WEEKNIGHT CHILI

Weeknight Chili image

Number Of Ingredients 11

3 tablespoons olive oil
2 cups onions, chopped
2 tablespoons chili powder
2 teaspoons cumin
1/4 teaspoon cayenne
2 tablespoons tomato paste or ketchup
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 pound ground beef or pork
1 1/2 cups chicken stock
15 ounces beans, canned
15 ounces crushed tomatoes or tomato sauce

Steps:

Heat the oil in a large pot over high heat. When it shimmers, add the onion and pepper, if using, and immediately turn the heat down to low. Season with a pinch of salt and add the chili powder, cumin, and cayenne. Cook, stirring every so often, until the vegetables are softened, 5 to 7 minutes. Add the tomato paste and garlic and cook for another minute.
Add ground beef and cook, breaking up the meat with a spoon until no longer pink, 5 to 7 minutes. Stir in the stock and beans, scraping up any browned bits, and bring to a simmer. Reduce heat to gentle simmer, cover, and cook for about 20 minutes.
Uncover, add the crushed tomatoes or tomato sauce, and cook, stirring occasionally, until the chili has thickened, about 20 minutes. Taste. If it needs a little bite, add the vinegar. If it needs a little sweetness, add the sugar. If it needs more salt, add a big pinch and cook for 5 minutes more.