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The Ultimate Hearty Beef Chili: A Comfort-Food Favorite

Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 6
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Mexican
Calories: 400

Ingredients
  

  • For the Chili:
  • 1 lb 450g ground beef
  • 1 medium onion diced
  • 1 green bell pepper diced
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 can 14 oz crushed tomatoes
  • 1 can 14 oz diced tomatoes
  • 1 can 15 oz kidney beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 can 15 oz black beans or pinto beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 ½ cups beef broth
  • 2 tbsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • ½ tsp dried oregano
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • ½ –1 tsp salt to taste
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • Optional Add-Ins:
  • 1 tsp cayenne pepper for heat
  • 1 tbsp brown sugar for sweetness
  • Corn kernels
  • Jalapeños

Method
 

  1. Brown the Beef
  2. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it into small pieces with a spoon. Drain excess fat if necessary.
  3. Sauté the Vegetables
  4. Add the diced onion, green pepper, and garlic to the pot. Cook for 4–5 minutes until the vegetables become soft and fragrant.
  5. Add the Spices
  6. Stir in chili powder, cumin, paprika, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Toasting the spices for just 30 seconds helps release deeper, warmer flavors.
  7. Add Tomatoes, Beans, and Broth
  8. Pour in the crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, drained beans, and beef broth. Stir everything together to combine well.
  9. Simmer the Chili
  10. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover partially and simmer for 30–40 minutes, stirring occasionally. The longer it simmers, the richer and thicker it becomes.
  11. Taste and Adjust
  12. Add more salt, spice, or sweetness depending on your taste preferences. Serve hot with your favorite toppings.

Notes

Make it spicy: Add jalapeños, hot sauce, or double the chili powder.
Make it milder: Reduce spices and add extra tomatoes.