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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.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 15 mins
Cook Time 1 hr

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.