Print

Hearty Make and Freeze Chili Recipe

hearty make and freeze chili recipe - featured image
Print Recipe

A comforting and robust chili recipe perfect for busy days and cozy meals, easy to make in batches and freeze for later enjoyment.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb lean ground beef or turkey
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 medium bell peppers (red and green), diced
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, no-salt-added
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 cup beef broth or vegetable broth
  • 2 tbsp chili powder
  • 1 tbsp cumin
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika (optional)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • Optional toppings: shredded cheddar, sour cream, sliced green onions, fresh cilantro

Instructions

  1. Heat the olive oil in a large heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat for 2-3 minutes until shimmering.
  2. Add diced onion and bell peppers; sauté until onions are translucent and peppers are tender, about 5-7 minutes.
  3. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute, stirring frequently to avoid burning.
  4. Add ground beef or turkey; break up with a spoon and cook until browned all over, about 8-10 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
  5. Stir in chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper; toast spices with meat and veggies for 1-2 minutes.
  6. Mix in tomato paste, diced tomatoes, drained black and kidney beans, and broth; stir to combine and bring to a gentle simmer.
  7. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 25-30 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add more broth or water if too thick.
  8. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or chili powder; add a pinch of sugar if tomatoes are too acidic.
  9. Turn off heat and let chili cool slightly; portion into freezer-safe containers leaving about an inch of headspace.
  10. Label and freeze. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and warm gently on stovetop or microwave.

Notes

Do not rush browning the meat and veggies to develop flavor. Season in layers and taste before adding salt. Simmer time can be flexible; longer simmering improves flavor. Avoid freezing dairy toppings; add fresh when serving. If chili is too thick after reheating, add broth or water to loosen.

Nutrition

Keywords: chili, make and freeze chili, hearty chili, easy chili recipe, ground beef chili, freezer meals, cozy meals, weeknight dinner

Find it online: https://siennaspoon.com/hearty-make-and-freeze-chili-recipe-5-easy-steps-for-cozy-meals/