Hearty Beef Chili

This robust beef chili is packed with tender ground beef, hearty beans, and a rich, complex blend of spices for a deeply satisfying and warming meal. Perfect for a chilly evening, it's a classic that never disappoints.

• Prep time: 15 minutes
• Cook time: 34 minutes
• Total time: 49 minutes
• Servings: 4
• Difficulty: Medium
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

• 2 lbs ground beef (80/20 recommended)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 large yellow onions, chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 bell peppers (any color), chopped
• 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
• 1 (15 ounce) can diced tomatoes
• 2 (15 ounce) cans kidney beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 (15 ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
• 4 cups beef broth
• 3 tablespoons chili powder
• 1 tablespoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (or to taste)
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain off excess fat.
2. Add the chopped onions, bell peppers, and garlic to the pot with the beef. Cook until the vegetables are softened, about 5-7 minutes.
3. Stir in the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, and oregano. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
4. Pour in the crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, beef broth, kidney beans, and black beans. Stir everything to combine.
5. Bring the chili to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it cook for at least 1 hour, stirring occasionally. For deeper flavor, simmer for 2-3 hours.
6. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. If the chili is too thick, add a little more beef broth or water.
7. Serve hot with your favorite toppings such as shredded cheese, sour cream, or chopped green onions.

Tips

• Browning the beef well and sautéing the aromatics builds a strong flavor base.
• Simmering the chili for a longer period allows the flavors to meld and deepen.
• Taste and adjust seasonings towards the end of cooking.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this chili vegetarian?

Yes, substitute the ground beef with plant-based crumbles or extra beans and vegetables like mushrooms or zucchini.

How spicy is this chili?

The spice level is moderate due to the chili powder and cayenne. Adjust the cayenne pepper amount to control the heat; omit for a mild chili.

How long does chili last?

Chili keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days and often tastes even better the next day. It also freezes well for up to 3 months.