There’s something incredibly comforting about a bowl of chili, don’t you think? It’s one of those dishes that warms you from the inside out, filling not just your stomach, but your soul as well. That’s why I absolutely love this Chunky Cheddar Chili Beans recipe. It’s hearty, it’s satisfying, and it’s packed full of flavor. The combination of ground beef, kidney beans, onions, tomatoes, and chili powder creates a robust and spicy base, while the cheddar cheese adds a creamy, tangy twist that takes this dish to a whole new level. This recipe is also incredibly easy to make, requiring just one pot and some basic pantry ingredients. Plus, it’s versatile enough to be served as a main course, a side dish, or even a dip for your favorite chips. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just looking for a simple, delicious meal to enjoy on a cold evening, this Chunky Cheddar Chili Beans recipe is a winner.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. ground beef
- 1 can kidney beans, rinsed and drained
- 1/2 c. chopped onions
- 1 lb. can whole tomatoes, chopped
- 6 oz. can tomato paste
- 1 Tbsp. chili powder
- 2 tsp. sugar
- 1 tsp. salt
- 1/4 tsp. pepper
- cubed Cheddar cheese
Cooking Method
- Brown beef and onions.
- Drain.
- Add all ingredients.
- Cover and simmer 45 minutes.
- Add cheese just before serving while hot.
Calorie: 500
Total cooking time: 1 hour
Difficulty level: Easy
Meet the Chunky Cheddar Chili Beans
Ah, Chunky Cheddar Chili Beans. Sounds like something your Grandma might’ve whipped up on a chilly winter evening, doesn’t it? Well, hold on to your oven mitts, folks, because we’re about to dive into the hearty, savory world of this classic comfort food.
The ‘Beefy’ Beginning
Every good story starts with a solid foundation, and in this case, that foundation is ground beef. Now, I don’t know about you, but there is something almost therapeutic about browning ground beef. Watching it transform from a dubious lump of meat into mouthwatering crumbles is strangely satisfying. But wait, we’re not alone in this symphony of sizzle. We’re bringing in our first guest star: onions. The pairing of ground beef and onions is like a culinary Romeo and Juliet – minus the tragedy, of course.
Adding the Spice (and everything Nice)
Once our beef-onion love story has reached its golden-brown zenith, we drain that bad boy. But we’re not done yet! It’s time to invite our other friends to the party: kidney beans, chopped tomatoes, tomato paste, chili powder, sugar, salt, and pepper. It’s a colorful gang, each bringing its own flavor to the table. This is where the magic happens, folks. Each ingredient, each spice, gets a chance to mingle and marinate, creating a symphony of flavors that’ll make your taste buds do the cha-cha.
Simmer Down Now
So, we’ve got our ingredients all happily co-mingling in the pot. Now comes the hard part: waiting. We cover our pot of chunky goodness and let it simmer for 45 minutes. I know, I know, it feels like an eternity. But believe me, the wait is worth it. The longer it simmers, the more the flavors blend together, creating a chili that’s as complex as your Aunt Mildred’s love life.
Cheese, Please!
Just when you thought our Chunky Cheddar Chili Beans couldn’t get any better, we’re pulling out the big guns: cubed Cheddar cheese. But timing is everything here. This isn’t about melting the cheese into oblivion. No, we’re adding our cheese just before serving while everything is still hot. The result? Perfectly melted pockets of cheesy goodness that take this chili from ordinary to extraordinary.
The Final Bowl
And there you have it, folks. A piping hot bowl of Chunky Cheddar Chili Beans, ready to warm you from the inside out. It’s a journey that’s part comedy, part tragedy (I mean, who hasn’t cried chopping onions?), but all delicious. So go ahead, dig in. Your taste buds will thank you.
Footnote
Remember, cooking isn’t just about following a recipe. It’s about making memories, sharing laughs, and above all, enjoying good food with good company. And if you can do that while whipping up a batch of Chunky Cheddar Chili Beans, well, you’re doing something right.
