📖 Instructions

1. Prep the Veggies: Dice one large onion, two cloves of garlic (minced), one red bell pepper (diced), and one green bell pepper (diced). This is the foundation of your chili's flavor; don't skimp on the prep!
2. Brown the Meat: In a large pot or Dutch oven, brown 1 pound of ground beef or turkey over medium-high heat. Drain off any excess fat. Nobody wants greasy chili!
3. Sauté Aromatics: Add the diced onion and garlic to the pot with the browned meat. Sauté for about 5 minutes, or until the onions are translucent and fragrant. Oh, that smell!
4. Add Bell Peppers: Stir in the diced red and green bell peppers. Cook for another 3-5 minutes, until the peppers start to soften.
5. Stir in Spices: Add 2 tablespoons of chili powder, 1 teaspoon of cumin, 1/2 teaspoon of smoked paprika, 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper (if you like it spicy!), and 1/2 teaspoon of oregano. Stir well to coat the meat and vegetables with the spices. Cooking with spices? Remember to toast them a little bit in the dry pan. That wakes them up!
6. Add Tomatoes and Beans: Pour in one 28-ounce can of crushed tomatoes, one 15-ounce can of kidney beans (drained and rinsed), and one 15-ounce can of black beans (drained and rinsed). If you're not a fan of one type of bean, feel free to substitute with another. Northern beans are great too!
7. Simmer: Bring the chili to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours. The longer it simmers, the more the flavors will meld together. I love letting it go for a couple of hours on a lazy Sunday afternoon.
8. Season to Taste: After simmering, taste the chili and adjust the seasoning as needed. You might want to add more salt, pepper, chili powder, or even a little bit of brown sugar to balance the flavors.
9. Serve: Ladle the chili into bowls and garnish with your favorite toppings, such as shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped cilantro, diced avocado, or a dollop of Greek yogurt. Some people even like a sprinkle of crushed tortilla chips on top for added crunch. Experiment and find what you like!
10. Don't forget that a little bit of lime juice can brighten the flavor right before serving.