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Homemade Cauldron Chili with Cheddar Web recipe photo

Cauldron Chili with Cheddar Web

This Cauldron Chili with Cheddar Web is a hearty, flavorful blend of beef, turkey, beans, and spices topped with a gooey melted cheddar crown. Perfect for cozy meals!
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American

Ingredients
  

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 onion diced
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 bell pepper diced
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 pound ground turkey
  • 1 can (15 ounces) kidney beans drained and rinsed
  • 1 can (15 ounces) black beans drained and rinsed
  • 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
  • 2 tablespoons chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • green onions chopped (for garnish)

Equipment

  • Large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven
  • Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
  • Chef’s knife and cutting board
  • Measuring Spoons
  • Can opener
  • Grater

Method
 

  1. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in your pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until translucent, about 4–5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and diced bell pepper, cooking for another 2–3 minutes until softened and fragrant.
  2. Increase the heat to medium-high and add the ground beef and ground turkey to the pot. Break the meat apart with your spoon, stirring frequently until fully browned and no longer pink, about 7–8 minutes. Drain any excess fat if needed.
  3. Stir in the drained kidney beans, black beans, and the entire can of crushed tomatoes. Mix everything together thoroughly.
  4. Sprinkle in 2 tablespoons chili powder, 1 teaspoon cumin, 1 teaspoon paprika, and salt and pepper to taste. Stir well to evenly distribute the spices throughout the chili.
  5. Reduce heat to low and let the chili simmer gently, uncovered, for 30–40 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and allow flavors to meld beautifully.
  6. Once the chili is thickened and richly flavored, sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top. Cover the pot with a lid for 3–5 minutes or until the cheese melts into a gooey web. Optionally, place the pot briefly under a broiler to brown the cheese slightly, watching carefully.
  7. Before serving, sprinkle chopped green onions over the cheesy top for a fresh, vibrant contrast. Ladle the chili into bowls and enjoy the melty cheddar web.

Notes

  • For a vegetarian version, omit meat and add extra beans or vegetables like mushrooms or zucchini.
  • If chili is too watery, simmer uncovered longer to thicken the sauce.
  • Adjust spice levels by adding chili powder gradually and adding sour cream to tone down heat.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
  • Use sharp or extra-sharp cheddar for the best melting and flavor in the cheddar web topping.