Comfort Chili Bowl

Here’s a Comfort Chili Bowl—thick, cozy, and perfect for a cold day 🌶️🥣

Ingredients (serves 4–6)

• 1 lb ground beef (or turkey)
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 small onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 bell pepper, diced (optional)
• 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
• 1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce
• 1–1½ cups beef broth
• 1 (15 oz) can kidney beans or pinto beans, drained & rinsed
• 2 tbsp chili powder
• 1 tsp cumin
• ½ tsp smoked paprika
• ½ tsp oregano
• Salt & black pepper, to taste
• Optional: pinch of sugar or cocoa powder (depth, not sweet)

Instructions

1. Brown the meat
   Heat oil in a pot over medium heat.
   Add ground beef and cook until browned. Drain excess fat if needed.
2. Build the flavor
   Add onion and bell pepper; cook 4–5 minutes until soft.
   Stir in garlic and cook 30 seconds.
3. Season & simmer
   Add chili powder, cumin, paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper.
   Stir in tomatoes, tomato sauce, broth, and beans.
4. Slow simmer
   Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low.
   Simmer uncovered 30–45 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thick.
5. Taste & adjust
   Add optional sugar or cocoa if desired. Adjust seasoning.

Comfort Toppings (the fun part 😄)

• Shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack
• Sour cream
• Diced onions
• Crackers or cornbread
• Jalapeños or hot sauce

Cozy Variations

• Extra hearty: Add a can of corn
• Spicy: Add cayenne or chipotle powder
• No-bean chili: Skip beans, add more meat
• Slow cooker: Brown meat first, then cook on LOW 6–8 hours

If you want, I can turn this into a white chili, a Texas-style version, or a one-pot dump-and-go recipe.