Hearty Buffet Chili

Hearty Buffet Chili Recipe - Delicious Ground Beef and Kidney Bean Chili from the USA

Region / culture: USA | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 1 hour 30 minutes | Servings: 6

Introduction

Hearty Buffet Chili is a delicious and satisfying dish that is perfect for a cozy night in or for feeding a crowd at a gathering. This recipe is packed with flavor and hearty ingredients that will leave you feeling full and satisfied.

History

Chili is a classic American dish that has been enjoyed for generations. It is believed to have originated in the American Southwest, where cowboys and pioneers would cook up hearty stews with whatever ingredients they had on hand. Over the years, chili has evolved into a beloved comfort food that is enjoyed by people all over the world.

Ingredients

1 lb (454 g) of lean ground beef or ground bison
0.33 cup of chopped onion
1 clove of garlic, minced
1 (15.5 oz (439 g)) can of tomatoes, cut up
1 (15.5 oz (439 g)) can of tomato sauce
2 tsp of chili powder
1 tsp of salt
0.5 tsp of crushed red pepper
0.25 tsp of black pepper
1 (15.5 oz (439 g)) can of kidney beans
1 to 2 cups of cooked rice
0.5 cup (4 oz (113 g)) of shredded monterey jack or cheddar cheese (optional)
0.5 cup of chopped onion (optional)
0.5 cup of dairy sour cream (optional)

How to prepare

In a large saucepan, cook the beef, 0.33 cup of onion, and the garlic until the beef is browned and the onion is tender. Drain off the fat.
Stir in the tomato sauce, undrained tomatoes, chili powder, salt, crushed red pepper, and black pepper into the browned meat in the saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat. Cover and simmer for 1 hour.
Add the beans with chili sauce to the saucepan. Cover and simmer for 30 minutes.
In small individual bowls, set out the remaining ingredients. For each serving, place some of the cooked rice in a soup bowl. Top with the chili mixture and cheese, then add some of the 0.5 cup of onion and the sour cream, if desired.

Variations

Substitute ground beef or turkey for the bison.
Add diced bell peppers, corn, or zucchini for extra vegetables.
Use different types of beans, such as black beans or pinto beans.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to brown the meat and onions thoroughly to develop rich flavor in the chili.

- Adjust the amount of chili powder and crushed red pepper to suit your taste preferences.

- For a thicker chili, simmer uncovered for the last 15-20 minutes of cooking.

- Garnish with fresh cilantro, avocado, or jalapenos for added flavor and texture.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Hearty Buffet Chili with cornbread, tortilla chips, or a side salad for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Browning the meat and onions

- Simmering the chili to develop flavors

- Garnishing with cheese, onion, and sour cream

Ingredient Substitutions

Ground beef or turkey can be used instead of bison.

- Any type of beans can be used in place of kidney beans.

- Greek yogurt can be used instead of sour cream.

Make Ahead Tips

Hearty Buffet Chili can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Hearty Buffet Chili in individual bowls garnished with a dollop of sour cream, shredded cheese, and chopped onions for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Hearty Buffet Chili pairs well with a cold beer, a glass of red wine, or a refreshing iced tea.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store leftover Hearty Buffet Chili in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Hearty Buffet Chili contains approximately 350 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Hearty Buffet Chili contains approximately 30 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Hearty Buffet Chili contains approximately 15 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of Hearty Buffet Chili contains approximately 25 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Hearty Buffet Chili is a good source of vitamin C, iron, and potassium.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy (cheese and sour cream) and may contain gluten (depending on the brand of chili powder and tomato sauce used).

Summary

Hearty Buffet Chili is a well-balanced meal that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. It is also rich in vitamins and minerals, making it a nutritious choice for a hearty meal.

Summary

Hearty Buffet Chili is a delicious and satisfying dish that is perfect for feeding a crowd or enjoying on a cozy night in. Packed with flavor and hearty ingredients, this chili is sure to become a family favorite.

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the joy I felt when I first discovered this recipe for Hearty Buffet Chili. It was many years ago, back when I was just a young girl with a passion for cooking. I had always loved spending hours in the kitchen, experimenting with different ingredients and flavors to create delicious dishes for my family and friends.

One day, I was visiting my Aunt Martha, who was known for her incredible cooking skills. As soon as I walked into her kitchen, I could smell the delicious aroma of chili simmering on the stove. I watched in awe as she added spices, vegetables, and ground beef to the pot, creating a rich and flavorful dish that made my mouth water.

I asked Aunt Martha for the recipe, and she smiled and told me that it was a family secret that had been passed down for generations. But she could see the eagerness in my eyes and the genuine interest I had in learning how to make it. So, she agreed to teach me how to make her famous Hearty Buffet Chili.

We spent the afternoon cooking together, and she shared with me the tips and tricks that she had learned over the years. She showed me how to brown the ground beef to perfection, how to balance the spices to create the perfect flavor profile, and how to simmer the chili for hours to allow the flavors to meld together.

As we sat down to enjoy the chili together, I could see the pride in Aunt Martha's eyes as she watched me take my first bite. The chili was everything I had hoped for and more – hearty, flavorful, and comforting. I knew in that moment that this recipe would become a staple in my own cooking repertoire.

Over the years, I have made Aunt Martha's Hearty Buffet Chili countless times. I have shared it with my family, friends, and neighbors, each time receiving rave reviews and requests for the recipe. I have tweaked it and made it my own, adding my own personal touches and variations to suit my taste.

But the core of the recipe remains the same – rich, hearty, and satisfying. It is a dish that warms the soul and brings people together around the table. It is a reminder of the joy of cooking and the love that goes into preparing a meal for those you care about.

I am grateful to Aunt Martha for sharing her recipe with me and for instilling in me a love for cooking that has only grown stronger over the years. I know that as I continue to cook and share this Hearty Buffet Chili with others, I am carrying on a tradition that has been passed down through generations – a tradition of love, family, and good food. And for that, I am truly thankful.