If you're searching for a reliable chili recipe with tomato sauce, you've found the right guide. This version delivers a perfectly balanced flavor profile with the ideal consistency for dipping, topping hot dogs, or serving over rice. The tomato sauce provides a smoother base than diced tomatoes while still contributing essential acidity and depth.
Why Tomato Sauce Works Perfectly in Chili
Tomato sauce serves as an excellent foundation for chili because it dissolves seamlessly into the mixture, creating a uniform texture without chunky tomato pieces. Unlike tomato paste which requires dilution, or diced tomatoes which can make chili watery, tomato sauce offers the ideal balance of liquid content and tomato flavor.
Professional chefs prefer tomato sauce in chili recipes when they want consistent texture throughout the cooking process. The natural sugars in tomato sauce also caramelize beautifully with the spices, enhancing the overall flavor complexity.
Classic Beef Chili Recipe with Tomato Sauce
This straightforward recipe yields 6 generous servings and takes approximately 45 minutes from start to finish. The method follows traditional chili preparation techniques while optimizing for the tomato sauce base.
| Prep Time | Cook Time | Total Time | Servings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15 minutes | 30 minutes | 45 minutes | 6 |
Ingredients You'll Need
- 1 pound ground beef (80% lean)
- 1 large yellow onion, finely diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 (15oz) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (8oz) can tomato sauce
- 1 cup beef broth
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Step-by-Step Preparation
- Brown the meat: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking into small pieces. Drain excess fat.
- Sauté aromatics: Add onions and cook until translucent (about 5 minutes). Stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Bloom spices: Add chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and oregano. Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly to release essential oils.
- Build the base: Stir in tomato sauce, tomato paste, beef broth, kidney beans, and bay leaf. Bring to a gentle simmer.
- Simmer to perfection: Reduce heat to low, cover partially, and simmer for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. The chili should thicken slightly but remain pourable.
- Season and serve: Remove bay leaf. Season with salt and pepper to taste. For best flavor, let rest 10 minutes before serving.
Pro Tips for the Best Chili with Tomato Sauce
Professional chefs recommend these techniques to elevate your chili recipe with tomato sauce:
- Layer your spices: Add half the spices when sautéing the meat and the rest after adding liquids for more complex flavor development
- Acidity balance: If your chili tastes flat, add 1 teaspoon of apple cider vinegar to brighten the flavors
- Texture control: For thicker chili, simmer uncovered for the last 10 minutes. For thinner consistency, add additional broth
- Flavor maturation: Chili always tastes better the next day as flavors continue to meld
Delicious Variations to Try
Once you've mastered the basic chili recipe with tomato sauce, experiment with these popular adaptations:
| Variation | Key Modifications | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Vegetarian Chili | Replace beef with 2 cups cooked lentils and 1 cup mushrooms; use vegetable broth | Meatless Monday dinners |
| White Chicken Chili | Use shredded chicken, white beans, green chilies; replace tomato sauce with 1 cup tomatillo salsa | Lighter meal option |
| Spicy Texas-Style | Omit beans; add 2 diced chipotle peppers in adobo sauce; use 12oz tomato sauce | Authentic chili connoisseurs |
Serving Suggestions That Elevate Your Chili
The right accompaniments transform your chili recipe with tomato sauce from simple to spectacular:
- Classic presentation: Serve in deep bowls with cornbread on the side
- Taco-style: Spoon over crispy taco shells with shredded cheese and lettuce
- Baked potato topping: Ladle over baked russet potatoes for a hearty meal
- Hot dog topper: Use as a flavorful alternative to traditional chili dogs
Top with your favorite garnishes: shredded cheddar, sour cream, diced red onions, fresh cilantro, or a squeeze of lime juice. The acidity from lime works particularly well with the tomato sauce base.
Storage and Reheating Guidelines
Proper storage ensures your chili recipe with tomato sauce maintains quality:
- Refrigeration: Store in airtight container for up to 4 days
- Freezing: Portion into freezer bags (lay flat for space efficiency) for up to 3 months
- Reheating: Warm on stove over medium-low heat, adding small amounts of broth if needed to restore consistency
- Slow cooker option: Transfer to slow cooker after initial preparation and cook on low for 4-6 hours for deeper flavor development
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I substitute tomato sauce with something else in chili?
Yes, you can substitute 1 cup of tomato juice plus 1 tablespoon of cornstarch, or 1 (14.5oz) can of diced tomatoes blended until smooth. However, tomato sauce provides the ideal consistency for chili without requiring additional thickening.
Why does my chili with tomato sauce taste too acidic?
If your chili tastes too acidic, add 1 teaspoon of sugar or 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda to neutralize the acidity. The natural sugars in tomato sauce can sometimes create a sharper flavor profile, especially with certain beef cuts.
How can I make my chili recipe with tomato sauce thicker?
To thicken chili with tomato sauce, simmer uncovered for 10-15 minutes to reduce liquid, mash some beans against the pot side, or create a slurry with 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water.
Is tomato sauce necessary for authentic chili?
Traditional Texas-style chili often omits tomatoes entirely, but most regional variations include some form of tomato product. Tomato sauce creates a smoother texture than diced tomatoes while still providing the characteristic tang that balances the spices in modern chili recipes.
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