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cinfully good chili

(9 ratings)
CynNTexas avatar
Blue Ribbon Recipe by
Cynthia Creamer-Pirtle
@CynNTexas
Lufkin, TX

Growing up an army brat with family scattered from Texas to Michigan to Florida and Georgia, I was introduced to a wide variety of foods from all over. My yankee family made bland chili that seemed more tomatoes than anything. It was good but something was missing. My Texas cousins made it so hot you couldn't taste it. The Floridians put curry in it, and well, that just ain't right. I don't think the clan in Georgia made any. I began a mission for the perfect blend of these dishes and by the time I was thirty I was pretty well known for my chili. I sure hope y'all like it!!

Blue Ribbon Recipe

Now, this is a good all-around chili! It has a Tex-Mex flair without being overly spicy. Having meat and beans makes this extra hearty. Serve a bowl of this super flavorful chili with a little cheese, sour cream, and cilantro. Perfect for everyone to enjoy.

— The Test Kitchen @kitchencrew
(9 ratings)
yield 6 serving(s)
prep time 15 Min
cook time 1 Hr
method Stove Top

Ingredients For cinfully good chili

  • 2 lb
    lean hamburger or hamburger/venison blend
  • 1 md
    bell pepper, chopped
  • 1 md
    onion, chopped
  • 3 Tbsp
    minced garlic
  • 3 Tbsp
    olive oil
  • 1/4 tsp
    cayenne pepper
  • 1 tsp
    onion powder
  • 1 tsp
    ground cumin
  • 1 sm
    bay leaf or 1/2 of larger leaf
  • 3 Tbsp
    chili powder
  • 1 tsp
    paprika (I prefer Hungarian smoked but any will do)
  • 1 tsp
    salt, to taste
  • 1 can
    tomato sauce (8 oz)
  • 1 tsp
    brown sugar
  • 1 can
    diced tomatoes (14.5 oz)
  • 1/2 can
    tomato paste (3 oz)
  • 1 can
    ranch style beans (15 oz)
  • 1 c
    cold coffee (this mornings leftovers are great) shhhh this is my secret ingredient!

How To Make cinfully good chili

Test Kitchen Tips
We did add a couple of cans of water (using the diced tomato can) to this chili while it simmered for additional liquid.
  • Browning ground beef.
    1
    Brown ground meat in a large pot or iron kettle (my preference). Drain any grease off of meat in a colander and rinse with hot water. Return to pot.
  • Sauteeing onions, bell peppers, and garlic.
    2
    Saute onion, bell pepper, and minced garlic in olive oil until onions are translucent. Add to ground meat.
  • All ingredients added to a Dutch oven.
    3
    Add all remaining ingredients.
  • Chili simmering on the stove.
    4
    Simmer on low for 1 to 2 hours, adding water in half cup increments if chili becomes too thick. Cayenne pepper can be increased by 1/4 teaspoon increments if a hotter chili is preferred.
  • Different textures in the Cinfully Good Chili.
    5
    My family enjoys cornbread with this dish and we like to top it with thinly sliced scallions, sour cream, cheddar cheese, and fresh chopped cilantro. A bit of minced jalapeno will bring tears to your eyes if you feel so inclined by individuals, but I think it'll bring tears to your eyes just cause it's gooood!
  • Last Step: Don't forget to share! Make all your friends drool by posting a picture of your finished recipe on your favorite social network. And don't forget to tag Just A Pinch and include #justapinchrecipes so we can see it too!
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