There’s something about a hearty bowl of chili that feels like a warm hug on a cold day. Our Brooks Chili Beans recipe is a classic comfort food that’s as flavorful as it is satisfying. Packed with rich spices, tender beans, and a hint of smoky heat, it’s the kind of dish that brings everyone to the table.
Brooks Chili Beans Recipe
Prepare to dive into the comforting world of Brooks Chili Beans, a perfect harmony of spice and heartiness. Let’s gather our ingredients and get cooking!
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound ground beef or turkey
- 1 can (15 oz) Brooks Chili Beans, undrained
- 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes, with juice
- 1 cup beef or chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Optional toppings: shredded cheese, sour cream, fresh cilantro
Instructions:
1. Sauté the Aromatics
Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large stockpot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the diced onion, chopped bell pepper, and minced garlic. Sauté for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the veggies are soft and the onion turns translucent.
2. Cook the Ground Meat
Add the ground beef or turkey to the pot. Break it apart with a wooden spoon and cook until browned, about 6-8 minutes. Drain any excess fat if needed.
3. Build the Flavor Base
Stir in the tomato paste, mixing it evenly into the meat and veggies. Sprinkle in the chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, and oregano. Cook for about 1-2 minutes, allowing the spices to toast and release their aroma.
4. Combine the Main Ingredients
Pour in the undrained Brooks Chili Beans, diced tomatoes with their juice, and the broth. Stir well to combine all ingredients.
5. Simmer the Chili
Reduce the heat to low and let the chili simmer uncovered for about 30-40 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and allow the flavors to meld together. Add salt and black pepper to taste.
6. Serve and Garnish
Ladle the chili into bowls and top with your favorite garnishes. Try shredded cheese, sour cream, or freshly chopped cilantro for added flavor.
Cooking Tips:
- For a spicier kick, toss in ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper or diced jalapeños.
- If you prefer a thicker consistency, let the chili simmer a bit longer or mash some of the beans.
- Use Brooks Hot Chili Beans for an added heat boost.
Cooking Time Table:
| Step | Time Required |
|---|---|
| Sauté aromatics | 5 minutes |
| Cook ground meat | 6-8 minutes |
| Toast spices | 1-2 minutes |
| Simmer chili | 30-40 minutes |
| Total Time | 45-55 minutes |
Warm up your kitchen and your table with this aromatic Brooks Chili Beans Recipe, inviting everyone to gather for a hearty bowl of delicious chili.
Ingredients
Crafting a flavorful Brooks Chili Beans Recipe starts with assembling the right ingredients. We’ve divided them into main components, spices, and optional add-ins to ensure clarity and simplicity. Let’s gather everything we need for this hearty delight!
Main Ingredients
These ingredients form the base of our chili, bringing together rich flavors and textures.
- 2 tbsp olive oil (for sautéing)
- 1 lb ground beef or ground turkey (for a lighter option)
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 (28 oz) can Brooks Chili Beans (medium or hot, as preferred)
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes (with juices)
- 1 cup beef or chicken broth (adjust for preferred consistency)
Spices And Seasonings
Elevate flavor with this bold mix of spices and aromatics:
- 1 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp salt (or to taste)
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 1 pinch cayenne pepper (optional for extra heat)
Optional Add-ins
Our recipe is versatile! Add these extras to tailor it to your taste or dietary preferences:
- 1 cup frozen or canned corn (drained if canned)
- 1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, rinsed and drained
- ½ cup diced bell peppers (any color)
- 1 tbsp hot sauce (for a spicier kick)
- 2 tbsp tomato paste (for a thicker consistency)
Pro Tip: If you prefer your chili with a smoky depth, consider adding a teaspoon of chipotle chili powder or smoked bacon bits.
Tools And Equipment
To achieve the perfect Brooks Chili Beans dish, having the right tools and equipment is essential. Here’s a list of what we recommend for efficient preparation and cooking:
Essential Tools
- Large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot: Ensure even cooking and excellent heat distribution.
- Wooden spoon or silicone spatula: For stirring ingredients without scratching your cookware.
- Cutting board: For finely dicing onions, garlic, and any optional vegetables.
- Sharp chef’s knife: A sharp, reliable knife ensures precise, safe chopping.
- Can opener: Essential for opening cans of Brooks Chili Beans and diced tomatoes.
- Measuring spoons and cups: For accurately measuring spices, broth, and other ingredients.
Optional Tools (Enhance Efficiency)
- Garlic press: Makes mincing garlic quick and uniform.
- Ladle: Ideal for serving your warm chili with ease.
- Immersion blender: If you like a smoother consistency, blend a small portion of the chili directly in the pot.
Equipment Table
| Tool/Equipment | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Large Dutch oven/pot | Cooking the chili evenly and maintaining heat. |
| Wooden spoon/spatula | Stirring ingredients safely. |
| Cutting board | Prepping vegetables and aromatics. |
| Chef’s knife | Precise chopping for preparation. |
| Can opener | Opening canned beans and tomatoes. |
| Measuring tools | Ensuring accurate ingredient proportions. |
| Garlic press (optional) | Speedier garlic prep. |
| Ladle (optional) | Serving chili portions easily. |
| Immersion blender (optional) | Achieving smoother textures if desired. |
By preparing these tools and equipment beforehand, we simplify the cooking process and ensure that our recipe turns out perfectly every time.
Directions
Let’s dive straight into cooking this hearty Brooks Chili Beans Recipe. Follow these simple steps to achieve a perfect balance of bold flavors and a comforting texture.
Prep Work
Before we start cooking, it’s essential to prepare the ingredients and tools to streamline the process:
- Chop the aromatics: Dice 1 medium onion and mince 3 cloves of garlic finely.
- Open your cans: Have your cans of Brooks Chili Beans (15 oz) and diced tomatoes (14 oz) ready with a can opener. Drain and rinse any additional beans you plan to include, like kidney beans.
- Measure spices: Pre-measure 2 tablespoons chili powder, 1 teaspoon ground cumin, and 1 teaspoon smoked paprika for easy use during cooking.
- Prepare broth: Use 2 cups of beef or chicken broth (or water) as required.
Pro Tip: For quicker prep, use a garlic press for mincing and a food-safe spatula for easily transporting chopped aromatics.
Cooking The Chili
Now we’ll start building the rich and smoky layers of flavor:
- Heat the pot: In a large Dutch oven, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat until shimmering.
- Cook the meat: Add 1 pound of ground beef or turkey, breaking it into crumbles with a wooden spoon. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned. Drain any excess fat if needed.
- Sauté aromatics: Push the meat to one side and sauté the diced onions for 4-5 minutes until soft and translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds, until fragrant.
- Add spices: Sprinkle the chili powder, ground cumin, and smoked paprika over the meat and vegetables. Stir well to toast the spices for 1-2 minutes, releasing their aroma.
- Deglaze: Pour in ½ cup broth to deglaze the pot, scraping the bottom to loosen any browned bits.
Simmering And Final Touch
This is where the magic happens—letting the chili simmer creates incredible depth of flavor:
- Combine ingredients: Stir in the cans of Brooks Chili Beans, diced tomatoes, and any other beans or vegetables you’ve prepped. Pour in the remaining 1½ cups of broth.
- Simmer gently: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and let it simmer for 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Adjust seasoning: Taste and season with salt and pepper if needed. For extra heat, add a dash of hot sauce or a pinch of chipotle chili powder.
- Optional customizations: Add corn, bell peppers, or even smoked bacon bits during the last 10 minutes of simmering. These additions provide extra layers of texture and flavor.
Note: For a thicker chili, mix 1 tablespoon of tomato paste or cornmeal with water, and stir into the pot during the last 10 minutes of cooking.
Make-Ahead And Storage Tips
When preparing Brooks Chili Beans, planning ahead ensures an efficient cooking process and maximizes the dish’s convenience. Whether you want to enjoy it later in the week or store leftovers, follow these Make-Ahead And Storage Tips for the best results.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Prepare Ingredients in Advance: Chop the onion and garlic, measure spices, and portion out any optional add-ins (like corn or bell peppers). Store these components in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 2 days.
- Cook the Base Components Ahead: Cook the ground beef or turkey, sauté the aromatics, and blend in the spices. Let the mixture cool completely and store it in an airtight container in the fridge. This can save time on the cooking day.
- Batch Cooking for the Week: Double the recipe while cooking to have leftovers that can be eaten throughout the week or frozen for future meals.
Storage Tips
To keep your Brooks Chili Beans fresh and flavorful, it’s essential to store them properly. Follow these steps:
- Refrigeration: Let the chili cool to room temperature. Transfer it into an airtight container and refrigerate. It will stay fresh for up to 4 days.
- Freezing for Long-Term Storage: For extended storage, place the cooled chili in freezer-safe bags or containers. Label them with the date for easy tracking. Brooks Chili Beans can be frozen for up to 3 months without compromising taste or texture.
- Portion for Convenience: When freezing, divide the chili into single or family-sized portions. This makes reheating easy and prevents defrosting more than necessary.
Reheating Instructions
- Stovetop: Transfer the chili to a pot and warm over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until hot.
- Microwave: Reheat individual portions in a microwave-safe bowl. Cover loosely and heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring between, until warmed through.
Pro Tips for Best Storage Results
- Add a splash of broth or water when reheating to restore the desired consistency, as chili might thicken in the fridge or freezer.
- Store toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, or chopped green onions separately and add them fresh when serving.
- Use a vacuum sealer for freezing to maintain peak freshness and protect against freezer burn.
| Storage Method | Duration | Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Refrigeration | Up to 4 days | Use an airtight container; let chili cool first. |
| Freezing | Up to 3 months | Portion into bags or containers; label with date. |
| Reheating (Stovetop) | Until heated through (approx. 10-15 mins) | Stir to avoid sticking; add liquid if needed. |
| Reheating (Microwave) | 1-2 minutes per portion | Heat in intervals; stir for even heating. |
Serving Suggestions
Brooks Chili Beans is a versatile dish that shines with a variety of serving options, making it perfect for any mealtime or gathering. To elevate the experience, here are some ideas and pairings that complement the bold, smoky flavors of the chili:
Classic Toppings
Transform a simple bowl of chili with an array of delicious toppings:
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Melts beautifully over the steaming chili.
- Sour Cream: Adds a creamy, tangy balance to the robust flavors.
- Chopped Green Onions: Offers a fresh, mild onion crunch.
- Sliced Jalapeños: A spicy kick for those who love heat.
- Crumbled Tortilla Chips: Adds crunch and texture.
For a special touch, sprinkle some fresh cilantro leaves or a few drops of lime juice for an extra pop of flavor.
Perfect Pairings
Pairing your chili with the right sides makes it a hearty meal everyone will enjoy. Consider these favorites:
| Serving Option | Details |
|---|---|
| Cornbread | A sweet, crumbly classic that’s perfect for dipping into the chili. Try it warm with a drizzle of honey on the side. |
| Rice or Quinoa | Serve the chili over fluffy rice or nutty quinoa to create a filling, balanced dish. |
| Baked Potatoes | Spoon the chili over baked potatoes for a comforting, customizable meal. |
| Nachos | Load tortilla chips with chili, melted cheese, and toppings like olives and guacamole to create a shareable, loaded nacho platter. |
| Crusty Bread or Rolls | Use hearty bread or rolls for scooping up every last bit of the chili. |
Unique Serving Ideas
Make it your own! Customize the chili experience based on your gathering or occasion:
- Chili Bar: Set up a chili bar for parties where guests can personalize their bowls with various toppings and sides.
- Chili Dogs: Ladle the chili over hot dogs and top with cheese and onions for a crowd-pleasing favorite.
- Stuffed Bell Peppers: Use the chili as a filling for roasted bell peppers, then bake until bubbly and golden.
- Taco Filling: Spoon the chili into taco shells or wrap it in tortillas with shredded lettuce for a fun twist.
- Breakfast Boost: Serve chili over scrambled eggs or with a side of hash browns for a hearty breakfast or brunch option.
Beverage Pairings
The rich and spicy flavors of Brooks Chili Beans call for the right drinks to balance the heat:
- Beer: A crisp lager, pale ale, or amber ale pairs wonderfully with the smoky spices.
- Red Wine: Bold reds like Zinfandel or Syrah complement the depth of the chili.
- Iced Tea: Refresh with unsweetened or lightly sweetened iced tea.
- Lemonade: A tangy, sweet classic to contrast the chili’s richness.
Experiment with these pairings and let Brooks Chili Beans become the centerpiece of your next meal.
Conclusion
Brooks Chili Beans bring comfort, flavor, and versatility to the table, making them a must-try for any home cook. With simple ingredients, customizable options, and straightforward preparation, this recipe fits seamlessly into busy schedules while delivering bold, satisfying results. Whether you’re cooking for family, hosting a gathering, or meal prepping for the week, this chili is a reliable go-to dish.
Pair it with your favorite sides and toppings or enjoy it on its own—either way, it’s bound to become a staple in your recipe collection. Let the rich, hearty flavors of Brooks Chili Beans warm your kitchen and bring everyone together.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Brooks Chili Beans?
Brooks Chili Beans are tender beans simmered in a tangy and flavorful chili sauce, making them a convenient and versatile ingredient for chili recipes or other hearty dishes.
Can I make Brooks Chili Beans with ground turkey instead of ground beef?
Yes, you can substitute ground turkey for ground beef in the recipe. The flavor will remain delicious, and it’s a great option if you want a leaner or healthier meal.
How long does it take to cook the chili?
The total cooking time is approximately 45-55 minutes, including time for preparation, sautéing the aromatics, cooking the meat, and simmering the chili to enhance the flavors.
What are the essential ingredients for Brooks Chili Beans?
Key ingredients include olive oil, ground beef or turkey, onion, garlic, Brooks Chili Beans, diced tomatoes, broth, and a mix of spices like chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika.
Can I customize Brooks Chili Beans?
Absolutely! You can add ingredients like corn, kidney beans, bell peppers, hot sauce, or tomato paste. For smoky flavor, try chipotle chili powder or smoked bacon bits.
What tools do I need to make Brooks Chili Beans?
You’ll need a large Dutch oven, wooden spoon, cutting board, sharp chef’s knife, can opener, and measuring tools to prepare and cook the dish efficiently.
How should I store leftover chili?
Refrigerate leftover chili in an airtight container for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze it in labeled, portioned containers for up to 3 months.
How do I reheat Brooks Chili Beans?
Reheat on the stovetop over low-medium heat, stirring occasionally. For quicker reheating, microwave in a microwave-safe bowl, covered, in 30-second intervals until hot.
What are the best toppings for Brooks Chili Beans?
Popular toppings include shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, chopped green onions, and fresh cilantro. You can also customize with jalapeños, avocado, or crushed tortilla chips.
What can I serve with Brooks Chili Beans?
Brooks Chili Beans pair perfectly with cornbread, rice, baked potatoes, or tortilla chips. You can also use it as a topping for hot dogs or create a chili bar for guests.
Can I make Brooks Chili Beans ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the base components ahead or cook the chili in batches. It tastes even better the next day as the flavors develop further.
Are Brooks Chili Beans spicy?
Brooks Chili Beans are mildly spicy, but you can adjust the heat level by adding more chili powder, cayenne pepper, or hot sauce to suit your taste preferences.