# 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.

_Dinner · American_

Prep: 15 min · Cook: 60 min · Total: 75 min · Yields: 6 servings

## Ingredients

- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large yellow onion (diced)
- 1 large green bell pepper (diced)
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 lb ground beef (80/20)
- 2 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tbsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp cayenne pepper
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 can diced tomatoes (28 oz, undrained)
- 1 can crushed tomatoes (15 oz)
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 can kidney beans (15 oz, drained and rinsed)
- 1 can black beans (15 oz, drained and rinsed)

## Instructions

1. Heat the 2 tbsp olive oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy pot over medium heat until shimmering.
2. Add the diced yellow onion and green bell pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 5–6 minutes until softened and the onion is translucent.
3. Add the 4 cloves minced garlic and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly, until fragrant.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. Stir in the 2 tbsp chili powder, 1 tbsp cumin, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 0.5 tsp cayenne, 1 tsp dried oregano, 1 tsp salt, and 0.5 tsp black pepper. Stir everything together and cook for 1 minute to bloom the spices.
7. 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.
8. Add the drained kidney beans and black beans. Stir to combine.
9. 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.

## Tip

> Blooming the tomato paste directly on the pot's surface before stirring it in builds a layer of caramelized, savory depth that you simply can't get by adding it with the liquids.

Tags: comfort-food, one-pan, weeknight, slow-cook

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Canonical: https://just-recipes.io/recipes/beef-chili