Easy Mild Chili Recipe: A Beginner’s Guide to Comfort Food

Chili is a classic comfort food, perfect for cool evenings, game days, or just when you need a hearty and satisfying meal. However, many chili recipes pack a significant amount of heat, which might not be to everyone’s taste. This recipe is designed for those who prefer a milder flavor profile, focusing on rich, savory notes without the fiery kick. It’s incredibly easy to make, even for novice cooks, and can be customized to your liking. This guide will walk you through each step, providing tips and variations along the way.

Why This Mild Chili Recipe Works

This recipe prioritizes flavor over heat. Instead of relying on hot peppers, we build depth with spices like cumin, chili powder (use a mild variety!), and smoked paprika. The addition of ingredients like diced tomatoes, beans, and ground meat (or a plant-based alternative) creates a hearty and texturally interesting chili. Slow simmering allows the flavors to meld and deepen, resulting in a truly delicious and satisfying meal.

Ingredients You’ll Need

* **Ground Meat:** 1 pound ground beef, turkey, or plant-based ground (such as Beyond Meat or Impossible Burger). For a leaner chili, use 90% lean ground beef or ground turkey.
* **Onion:** 1 medium yellow onion, diced. Yellow onions provide a good balance of sweetness and savory flavor.
* **Garlic:** 2-3 cloves garlic, minced. Fresh garlic is essential for a robust flavor.
* **Diced Tomatoes:** 28 ounces canned diced tomatoes, undrained. Using undrained tomatoes adds moisture and flavor to the chili.
* **Tomato Paste:** 2 tablespoons tomato paste. Tomato paste intensifies the tomato flavor and adds richness to the chili.
* **Beans:** 1 (15-ounce) can kidney beans, rinsed and drained. Kidney beans are a classic chili ingredient. You can substitute with pinto beans, black beans, or a combination.
* **Beans:** 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained. Black beans offer a slightly sweeter and earthier flavor compared to kidney beans.
* **Chili Powder:** 2 tablespoons mild chili powder. Choose a mild chili powder blend to control the heat level. You can always add more to taste.
* **Cumin:** 1 tablespoon ground cumin. Cumin is a key spice in chili, providing warmth and earthiness.
* **Smoked Paprika:** 1 teaspoon smoked paprika. Smoked paprika adds a smoky flavor that complements the other spices.
* **Dried Oregano:** 1 teaspoon dried oregano. Oregano adds a subtle herbal note.
* **Beef Broth (or Vegetable Broth):** 1 cup. Broth adds moisture and flavor to the chili. Use beef broth if using ground beef, turkey, or a similar meat. Use vegetable broth for a vegetarian or vegan chili.
* **Olive Oil:** 1 tablespoon. For sautéing the onion and garlic.
* **Salt and Pepper:** To taste. Adjust the seasoning to your preference.
* **Optional Toppings:** Shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream or Greek yogurt, chopped green onions, cilantro, avocado slices, tortilla chips.

Equipment You’ll Need

* **Large Pot or Dutch Oven:** A heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven is ideal for even cooking and preventing sticking.
* **Wooden Spoon or Spatula:** For stirring the chili.
* **Can Opener:** For opening the canned tomatoes and beans.
* **Measuring Spoons and Cups:** For measuring the ingredients.
* **Cutting Board and Knife:** For dicing the onion and mincing the garlic.

Step-by-Step Instructions

**Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients**

Before you start cooking, it’s helpful to have all your ingredients prepped and ready to go. This will make the cooking process smoother and more efficient.

* Dice the onion into small pieces.
* Mince the garlic.
* Rinse and drain the kidney beans and black beans.
* Measure out the spices: chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and oregano.
* Have the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, and broth ready.

**Step 2: Brown the Ground Meat**

* Heat the olive oil in the large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
* Add the ground meat (beef, turkey, or plant-based) to the pot.
* Break up the meat with a wooden spoon or spatula.
* Cook the meat until it is browned, stirring occasionally.
* If using ground beef, drain off any excess grease.

**Step 3: Sauté the Onion and Garlic**

* Add the diced onion to the pot with the browned meat.
* Cook the onion until it is softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally.
* Add the minced garlic to the pot.
* Cook the garlic until fragrant, about 1 minute, stirring constantly to prevent burning.

**Step 4: Add the Spices**

* Add the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and oregano to the pot.
* Stir the spices into the meat and onion mixture, coating everything evenly.
* Cook the spices for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, to bloom the flavors. Blooming the spices helps to release their aromas and enhance their taste.

**Step 5: Add the Tomatoes and Tomato Paste**

* Add the diced tomatoes (undrained) and tomato paste to the pot.
* Stir to combine the tomatoes and tomato paste with the meat, onion, garlic, and spice mixture.
* Break up the diced tomatoes slightly with a spoon or spatula.

**Step 6: Add the Beans and Broth**

* Add the kidney beans, black beans, and beef broth (or vegetable broth) to the pot.
* Stir to combine all the ingredients thoroughly.

**Step 7: Simmer the Chili**

* Bring the chili to a simmer over medium heat.
* Once simmering, reduce the heat to low.
* Cover the pot and let the chili simmer for at least 30 minutes, or up to 1-2 hours, stirring occasionally.
* The longer the chili simmers, the more the flavors will meld and deepen. This step is crucial for developing a rich and complex chili flavor.

**Step 8: Season and Serve**

* After simmering, taste the chili and season with salt and pepper to your liking.
* Add more chili powder for a slightly more intense flavor, but be cautious not to add too much, as it can quickly make the chili too spicy.
* Serve the chili hot, topped with your favorite toppings, such as shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream or Greek yogurt, chopped green onions, cilantro, and avocado slices.
* Tortilla chips, cornbread, or a side of rice also make great accompaniments.

Tips and Variations

* **Adjust the Heat:** To make the chili spicier, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a diced jalapeño pepper (seeds removed for less heat). You can also use a hotter chili powder blend.
* **Add Vegetables:** Feel free to add other vegetables to the chili, such as diced bell peppers (red, green, or yellow), corn kernels, or zucchini. Add these vegetables along with the diced tomatoes.
* **Use Different Beans:** Experiment with different types of beans, such as pinto beans, great northern beans, or cannellini beans.
* **Make it Vegetarian or Vegan:** Use plant-based ground meat and vegetable broth to make this chili vegetarian or vegan. Ensure your chili powder blend is also vegan, as some may contain animal products.
* **Add Chocolate:** For a richer and more complex flavor, add a square or two of unsweetened chocolate or a tablespoon of cocoa powder to the chili during the simmering process. Chocolate adds depth and richness without making the chili taste like chocolate.
* **Use Different Meats:** Try using ground turkey, ground chicken, or even shredded beef or pork in this chili.
* **Slow Cooker Chili:** This recipe can easily be adapted for a slow cooker. Brown the ground meat and sauté the onion and garlic as directed, then transfer all the ingredients to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
* **Instant Pot Chili:** This recipe can also be made in an Instant Pot. Use the sauté function to brown the ground meat and sauté the onion and garlic. Add the remaining ingredients, secure the lid, and cook on high pressure for 20 minutes. Allow the pressure to release naturally for 10 minutes, then quick release any remaining pressure.
* **Spice it Up (Carefully):** If you want to add some heat but still keep it relatively mild, consider adding a small amount of chipotle powder or a minced chipotle pepper in adobo sauce. Start with a small amount, as these can be quite spicy.
* **Smoked Meats:** Incorporate smoked sausage or chopped bacon for an added layer of smoky flavor. Brown these meats along with the ground meat.

Serving Suggestions

* **Classic Chili Night:** Serve the chili in bowls with shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, and chopped green onions. Offer tortilla chips or cornbread on the side.
* **Chili Dogs:** Top hot dogs with the chili and your favorite toppings, such as cheese, onions, and mustard.
* **Chili Cheese Fries:** Pour the chili over a bed of french fries and top with shredded cheese. Bake until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
* **Chili Baked Potatoes:** Top baked potatoes with the chili and your favorite toppings.
* **Chili Nachos:** Layer tortilla chips with the chili, shredded cheese, and other toppings like jalapeños, sour cream, and guacamole. Bake until the cheese is melted.
* **Chili Mac:** Combine the chili with cooked macaroni and cheese for a hearty and comforting meal.

Make-Ahead and Storage Instructions

* **Make-Ahead:** This chili can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The flavors will actually improve as it sits.
* **Storage:** Store leftover chili in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
* **Freezing:** Chili freezes well. Allow the chili to cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers or freezer bags. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw the chili in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Reheating Instructions

* **Stovetop:** Reheat the chili in a pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
* **Microwave:** Reheat the chili in a microwave-safe bowl in the microwave, stirring occasionally, until heated through.

Nutritional Information (Approximate)

(Note: Nutritional information will vary depending on the specific ingredients used.)

* Calories: Approximately 300-400 per serving
* Protein: 25-35 grams per serving
* Fat: 15-25 grams per serving
* Carbohydrates: 20-30 grams per serving
* Fiber: 5-10 grams per serving

Conclusion

This easy mild chili recipe is a perfect starting point for anyone looking to enjoy a flavorful and comforting chili without the intense heat. With its simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, it’s a great recipe for beginner cooks. Feel free to customize the recipe to your liking, adding your favorite vegetables, beans, or spices. Whether you’re serving it for a weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering, this mild chili is sure to be a hit.

Enjoy your homemade chili!