Betty Crocker’s Chili Recipe: Hearty Comfort Food

As a pitmaster with a passion for combining traditional techniques with modern twists, I’m excited to share this hearty Betty Crocker‘s Chili recipe that’s perfect for comfort food lovers. This rich, flavorful chili is ideal for family dinners or casual gatherings.

With its simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, you’ll have a delicious, comforting meal on the table in no time. Let’s get started with this classic recipe that promises to become a staple in your household.

Ingredients for Betty Crocker Chili

Simple ingredients make this hearty chili. Comfort food at its best, right from your slow cooker.

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The beef matters here. 80/20 ground beef gives the best flavor—don’t skimp on quality. Most grocery stores have pre-ground beef, or you can ask your butcher to grind it fresh. I usually grab mine from Costco when I’m doing a big batch.

No fire-roasted tomatoes? Regular canned crushed tomatoes work too. For an extra kick, add some diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce. Want it thicker? Let it simmer with the lid off for 30 minutes. The beans can be customized—try pinto beans or cannelini beans for a different twist.

This chili reheats beautifully and gets better with time. Keeps for 4-5 days in the fridge and freezes well for 3 months. I portion mine into containers so lunches are sorted for the week. When reheating, add a splash of broth if it’s too thick.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Betty Crocker’s Chili

Here’s the method to create this hearty, comforting chili that serves 4 people perfectly.

Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef

Start by heating a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the 1.5 lb Ground Beef and cook until browned, breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks. This should take about 5-7 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the beef is fully browned and there’s no pink remaining.

Once browned, drain the excess fat from the pot, leaving about 1 tablespoon behind to keep the chili moist. I like to leave a bit of fat for added flavor, but you can drain more if you prefer a leaner chili.

Step 2: Soften the Onion and Garlic

Reduce the heat to medium and add the 1 whole Onion, diced, to the pot. Cook until the onion becomes translucent and starts to caramelize, stirring occasionally. This process should take about 8-10 minutes. You’ll notice the onion becoming sweeter and developing a deeper flavor as it cooks.

Add the 3 cloves Garlic Cloves, minced, and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can quickly become bitter. Stir constantly during this step to prevent burning.

Step 3: Add Spices and Simmer

Stir in the 2 tbsp Chili Powder, 1 tsp Ground Cumin, and 1 tsp Dried Oregano. Cook for 1-2 minutes until the spices are fragrant, coating the beef and onion mixture evenly. This step is crucial for developing the chili’s signature flavor.

Add the 2 cups Canned Crushed Tomatoes, 1 can Kidney Beans (drained and rinsed), 1 can Black Beans (drained and rinsed), 2 cups Beef Broth, 2 tbsp Tomato Paste, 1 tbsp Brown Sugar, 1 tsp Salt, and 0.5 tsp Black Pepper. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.

Step 4: Simmer to Perfection

Bring the chili to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low and let it cook uncovered for 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally. As it simmers, the flavors will meld together, and the chili will thicken slightly. You’ll know it’s ready when the flavors have deepened, and the chili has reached your desired consistency.

Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed before serving. This chili is perfect for serving hot, garnished with your favorite toppings like chopped onions, shredded cheese, or sour cream.

Dietary Considerations for This betty crocker chili

Making It Gluten-Free

This Betty Crocker‘s Chili recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you use gluten-free beef broth and ensure your chili powder is certified gluten-free. Always check labels on store-bought broths and spice blends.

Dairy-Free Adaptations

The recipe is dairy-free as written, but if you’re serving with toppings, consider dairy-free alternatives like vegan sour cream or cashew-based cheese. For a creamier chili, you can add a splash of coconut milk during the last 10 minutes of simmering.

Low-Carb Modifications

To make this chili more keto-friendly, reduce or eliminate the brown sugar. You can also add more vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms to increase the fiber content while keeping it low in carbs.

Vegetarian/Vegan Options

For a vegetarian version, replace the ground beef with plant-based ground or extra mushrooms. For vegan chili, use textured vegetable protein (TVP) or lentils and ensure all other ingredients are vegan-friendly. Add smoked paprika for that smoky depth typically coming from meat.

Sodium Reduction

To lower sodium, use low-sodium beef broth and limit added salt. You can also rinse canned beans thoroughly to remove excess sodium. Taste and adjust seasoning at the end, as flavors will concentrate during cooking.

Spice Level Adjustments

For a spicier chili, add diced jalapeños or cayenne pepper during cooking. Start with a small amount, like ¼ teaspoon, and adjust to taste. For a milder version, reduce or omit the cayenne pepper if using, and serve hot sauce on the side for those who prefer more heat. 🔥