Serendipity's Southern Chili
A rich and flavorful Southern-style chili with tender beef, fragrant spices, and a perfect kick of heat from dried red chili peppers, simmered with tomatoes and hearty kidney beans.
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 1 large onion, diced
- 1 lb ground beef
- 2 pieces dried red hot chili peppers, crushed
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 14-ounce can diced tomatoes
- 1 14-ounce can red kidney beans, drained and rinsed
Instructions
- In a large pot, melt butter over medium heat. Add diced onions and cook until softened and translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned and cooked through, about 7-8 minutes.
- Stir in minced garlic, crushed dried chili peppers, and ground cumin. Cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Season the mixture with salt, black pepper, and sugar, stirring well to combine.
- Add the canned diced tomatoes with their juices and the drained kidney beans. Stir to combine.
- Bring the chili to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat to low and cook uncovered for 40-45 minutes, stirring occasionally, allowing flavors to meld and sauce to thicken.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed before serving warm with your favorite toppings or cornbread.
