Description
This hearty Beef Chili recipe is a flavorful and comforting dish perfect for any occasion. With a blend of smoky spices, tender ground beef, and a medley of beans simmered to perfection, it delivers rich depth and satisfying warmth. Easy to prepare on the stovetop, it’s a classic favorite that can be customized with optional heat and your choice of delicious toppings.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1 jalapeño, seeded and minced (optional for heat)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Spices & Seasonings
- 2 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Canned Goods
- 1 (28-ounce) can diced tomatoes
- 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
- 1 (15-ounce) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed
Liquids
- 1 cup beef broth
Toppings (Optional)
- Shredded cheese
- Sour cream
- Chopped green onions
- Tortilla chips
Instructions
- Sauté Vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onion, minced garlic, diced bell pepper, and minced jalapeño (if using). Sauté for 4-5 minutes until the vegetables are softened and fragrant.
- Cook Ground Beef: Add the ground beef to the pot and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned and no longer pink. Drain excess fat if necessary to reduce greasiness.
- Add Spices: Stir in chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and pepper. Cook for 1 minute to toast the spices and enhance their flavors.
- Add Tomatoes and Beans: Pour in the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, drained kidney beans, black beans, and beef broth. Stir well to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Simmer the Chili: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover the pot and let the chili simmer gently for 30-40 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and allow flavors to meld.
- Adjust Seasoning and Serve: Taste the chili and adjust seasoning with additional salt or pepper if needed. Serve hot with your favorite toppings such as shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped green onions, or tortilla chips for added texture and flavor.
Notes
- For extra heat, keep the jalapeño seeds or add more cayenne pepper.
- Drain excess fat after browning beef to keep chili less greasy.
- Simmering longer than 40 minutes can deepen the flavor but avoid overcooking to maintain bean texture.
- Use ground turkey or chicken as a leaner alternative to beef.
- Leftover chili can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
