Chili is a staple food in many parts of the world, known for its hearty flavor and warming qualities. Rico’s Chiliworks has perfected the art of chili over many years, creating recipes that are loved by chili fans across the country. Their signature chili is made with a special blend of spices and meat that creates an unforgettable flavor.
In this article, we will walk through the process of making Rico’s famous chili at home. We will go over the ingredients you need, steps for preparation, cooking instructions, and tips for getting the perfect flavor. Read on to learn how to recreate Rico’s mouthwatering chiliworks in your own kitchen!
Ingredients Needed
Rico’s chili requires just a handful of ingredients, but the key is finding high quality items and preparing them correctly. Here’s what you’ll need:
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Ground beef | 2 pounds |
| Onion | 1 large onion, diced |
| Garlic | 4 cloves, minced |
| Green bell pepper | 1 pepper, diced |
| Jalapeño | 2 jalapeños, seeds removed and diced |
| Kidney beans | 1 (15 oz) can, drained and rinsed |
| Crushed tomatoes | 1 (28 oz) can |
| Tomato sauce | 1 (8 oz) can |
| Beef broth | 2 cups |
| Chili powder | 3 tablespoons |
| Cumin | 1 tablespoon |
| Smoked paprika | 2 teaspoons |
| Dried oregano | 1 teaspoon |
| Cayenne pepper | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Salt | 1 tablespoon |
| Pepper | 1 teaspoon |
| Cheddar cheese | 1 cup shredded (optional garnish) |
| Sour cream | 1/2 cup (optional garnish) |
| Chopped onion | 2 tablespoons (optional garnish) |
The most important ingredient is the ground beef – be sure to use a high quality beef with an 80/20 lean to fat ratio. This will give you the rich, meaty flavor that makes Rico’s chili so delicious. The spices are also integral for getting the signature taste just right.
Preparation Steps
Before you start cooking, take the time to prepare your ingredients:
– Dice the onion, green pepper, and jalapeños. Mince the garlic.
– Open the cans of beans, crushed tomatoes, and sauce. Rinse and drain the beans.
– Measure out the spices and have them ready to go.
– Shred the cheddar cheese if using as garnish.
Taking a few minutes to prep ahead of time will make the cooking process much smoother.
Cooking Instructions
Once your ingredients are prepped, it’s time to start cooking. Here are the steps:
1. Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook for 5-7 minutes, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks, until no longer pink. Drain excess fat.
2. Return the beef to the pot and add the onions, garlic, green pepper and jalapeños. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened.
3. Stir in the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, cayenne, salt and pepper. Let cook for 1 minute to toast the spices.
4. Add the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, broth and kidney beans. Bring to a boil then reduce to a simmer.
5. Let the chili simmer for 1-2 hours, stirring occasionally, until thickened and the flavors have blended.
6. Adjust seasoning to taste, adding more salt, pepper or spices as desired.
7. Serve hot, garnished with cheddar cheese, sour cream and chopped onions if desired. Enjoy!
The long simmering time allows the flavors to develop fully. Don’t be afraid to let it cook low and slow. This is the secret to Rico’s signature taste.
Tips for Perfect Rico’s Chili
Here are some helpful tips to get Rico’s signature chili flavor and texture:
– Use high quality ingredients. Splurge on meat with good marbling for best flavor.
– Don’t skimp on the spices! Getting the blend right is key.
– Cook the ground beef thoroughly before adding other ingredients. Browning adds lots of flavor.
– Sauté the veggies until softened and fragrant before adding spices.
– Simmer for at least 1 hour, 2 is better. The long cook time allows the flavors to meld.
– Add more broth if the chili gets too thick. It should be saucy but not watery.
– Adjust spices to taste at the end. Add more cumin, chili powder or cayenne if you like heat.
– Garnish with classic toppings like cheese, onions and sour cream. They take it over the top!
– Let leftovers refrigerate overnight for best flavor. The spices continue to deepen.
Follow these tips and your homemade Rico’s chili is sure to impress! The aromatic spices, tender beef, and long simmering time creates a chili that can’t be beat.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to some common questions about making Rico’s Chiliworks at home:
What kind of beef should I use?
Choose a good quality ground beef with an 80/20 lean to fat ratio. The fat adds flavor and richness. Avoid super lean beef, as it will make the chili dry.
Can I use turkey or chicken instead of beef?
You can, but the flavor won’t be quite the same. For best results stick with ground beef. Use ground turkey thigh instead of breast meat for more moisture.
Do I need to use all the spices listed?
The blend of spices is carefully balanced, so yes you should use them all for authentic Rico’s flavor. Adjust amounts slightly to suit your taste.
What toppings go best on the chili?
Keep it classic with shredded cheddar, diced onion, and sour cream. Oyster crackers are also delicious. Jalapeños, avocado, lime wedges or cilantro add fresh flavor too.
Can I prepare it in a slow cooker instead?
Yes, just cook on low heat for 4-6 hours. You may need to add extra broth as there is less evaporation. Finish by simmering on stove for 1 hour.
How long does it last in the fridge or freezer?
Properly stored, it will keep for 4-5 days refrigerated or 4-6 months in the freezer. Freezing in individual portions is ideal for quick meals.
Should I add beer or coffee?
The classic recipe doesn’t call for it, but you can experiment by adding a bottle of beer or a shot of espresso to the pot while simmering. This adds interesting flavor dimensions.
Is this recipe spicy?
It has a mild level of heat from the jalapeños and spices. Add more cayenne or chili powder if you like it extra spicy. Start with less and adjust to taste.
Can I use canned beans instead of kidney beans?
Kidney beans work best, as they hold their shape during long cooking. But any canned bean can work in a pinch – pinto, black beans, etc. Just drain and rinse before using.
Conclusion
Rico’s Chiliworks is all about letting the flavors of quality ingredients shine through. Now you can recreate their signature taste at home with this easy recipe. Follow the steps for prep, cooking, and storage. With the right blend of spices and long, slow simmering time, you’ll do Rico’s proud. Adjust recipes as desired to make it your own. Get ready for your best pot of chili yet!