The Lazy Baker: Mom’s Hearty Chili

Whether it’s for football season, cozying up when it gets cold, or you’re hosting friends, this classic chili recipe is absolutely delicious.

Thanks to my mother, I’m picky about chili because I’ve grown up on this recipe. It’s the perfect blend of tomato, beans, and meat. I guarantee you’ll go for seconds, even if you’re already stuffed!

You can of course tweak to your heart’s content – maybe you prefer yours a little spicier, in which case it’s easy to throw in some jalapenos or extra chili powder. In our house, the meatier, the better, plus we love to top it with shredded cheese. I also tend to buy a bag of Doritos to go on the side, but a corn muffin also goes just as well!

Note: After dicing your onion, put it all on plate with a paper towel over top and microwave for about 30 seconds to a minute. That way the onions aren’t too crunchy or overwhelm the rest of the flavor! It’s one of those little tricks my mom taught me that I’ve never forgotten.

Hearty Classic Chili

  • 1.5 lb hamburger
  • Chili seasoning original (McCormick’s)
  • 1 large can light red kidney beans
  • 1 large can dark red kidney beans
  • optional: 1 small can each for extra
  • Petite diced tomatoes hunts
  • 2 large cans tomato sauce (Hunts)
  • Large onion, diced (softened in microwave)
  • Shredded cheese

Instructions:

Combine beans, tomato sauce, seasoning, and onions in large pot. Brown hamburger in pan, adding to pot once completely cooked. Allow to simmer for at least an hour – the longer, the better! Top with shredded cheese. 

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