If you’re a fan of savory and spicy foods, you’ll love this homemade recipe for Bob Evans chili. This hearty and flavorful chili is perfect for a cozy night in, a tailgate party, or any occasion where you want to serve up a crowd-pleasing dish.
Table of Contents:
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 can diced tomatoes (14.5 oz)
- 1 can kidney beans (15 oz)
- 1 can tomato sauce (8 oz)
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 tablespoon cumin
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions:
- Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up into small pieces with a spatula.
- Add the onion, green bell pepper, and garlic, and cook for 5 minutes, until softened.
- Add the chili powder, cumin, brown sugar, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using) to the pot. Stir well to combine.
- Add the diced tomatoes (with their juice), kidney beans (drained and rinsed), and tomato sauce to the pot. Stir well to combine.
- Bring the chili to a simmer and let it cook for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Taste the chili and adjust the seasoning as necessary. Add more salt, pepper or spices to taste.
- Serve hot with your favorite toppings, like shredded cheese, sour cream, or chopped cilantro.
Serving Suggestions and Variations:
This Bob Evans chili recipe is delicious on its own, but you can also customize it to your liking. Here are some ideas:
- Make it spicier by adding more cayenne pepper or hot sauce.
- Add more vegetables, like corn or carrots, for a healthier twist.
- Top the chili with your favorite toppings, like chopped onions, avocado, or jalapeños.
- Serve the chili over rice or with cornbread on the side for a filling meal.
Tips and Notes:
- If you don’t have ground beef, you can use ground chicken or turkey instead.
- If you like your chili with a thicker consistency, you can add a can of tomato paste to the pot.
- This chili recipe freezes well, so make a big batch and store it in the freezer for later.
- Leftovers can be reheated on the stovetop or in the microwave.
- This recipe makes about 4-6 servings.
FAQs:
1. Can I make this chili in a slow cooker?
Yes, simply brown the meat and sauté the vegetables in a pan, then add everything to the slow cooker and let it cook on low heat for 6-8 hours.
2. Can I use different types of beans?
Yes, you can substitute the kidney beans with pinto beans, black beans, or a combination of different beans.
3. Can I make this chili vegetarian?
Yes, simply omit the ground beef and use a combination of different beans (like black beans, pinto beans, and chickpeas) instead.
4. What is the best way to store leftovers?
Store the leftover chili in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, or in the freezer for up to 3 months.
5. Can I double or triple this recipe?
Yes, simply increase the quantities of all the ingredients accordingly.
Wrapping up:
This Bob Evans chili recipe is a delicious and comforting dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Made with simple ingredients and easy to customize, it’s a recipe that your family and friends will love. Plus, with the addition of some tasty toppings, you can make it your own!
