Cozy Faith Chili

There’s something about cold weather that makes us crave food that feels like a hug. Not a polite side hug… but a full, blanket-and-socks-and-you-don’t-have-to-talk kind of hug.

Enter: chili. Faithful. Reliable. Always shows up when things get chilly — kind of like God, honestly.

Whether you’ve had a long day, a long week, or a long season (you know the kind), this is the kind of meal that says: sit down, breathe, and let something warm you from the inside out.

“The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in Him, and He helps me.” — Psalm 28:7

And sometimes… He helps us through a really good bowl of chili too. Amen.

Cozy Faith Chili Recipe

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef or ground turkey

• 1 small onion, diced

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed

• 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed

• 1 (15 oz) can diced tomatoes

• 1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce

• 1 cup beef or chicken broth

• 1 tbsp chili powder (more if you like a little kick)

• 1 tsp cumin

• 1 tsp paprika

• ½ tsp oregano

• Salt & pepper to taste

• Optional but encouraged: a tiny pinch of sugar or honey to balance the tomatoes

For Topping (aka the fun part)

• Shredded cheddar or Colby Jack

• Sour cream or Greek yogurt

• Green onions

• Cornbread on the side (because we’re not here to suffer)

Instructions

1. In a large pot, brown your ground meat over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until soft.

2. Stir in garlic and cook about 30 seconds — just until your kitchen smells amazing and everyone starts wandering in asking, “What are you making?”

3. Add in beans, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and broth. Stir it all together like you mean it.

4. Sprinkle in all your spices, salt, pepper, and that tiny bit of sugar if using.

5. Bring to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat and let it cook for at least 25–30 minutes. (Longer = even better flavor, and also gives you time to change into sweatpants.)

6. Taste, adjust seasoning, and serve with all the toppings your heart desires.

A Little Heart Behind the Chili

Here’s the thing about cold seasons — in weather and in life — they tend to make us want to curl up and withdraw.We get tired. We get quiet. We start wondering if anyone else feels the same way.

But God meets us right in the middle of ordinary moments. In warm kitchens. In shared meals. In simple comforts that remind us we are cared for, even when life feels heavy.

“Come to Me, all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” — Matthew 11:28

Sometimes rest looks like deep prayer. Sometimes it looks like a bowl of chili, a warm blanket, and letting yourself just be for a moment.

And that counts too.

Cozy Night Ideas (Because We’re Making This a Whole Vibe)

• Light a candle (Or turn on the candle warmer like I do) while the chili simmers

• Put on soft worship music, your favorite comfort show, or your favorite book.

• Text a friend and invite them over — or drop off a container if they’re having a hard week

• Say a small prayer of thanks before you eat, even if it’s just:“Thank You, Lord, for warmth, provision, and one more day.”

If you make this chili, I hope it warms your body, your home, and maybe even your spirit a little. Cold seasons don’t last forever — and neither do hard ones. But grace? Grace shows up every single day.

XO, Marie