We’ve all got a soft spot for a hearty chili that’s bursting with bold flavors and minimal fuss. Our chili recipe with chili brick takes the classic comfort food to new heights, drawing on time-honored techniques while making it accessible for busy weeknights.
It’s that perfect blend of spice and simplicity that keeps us coming back. By using a chili brick we streamline the process yet pack in authentic taste, turning everyday ingredients into a mouthwatering meal everyone will love.
Let’s explore how this easy twist elevates your kitchen game.
Ingredients
In our chili recipe with chili brick, we focus on simple, high-quality ingredients that deliver bold flavors with minimal effort. Below, we’ve listed them in the order they’re typically used, including any necessary prep notes for accuracy and ease.
- 1 medium onion, diced (start by chopping for a flavorful base that builds the dish’s aroma)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (freshly chopped to release its pungent essence right at the start)
- 1 pound ground beef (lean, 80/20 mix for the best balance of juiciness and texture, browned first)
- 1 chili brick (a concentrated block, about 4 ounces, dissolved in hot water for that signature spicy depth—we love how it simplifies seasoning)
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained (use fire-roasted for added smokiness that enhances the overall warmth)
- 1 can (15 ounces) kidney beans, drained and rinsed (opt for low-sodium to control the salt level, adding heartiness as the recipe progresses)
- 1 bell pepper, chopped (any color, sliced for a fresh crunch that complements the chili brick‘s heat)
- 2 cups beef broth (low-sodium preferred, added midway to create a rich, simmering base)
- 1 tablespoon chili powder (mild or hot, depending on preference, stirred in for extra kick alongside the chili brick)
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin (toasted if possible, for an earthy note that ties everything together toward the end)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste (season gradually as you cook to fine-tune the flavors)
Tools and Equipment
To prepare our Chili Recipe With Chili Brick efficiently, we rely on a few essential tools that make the process smooth and enjoyable. These items help us handle the ingredients—such as diced onions, minced garlic, and the chili brick—with precision and ease, ensuring a flavorful outcome without unnecessary complications.
Here’s a list of the key tools we’ll need:
- Large Pot or Dutch Oven: We use this 10- to 12-quart vessel for browning the ground beef and simmering the entire mixture, allowing flavors to meld perfectly over low heat.
- Chef’s Knife: Essential for chopping vegetables like onions and bell peppers quickly and safely, we recommend a sharp, 8-inch blade to minimize prep time.
- Cutting Board: We opt for a sturdy, non-slip board to provide a stable surface for all our slicing and dicing tasks.
- Wooden Spoon or Silicone Spatula: Perfect for stirring the ingredients in the pot, we find this tool prevents sticking and helps distribute the chili brick’s spicy depth evenly.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accuracy is key, so we use these for precise measurements of items like beef broth and spices, ensuring our chili’s balance of flavors.
- Can Opener: We need this to open cans of diced tomatoes and kidney beans effortlessly, keeping our workflow uninterrupted.
With these tools in hand, we’re set to transition seamlessly from gathering ingredients to cooking our hearty chili.
Instructions
Now that we have gathered our fresh ingredients and essential tools, we’ll walk you through preparing, cooking, and serving our flavorful Chili Recipe with Chili Brick. Follow these steps to create a hearty, aromatic dish that’s perfect for any gathering.
Prep Work
Before we start cooking, let’s prepare our ingredients to ensure everything comes together smoothly. Begin by dicing 1 large onion and 1 bell pepper into even ½-inch pieces for a crisp texture. Next, mince 3 garlic cloves finely to release their pungent aroma.
In a separate bowl, dissolve 1 chili brick in 1 cup of hot water, stirring until fully integrated for that signature spicy depth. Drain and rinse 1 can (15 ounces) of kidney beans to remove excess sodium, enhancing the beans’ natural nuttiness. Measure out 1 pound of ground beef, 1 can (14.5 ounces) of diced tomatoes, 2 cups of beef broth, 2 tablespoons of chili powder, and 1 teaspoon of ground cumin.
Organize these prepped items on your cutting board to streamline our cooking process, allowing us to focus on building layers of flavor.
Cooking
With our ingredients ready, let’s cook this chili step by step in our large pot or Dutch oven. First, heat 2 tablespoons of oil over medium heat, then add the diced onion and bell pepper, sautéing for 5 minutes until they soften and release a sweet, fragrant aroma that fills the kitchen.
Add the minced garlic and 1 pound of ground beef, breaking up the meat with a wooden spoon as it browns for 5-7 minutes, ensuring it’s cooked through for a juicy texture. Drain any excess fat, then stir in the dissolved chili brick mixture, diced tomatoes, drained kidney beans, beef broth, chili powder, and ground cumin.
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally to meld the flavors into a rich, smoky blend. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed, aiming for a perfect balance of heat and savoriness that makes this dish irresistible.
Serving
Once cooking is complete, let the chili rest for 5 minutes to thicken and intensify its flavors. Ladle it into warm bowls, garnishing with options like shredded cheese, fresh cilantro, or a dollop of sour cream to add creamy contrast and visual appeal.
We recommend serving our Chili Recipe with Chili Brick alongside cornbread or rice to soak up the robust juices, making it ideal for 4-6 people. For the best experience, enjoy the warm, comforting spices that make this meal a weeknight favorite.
Conclusion
We’ve loved sharing this chili recipe with a chili brick as it’s a game-changer for quick flavorful meals. It’s perfect for busy nights yet delivers that satisfying depth we all crave.
By trying it you’ll discover how simple tweaks elevate your home cooking. Let’s make this a staple in our kitchens and enjoy the warmth it brings to every gathering.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a chili brick and how is it used in this recipe?
A chili brick is a concentrated block of spices and flavors that adds depth to chili without much effort. In this recipe, dissolve it in hot water to create a spicy base, then mix it with ingredients like ground beef and vegetables for a flavorful, easy meal that enhances classic chili.
What are the key ingredients for this chili recipe?
The main ingredients include diced onion, minced garlic, ground beef, a chili brick, diced tomatoes, kidney beans, bell pepper, beef broth, chili powder, and ground cumin. These simple, high-quality items combine to deliver bold flavors with minimal prep, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
How long does it take to prepare and cook this chili?
Prep time is about 15-20 minutes, including chopping vegetables and dissolving the chili brick. Cooking takes 30-45 minutes for browning and simmering. Total time is roughly 45-65 minutes, allowing for a quick, delicious meal that’s ideal for weeknights or gatherings.
What tools are needed to make this chili?
You’ll need a large pot or Dutch oven for cooking, a chef’s knife and cutting board for chopping, a wooden spoon or spatula for stirring, measuring cups and spoons for accuracy, and a can opener for ingredients like tomatoes and beans. These basics ensure a smooth process.
How many people does this chili recipe serve?
This recipe serves 4-6 people, making it great for family dinners or small gatherings. It’s scalable, so you can adjust portions for larger groups by doubling the ingredients, while keeping the preparation straightforward and efficient.
Can I adjust the spice level in this chili?
Yes, you can customize the spice by adding or reducing chili powder and the amount of chili brick. Start with less if you’re sensitive to heat, then taste and adjust during cooking for the perfect balance, ensuring it appeals to everyone’s preferences.
What are some serving suggestions for this chili?
Serve the chili hot, garnished with cheese, cilantro, or sour cream for extra flavor. Pair it with cornbread, rice, or tortilla chips for a complete meal. Let it rest for a few minutes before serving to enhance the flavors, making it versatile for weeknights or events.