There’s something so comforting about a warm, hearty bowl of chili, and our Sweet Tomatoes Chili recipe takes that comfort to the next level. Inspired by the beloved flavors of Sweet Tomatoes restaurants, this dish is a perfect balance of savory spices and a touch of sweetness that makes it truly unforgettable. It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s just as satisfying for weeknight dinners as it is for game-day gatherings.
Sweet Tomatoes Chili Recipe
This Sweet Tomatoes Chili recipe combines hearty ingredients, bold spices, and a touch of sweetness to create a flavorful and fulfilling dish. Follow these straightforward steps to bring this crowd-pleasing chili to your table:
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 pound ground beef or turkey
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes, with juice
- 1 cup sweet tomato sauce
- 1 (15-ounce) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned, drained)
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar, adjust to taste
- 1 cup chicken or vegetable broth
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
- Optional toppings: shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, chopped cilantro, sliced jalapeños
Instructions
- Prepare Aromatics
Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until it turns translucent, about 4-5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and continue to cook for 1 minute, until fragrant.
- Cook the Protein
Add the ground beef or turkey to the pot. Break it up with a wooden spoon and cook until browned, about 6-7 minutes. Season with salt and black pepper.
- Spice it Up
Stir in the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, and cayenne pepper. Cook for an additional 2 minutes to toast the spices, enhancing their flavors.
- Incorporate Tomatoes and Sauce
Add the diced tomatoes (with their juice), sweet tomato sauce, and tomato paste to the pot. Mix everything thoroughly to combine.
- Add Beans and Corn
Stir in the rinsed kidney beans, black beans, and corn. The vibrant mix of colors is as appealing to the eyes as it is to the taste buds.
- Sweeten and Simmer
Sprinkle in the brown sugar and pour in the chicken or vegetable broth. Stir well, ensuring all ingredients are well combined. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and let it simmer for 25-30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Balance the Flavor
Taste the chili and adjust seasoning as needed. Stir in apple cider vinegar for a slight tang that balances the sweetness and spices.
- Serve & Garnish
Ladle the piping hot Sweet Tomatoes Chili into bowls. Top with your favorite garnishes, such as shredded cheddar cheese, a dollop of sour cream, fresh chopped cilantro, or spicy jalapeño slices. Serve with a side of cornbread or tortilla chips for dipping.
Cooking Tips Table
| Tip | Description |
|---|---|
| Sauté Aromatics | Cooking onions and garlic first builds the base flavor for the chili. |
| Toast Spices | Toasting spices enhances their natural oils and intensifies the aroma. |
| Adjust Sweetness | Taste and tweak the brown sugar to achieve your desired sweetness level. |
| Let it Simmer | Slow simmering melds the flavors together for a richer chili experience. |
| Add Fixings Post-Cook | Garnish enhances presentation and flavor balance. |
This Sweet Tomatoes Chili Recipe delivers the perfect balance of savory, sweet, and spicy notes.
Ingredients
This Sweet Tomatoes Chili Recipe calls for a mix of fresh ingredients and pantry staples that balance savory spices with a touch of natural sweetness. Gather these items to craft a hearty and flavorful meal for any occasion.
For The Chili
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 ½ pounds ground beef or turkey (choose your preference)
- 1 teaspoon salt, divided
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
- 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes, with juice
- 1 (15-ounce) can diced tomatoes, with juice
- 1 (15-ounce) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup frozen corn kernels
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar, adjust to taste
- 1 cup chicken or beef broth (use vegetable broth for a vegetarian version)
Optional Toppings
Elevate the chili’s flavor and presentation with these toppings:
- Shredded cheddar cheese
- A dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt
- Sliced fresh jalapeños
- Chopped fresh cilantro
- Crumbled tortilla chips
- A squeeze of lime juice
Directions
Follow these step-by-step instructions to create the perfect Sweet Tomatoes Chili. This hearty and flavorful dish is simple to prepare and will leave your kitchen filled with the irresistible aroma of spices and simmering ingredients.
Prep
- Gather all ingredients. Ensure everything is prepped before starting to cook. Chop 1 medium onion finely and mince 3 garlic cloves.
- Open all canned goods, including 1 can of crushed tomatoes (28 oz), 1 can of diced tomatoes (15 oz), 1 can of kidney beans (15 oz, drained and rinsed), 1 can of black beans (15 oz, drained and rinsed), and 1 can of corn (15 oz, drained).
- Measure out the spices:
- 2 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
- Prepare the ground meat (1 lb of ground beef or turkey). If using frozen meat, ensure it’s fully thawed.
Cook The Chili
- In a large stockpot or Dutch oven, heat 2 tbsp olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onions and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until softened and slightly translucent. Stir frequently to prevent burning.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1 minute until fragrant.
- Crumble the ground meat into the pot. Cook for 6-8 minutes, breaking apart lumps with a wooden spoon. Cook until browned and no pink remains.
- Stir in the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and cayenne. Cook for another 30 seconds to toast the spices and enhance their flavor.
Simmer And Combine Flavors
- Lower the heat to medium-low. Add the crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, kidney beans, black beans, corn, and 1 cup chicken or vegetable broth. Stir well to combine.
- Season with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Adjust per taste as needed.
- Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Place a lid slightly ajar on the pot and let it simmer on low heat for 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- As the chili simmers, the flavors intensify, creating a rich and hearty base. Taste and adjust the sweetness by adding 1 tbsp brown sugar, if needed, to balance the flavors.
- Once thickened and aromatic, remove from heat.
Our Sweet Tomatoes Chili is ready to serve! Garnish with your favorite toppings for a complete meal.
Tools And Equipment
When making our Sweet Tomatoes Chili, having the right tools and equipment will ensure a smooth and enjoyable cooking process. Below, we’ve put together a list of essential items you’ll need for this recipe, so let’s get started!
Essential Tools
- Large Dutch Oven or Stockpot: You’ll need a heavy-bottomed pot with high sides to sauté the ingredients and simmer the chili. A 6-quart size works best.
- Cutting Board: Use a sturdy cutting board for chopping onions, mincing garlic, and preparing other toppings.
- Chef’s Knife: A sharp knife ensures safe and even chopping of the aromatics and garnishes.
- Wooden Spoon or Spatula: To stir the chili while cooking and scrape any browned bits from the pot bottom, enhancing the flavor.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accurate measurements for spices, liquids, and other ingredients ensure the perfect balance of flavors.
- Can Opener: A convenient tool for opening cans of crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, beans, and corn.
- Ladle: For serving generous portions of the chili once it’s thickened and ready to enjoy.
Optional Equipment
- Immersion Blender: If you prefer a smoother chili texture, this tool can lightly blend the mixture without fuss.
- Slow Cooker: Great for adapting this recipe to a “set-and-forget” method.
- Tongs: If you’re handling raw meat, tongs come in handy for tossing or transferring.
Tools Checklist
Here’s a handy table summarizing what you’ll need:
| Tool | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Large Dutch Oven/Stockpot | Cooking and simmering the chili evenly |
| Cutting Board | Prepping onions, garlic, and fresh toppings |
| Chef’s Knife | Chopping and mincing ingredients |
| Wooden Spoon/Spatula | Stirring and deglazing the pot |
| Measuring Cups/Spoons | Ensuring exact ingredient portions |
| Can Opener | Opening canned ingredients easily |
| Ladle | Serving the chili cleanly |
| Optional: Immersion Blender | For a smoother chili, if preferred |
Make-Ahead Instructions
Preparing Sweet Tomatoes Chili in advance is not only convenient but also enhances its rich, bold flavors as the spices and ingredients meld beautifully over time. Here’s how we can efficiently make this hearty dish ahead:
Step-by-Step Make-Ahead Plan
- Cook the Chili Fully:
- Follow the recipe instructions completely, simmering the chili until it thickens to your preferred consistency.
- Let it cool to room temperature after cooking, but ensure it doesn’t sit out for more than 2 hours to maintain food safety.
- Store Properly:
- Transfer the cooled chili into an airtight container or divide it into smaller containers for easier portioning.
- If you’re freezing it, use freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags to prevent freezer burn. Lay bags flat for easy storage.
- Label containers with the date to help track freshness.
- Refrigeration Guidelines:
- In the fridge, the chili remains fresh for up to 4-5 days when stored properly.
- Keep it in the coldest part of the fridge, away from the door where temperature fluctuations occur.
- Freezing Tips:
- For long-term storage, freeze the chili for up to 3 months.
- Thaw overnight in the refrigerator for optimal texture and flavor retention.
Reheating Instructions for Best Results
We suggest reheating the chili carefully to retain its signature taste and texture.
| Reheating Method | Instructions |
|---|---|
| Stovetop | Pour desired portion into a pot and reheat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. |
| Microwave | Use a microwave-safe dish, cover loosely, and heat in 1-minute increments, stirring between intervals. |
| Slow Cooker | If you’ve frozen a larger batch, transfer it from the freezer directly to the slow cooker and reheat on low for 4-6 hours. |
Pro Tips for Make-Ahead Success
- Enhance Freshness: Add fresh toppings like shredded cheddar cheese, fresh cilantro, or a squeeze of lime juice right before serving to brighten up the dish.
- Adjust Consistency: If the chili thickens during storage, stir in a splash of chicken broth or water while reheating to achieve your desired texture.
- Spice Boost: Reheat with a pinch of additional spices like cumin or smoked paprika if needed, to revive the robust flavor profile.
By preparing this sweet and savory chili in advance, we not only save time but also amplify its layers of flavor, making it a perfect make-ahead meal for any busy day.
Serving Suggestions
To truly elevate our Sweet Tomatoes Chili, serving it with the right accompaniments makes all the difference. This hearty dish pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides and toppings, ensuring every bite is flavorful and satisfying. Here, we share some creative and practical ways to serve this crowd-pleaser:
Toppings for Maximum Flavor
Enhance the chili’s taste and texture by adding vibrant, complementary toppings. Serve each with a spread of options so everyone can customize their bowls. Consider the following:
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Sprinkle generously for a melty, creamy finish.
- Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt: Add a dollop for a tangy contrast to the chili’s warmth.
- Fresh Cilantro: Chop and sprinkle for a refreshing pop of flavor.
- Crumbled Tortilla Chips: Add crunch and a salty edge.
- Sliced Jalapeños: For those who crave extra heat, fresh or pickled jalapeños are a go-to garnish.
- Diced Avocado or Guacamole: Provide creaminess and a boost of richness.
- Lime Wedges: Squeeze fresh juice over the chili to balance the sweetness with a zesty touch.
Sides to Complement the Chili
Pairing the chili with simple yet delicious sides can turn it into a complete feast. Below are some side dish ideas:
- Crusty Bread or Cornbread: Serve warm to soak up the chili’s bold flavors.
- Rice or Quinoa: Offer a soft, neutral base for the chili to shine.
- Salads: A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette balances the heaviness of the dish.
- Roasted Vegetables: Partner with earthy flavors like roasted sweet potatoes or zucchini.
Beverage Pairings
To round out the meal, the perfect drink can heighten the dining experience:
| Beverage Type | Recommendations |
|---|---|
| Beer | Opt for a light lager or a hoppy IPA to complement the chili’s rich, bold flavors. |
| Red Wine | A medium-bodied red like Merlot or Malbec pairs beautifully with the spiced warmth. |
| Non-Alcoholic Drinks | Try iced tea, lemonade, or sparkling water infused with citrus for a refreshing option. |
Fun Ways to Serve
Get creative with your Sweet Tomatoes Chili presentation for casual parties or family gatherings:
- Bread Bowls: Hollow out crusty bread loaves and ladle the chili inside for an edible serving dish.
- Taco Night: Use the chili as a filling for soft or hard-shell tacos with toppings on the side.
- Chili Bar: Set up a make-your-own station with all the toppings, sides, and add-ons for guests.
- Over Baked Potatoes: Spoon the chili over baked potatoes and finish with cheese and onions for a comforting twist.
By offering these serving ideas, we ensure everyone can enjoy the chili in their own unique way while enhancing its layers of savory, sweet, and spiced flavors.
Storage And Reheating Tips
Properly storing and reheating our Sweet Tomatoes Chili ensures you can savor its hearty flavors for days to come. Follow these tips for maintaining its rich texture and depth of flavor:
Storing the Chili
- Cool Completely: Allow the chili to cool to room temperature before transferring it into storage containers. This step prevents condensation and ensures better preservation.
- Use Airtight Containers: Store the chili in airtight containers to keep it fresh and avoid freezer burn. Opt for BPA-free food-grade containers for the best results.
- Refrigeration: If consumed within 3–4 days, store the chili in the refrigerator. Label each container with the storage date for easy tracking.
- Freezing for Longer Storage:
- Portion the chili into single-serving sizes for convenience.
- Transfer it to freezer-safe bags or containers. If using bags, lay them flat for optimal freezer space.
| Storage Method | Temperature | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Refrigeration | 35°F–40°F | Up to 4 days |
| Freezing | 0°F or below | Up to 3 months |
Reheating the Chili
- Thaw Before Reheating (if frozen): Move the container from the freezer to the refrigerator the night before to allow slow and even thawing.
- Stovetop Reheating:
- Pour the chili into a saucepan or Dutch oven.
- Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Add a splash of broth or water if the chili thickened during storage.
- Microwave Reheating:
- Transfer a portion to a microwave-safe bowl.
- Cover with a microwave-safe lid or plate to prevent splatter.
- Heat on high in 1-minute intervals, stirring between intervals until evenly warmed.
- Boost Flavors When Reheating:
- Taste the chili as you reheat it, and consider adding a pinch of freshly toasted spices like chili powder or cumin to revive its bold flavors.
- A sprinkle of fresh toppings, such as shredded cheese or cilantro, adds a freshly prepared touch.
By following these storage and reheating tips, you preserve the perfect balance of the savory, sweet, and spicy flavors that make our Sweet Tomatoes Chili so irresistible.
Conclusion
Sweet Tomatoes Chili is more than just a meal; it’s a comforting experience packed with bold flavors and endless possibilities. Whether you’re whipping it up for a cozy dinner or a lively gathering, this recipe is sure to impress. With its perfect balance of savory, sweet, and spicy notes, it’s a dish that brings everyone to the table.
By following the steps, tips, and serving suggestions, you’ll create a chili that’s as versatile as it is delicious. Don’t forget to customize it with your favorite toppings and sides for a personal touch. Let this hearty recipe become a go-to favorite in your kitchen, offering warmth and flavor in every bite.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes Sweet Tomatoes Chili unique?
Sweet Tomatoes Chili stands out with its perfect blend of savory spices and a subtle touch of sweetness. The combination of hearty ingredients like beans, ground meat, and corn, paired with bold seasonings like chili powder and smoked paprika, creates a distinct flavor profile.
Can I use a different type of meat for the recipe?
Yes, you can customize the recipe by using ground beef, turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based meat alternative to match your dietary preferences.
How do I adjust the sweetness of the chili?
You can adjust the sweetness by adding brown sugar in small amounts. Taste as you go to ensure the flavor remains balanced with the spices.
What toppings work best with Sweet Tomatoes Chili?
Popular toppings include shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, fresh jalapeños, chopped cilantro, crumbled tortilla chips, and a squeeze of lime juice for added flavor and texture.
Can I make Sweet Tomatoes Chili in advance?
Absolutely! Sweet Tomatoes Chili tastes even better the next day. Prepare it ahead of time, store it in the refrigerator or freezer, and reheat before serving.
What side dishes pair well with Sweet Tomatoes Chili?
Crusty bread, rice, cornbread, salads, or roasted vegetables make excellent side dishes to complement the chili.
How do I store leftover Sweet Tomatoes Chili?
Cool the chili completely and store it in airtight containers. Refrigerate for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months for extended storage.
What’s the best way to reheat Sweet Tomatoes Chili?
Reheat the chili on the stovetop over medium heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of broth or water if it becomes too thick.
Can I make this chili vegetarian?
Yes, simply omit the meat and add more beans, vegetables, or a plant-based protein of your choice to make it vegetarian-friendly.
What equipment do I need to make Sweet Tomatoes Chili?
You’ll need a large Dutch oven or stockpot, cutting board, chef’s knife, wooden spoon, measuring cups and spoons, a can opener, and a ladle. Optional tools include an immersion blender or a slow cooker.
Are there alternative serving ideas for this chili?
Yes, you can serve the chili in bread bowls, use it as a topping for baked potatoes, or create a chili bar with various toppings for parties.
Can I make this chili spicier?
To increase the heat, add more chili powder, cayenne pepper, or fresh jalapeños. Adjust gradually to your spice tolerance.
Does this recipe work for slow cookers?
Yes, after sautéing the aromatics and browning the meat, transfer all ingredients to a slow cooker and cook on low for 6–8 hours or high for 4–5 hours.
Can I freeze leftover Sweet Tomatoes Chili?
Yes, Sweet Tomatoes Chili freezes well. Store it in airtight containers, leaving space for expansion, and freeze for up to 3 months.
What beverages pair best with this chili?
Light lagers, medium-bodied red wines like Zinfandel, or refreshing non-alcoholic options like iced tea or sparkling water pair wonderfully with Sweet Tomatoes Chili.