Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lbs extra lean ground beef (or 1 x 14 oz. can kidney beans for vegetarian option)
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
- 1 (14 oz.) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (14 oz.) can tomato sauce
- 1 (14 oz.) canned or frozen corn
Spices & Seasonings
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika (mild or sweet preferred)
- 1/2 tsp chili powder
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder (or one garlic clove, minced)
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Brown the Beef: Heat a large pot over medium-high heat and add the ground beef. Cook for 5-7 minutes, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, until the beef is browned and cooked through.
- Sauté the Onion and Spices: Add the finely chopped onion to the pot and cook for 2 minutes until it starts to soften. Stir in the ground cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper to evenly coat the onion and beef mixture.
- Add Tomatoes and Simmer: Pour in the crushed tomatoes and tomato sauce. Bring the mixture to a boil, then cover the pot and reduce the heat to let it simmer for about 5 minutes. This step allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
- Add Corn and Finish Cooking: Stir in the canned or frozen corn and cook uncovered for an additional 2 minutes until the corn is heated through.
- Serve and Garnish: Ladle the chili into bowls and serve hot. Top with optional garnishes such as grated cheese, sour cream, avocado slices, green onion slices, cilantro leaves, or lime wedges to add freshness and extra flavor.
Notes
- This recipe can be easily adapted to be vegetarian by substituting ground beef with canned kidney beans.
- Adjust the spice levels by increasing or decreasing chili powder and smoked paprika according to your heat preference.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
- For a thicker chili, let it simmer uncovered a bit longer to reduce excess liquid.
- Serve with cornbread or rice for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
