Cooler weather is on the way and what is more delicious than a bowl of tasty chili? Whether you are wanting simply a bowl of chili, over rice or in Frito pie this is a great base recipe!

With or without beans and other add ins, I believe this will satisfy you! The really great thing is that it also freezes very well! Great for meal prep or just cooking once and eating 2-3 times!

1 1/2-2 lbs ground beef
2 medium onions diced, sautéed
1-2 bell peppers diced, sautéed (green, red, yellow, orange or any combination)
1 cup of beef stock or broth
1 1/2 teaspoons black pepper
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
2-3 teaspoons cumin powder (or to your taste)
1-2 Tablespoons paprika
3-3 1/2 rounded Tablespoons chili powder
2 teaspoons sugar (optional, white or brown)
1 28 oz can of diced tomato (you can also use purée or sauce)
1 can 15-15.5 oz pinto beans, drained -Optional
1 can 15-15.5 oz kidney beans, drained light or dark -Optional
1 can 15-15.5 oz black beans, drained -Optional
1 6 oz can tomato paste, divided
1 small bag of frozen corn, optional (you may use 1 can of drained corn, if using canned add AFTER the cook)
4-5 cloves garlic, diced and sautéed


INSTANT POT: Brown the meat. Sauté the onions, bell pepper and garlic. Combine all ingredients as shown into an Instant pot (or dutch oven for stove top). Place lid on and MAKE SURE IT IS SET TO SEAL! Pressure cook setting for 18 minutes and allow for a natural release (approximately 15 minutes). Turn pot on to the sauté setting and adding remainder of the tomato paste. Stir well to avoid sticking and to incorporate the paste and allow for thickening. Taste test for seasoning adjustments. Allow to rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.

STOVE TOP: If cooking on stovetop bring all ingredients just up to a boil and then turn heat way down to a low simmer for 1 1/2-2 hours. Check for liquid levels to avoid sticking.

OPTIONAL but delicious additions:
green chilies or hot peppers of your choice
cayenne pepper (remember when adding extra heat, keep in mind you can add it in but you cannot take it out, so think of others. You can always spice up your own bowl.
red pepper flakes
1-2 lbs of smoked beef sausage

Remember this recipe is a guide, I'd stick pretty close to it, but you may ADJUST the ingredients to YOUR liking! More garlic? OK! Extra meat? No beans? Make it your way!

Serve in a bowl with crackers of Fritos, use as a base for Frito pie or over rice. Top with shredded cheeses of your choice, chili sauce, sour cream , chopped fresh onion or green onion and maybe a dash or two of Tabasco Sauce or Louisiana Hot Sauce. ENJOY!