Yields: 6-8 servings
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 30 minutes (stovetop) or 4-6 hours (slow cooker)
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef (or use ground turkey/chicken for a lighter option)
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 29 oz can tomato sauce
- 15 oz can black beans, rinsed and drained
- 15 oz can baked beans (Vegetarian or your favorite variety)
- 3 tablespoons chili powder
- 1-2 heaping tablespoons brown sugar (adjust to your sweetness preference)
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (more or less to taste)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Toppings (Optional):
- Shredded cheddar cheese
- Chopped green onions
- Tortilla chips
- Sour cream
Instructions (Stovetop):
- Brown the meat: In a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain off any excess grease.
- Sauté the aromatics: Add the onion and garlic to the pot and cook until softened, about 3-5 minutes.
- Add the spices: Stir in the chili powder, brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper.
- Incorporate the liquids and beans: Pour in the tomato sauce, black beans, and baked beans. Stir well to combine.
- Simmer: Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. This allows the flavors to meld perfectly.
- Taste and adjust: Give it a taste and adjust the seasonings if needed. If you like more heat, add a bit more cayenne. For extra sweetness, add a bit more brown sugar.
- Serve: Serve hot with your desired toppings.
Instructions (Slow Cooker):
- Brown the meat: Follow the same browning step as above.
- Combine: Add the browned meat along with all the other ingredients to your slow cooker.
- Cook: Cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours.
- Serve: Serve hot with your favorite toppings.
Tips:
- Customize it: Make this chili your own by adding a bit of chopped bell pepper with the onion and garlic, or mix up the bean varieties!
- Spice level: Adjust the cayenne pepper based on your heat preference.
- Make it ahead: This chili tastes even better the next day and is perfect for meal prep or freezing.
Enjoy your hearty and satisfying Signature Spicy, Smoky, Sweet Chili!
