Beef Chili
Hearty ground beef, two kinds of beans, and a deep smoky spice base — the kind of chili that tastes even better the next day.
Ingredients
- 2 tbspolive oil
- 1 largeyellow onion(diced)
- 1 largegreen bell pepper(diced)
- 4 clovesgarlic(minced)
- 2 lbground beef(80/20)
- 2 tbspchili powder
- 1 tbspground cumin
- 1 tspsmoked paprika
- ½ tspcayenne pepper
- 1 tspdried oregano
- 1 tspsalt
- ½ tspblack pepper
- 2 tbsptomato paste
- 1 candiced tomatoes(28 oz, undrained)
- 1 cancrushed tomatoes(15 oz)
- 1 cupbeef broth
- 1 cankidney beans(15 oz, drained and rinsed)
- 1 canblack beans(15 oz, drained and rinsed)
Method
- 01
Heat the 2 tbsp olive oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy pot over medium heat until shimmering.
- 02
Add the diced yellow onion and green bell pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 5–6 minutes until softened and the onion is translucent.
- 03
Add the 4 cloves minced garlic and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly, until fragrant.
- 04
Add the 2 lb ground beef, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Cook for 7–8 minutes until no pink remains, then drain off all but 1 tbsp of fat.
- 05
Push the beef to the sides of the pot. Add the 2 tbsp tomato paste to the center and cook it undisturbed for 2 minutes until it darkens slightly — this caramelization deepens the base.
- 06
Stir in the 2 tbsp chili powder, 1 tbsp cumin, 1 tsp smoked paprika, ½ tsp cayenne, 1 tsp dried oregano, 1 tsp salt, and ½ tsp black pepper. Stir everything together and cook for 1 minute to bloom the spices.
- 07
Pour in the 28 oz can of diced tomatoes, 15 oz can of crushed tomatoes, and 1 cup beef broth. Stir well, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
- 08
Add the drained kidney beans and black beans. Stir to combine.
- 09
Bring the chili to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Simmer uncovered for 40–45 minutes, stirring every 10 minutes, until the chili thickens and the flavors meld.
- 10
Taste and adjust salt, cayenne, or chili powder as needed before serving.
Adapted from public domain & community sources