Willy's Chili
This recipe is so special to my family as it's one I created with my youngest son and hence named after him. Enjoy this awesome and simple chili and cook it with your kids. There are so many things for them to do with you in the kitchen.
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 yellow onion diced
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 2 lbs ground beef
- 1/2 c crushed corn tortilla chips (about 15 restaurant style chips)
- 1 28 oz can whole peeled tomatoes
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 1 tbsp smoked paprika
- 1 tbsp ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
- 1 tbsp ancho chili powder
- 2 c water
- 2 15.5 oz cans kidney beans DO NOT DRAIN, you need the liquid
Instructions
- Heat a large dutch oven or pot with a lid over medium heat. Add in the olive oil and once shimmering and warm add in the onion. Let this cook for about 3-5 minutes or until just beginning to soften. Add in the garlic and stir. Let this cook for a quick 30 seconds. Then add in the ground beef and let it brown.
- While the ground beef is browning crush the chips in a plastic baggie until they are very fine crumbs. Also crush the tomatoes in the juices with your hands or with a potato masher in a medium sized bowl. You want them crushed but still want some nice tomato chunks. (These are two great jobs for kids).
- When the meat is browned add in the salt, paprika, cumin, oregano, cayenne, and ancho chili powder. Give it a good stir. Then add in the chips, tomatoes, water, and beans with their liquid. Stir this all together. Cover with the lid and let this simmer for 20 minutes.
- After twenty minutes remove the lid and allow it to simmer for another 20 minutes.
- Ladle into bowls and top with your favorite chili toppings.