you'll find five of the best chili recipes around.

Traditional Chili

This is one of the best chili recipes for traditional chili I've found. Given to me by a close friend, it is a family favorite. Topped with sour cream and shredded cheese, it is a delicious way to end the day. Not too spicy, but with just a bit of a kick. This chili is something the entire family will enjoy.

- 1 ½ lbs. hamburger
- 2 links Italian sausage
- 2 cloves garlic (finely chopped)
- 1 medium onion (chopped)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 package Chili-O chili seasoning
- 1 can chili beans (do not drain)
- 2 cans chili style tomatoes (do not drain)
- 4 cans water
- 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper
- Salt & pepper
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- ¼ teaspoon chili powder

Brown meat, onions, and garlic in oil in a large soup pot. Drain excess fat. Place meat back in pan and add all other ingredients and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to a simmer and cook 6 - 8 hours, loosely covered. Serve in individual bowls and top with sour cream and shredded cheddar cheese.

White Chicken Chili

In the mood for something a little different? Try this comforting white chicken chili. It takes less than two hours to make, so it's perfect for a busy work night dinner.

- 4 large bone-in chicken breasts
- 1 medium onion (chopped)
- 2 gloves garlic (finely chopped)
- 1 tbsp oil
- 4 cups water
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- 2 Chicken Boullion Cubes
- 2 cans (15 ½ ounces each) Northern beans
- 2 tbsp parsley
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- Salt & pepper

Boil the chicken in the water and chicken broth for about an hour. Remove from pan and let it cool.

In a skillet, saute chicken, onion and garlic until tender. Add to broth and water. In a cup, combine 8 ounces of water and cornstarch and stir till smooth. Add to pan. Drain beans well and rinse. Add to pan with all other ingredients. Bring to a boil and then reduce to a simmer. Cover pot.

Remove chicken from bone and cut into bite-sized pieces. Add to pot and cook an additional 30 minutes.

Chili with Potato Dumplings

The potato dumplings that top this chili are so tender and comforting. This is a delicious recipe that adds something a little different to your traditional chili. Once you try this chili, chances are it will become a family favorite.

- 2 pounds ground beef
- 1 small onion
- 1 small bell pepper
- 1 large clove garlic (chopped)
- 1 can kidney beans (drained and rinsed)
- 1 can mild chili beans (don't drain)
- 4 teaspoons chili powder
- Salt & pepper
- ¼ cup crushed red pepper flakes
- 3 cups tomato juice

In a large soup pot or Dutch oven, cook meat, onion, bell pepper and garlic. Drain excess fat. Place back into pan. Add all other ingredients and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for about an hour.

Make the dumplings:

- 1 cup instant potato flakes
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup milk
- 1 egg (beat)
- 1 tablespoon parsley

Combine flakes, flour, parsley, baking soda and salt. Slowly stir in milk and add egg. Drop by heaping tablespoon into simmering chili. Cover tightly and cook on med-low for 15 - 20 minutes.

Vegetarian Chili

Think chili can't have flavor without meat? Think again! This vegetarian chili is absolutely delicious, and only gets better over time. If you have any leftovers, freeze them. It will taste even better the second time around!

- 1 can kidney beans (don't drain)
- 28 ounces diced tomatoes (don't drain)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 large onion (chopped)
- 2 - 3 carrots (peeled and chopped)
- 2 large cloves garlic (diced)
- 1 bell pepper (diced)
- 1 - 2 stalks celery (chopped)
- 1 pint fresh mushrooms
- 1 can corn
- 2 tbsp parsley
- 1 tbsp cumin
- 1 tbsp crushed red pepper
- Salt & pepper
- 1 teaspoon each of - Italian seasoning, basil, oregano

In a large soup pot, heat oil. Saute onions and garlic until tender. Add in all other ingredients and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low and cook, covered, for about an hour.

Salsa Chili

This is one of the easiest recipes for chili I've found. It takes only a few ingredients, and is quick to whip up after a busy work day.

- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 medium onion (chopped)
- 1 small bell pepper (chopped)
- 16 ounces Picante-style salsa
- 1 can chili beans
- 5 ½ ounces tomato juice
- Salt & pepper

Cook hamburger and onion and drain fat. Place meat back into pan and add all other ingredients. Bring to a boil and then reduce heat. Cook, covered, for about an hour.

More from Jennifer Wagner:

Quick and Easy Campbell's Soup Recipes

Chicken Alfredo Bake

Best Recipes for Pecan Pie

Source:

Previously published on Bestcovery