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The Best Chili Recipe

  • Author: Sally Thompson
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Yield: 6-8 servings 1x

Description

A rich, hearty, and flavorful chili made with ground beef, beans, tomatoes, and a blend of bold spices. This easy-to-make dish is perfect for cozy nights, meal prep, or feeding a crowd. Top with cheese, sour cream, or fresh cilantro for a delicious finishing touch.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 2 lbs ground beef
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 1 green bell pepper, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
  • 1 (14 oz) can diced tomatoes
  • 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
  • 1 cup beef broth

Beans & Spices:

  • 1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 3 tbsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
  • 1 tsp oregano
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper

Optional Toppings:

  • Chopped fresh cilantro
  • Shredded cheese
  • Sour cream
  • Sliced jalapeños
  • Diced avocado

Instructions

  1. Sauté the Aromatics: Heat a large pot over medium heat. Add a drizzle of oil, then sauté the diced onion and bell pepper for about 5 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
  2. Brown the Beef: Add the ground beef to the pot, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Cook until fully browned (about 7–8 minutes). Drain excess grease.
  3. Add Tomatoes & Broth: Pour in the crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and beef broth. Stir well to combine.
  4. Season the Chili: Sprinkle in chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Stir to distribute evenly. Let the spices cook for 1 minute.
  5. Add Beans & Simmer: Stir in the kidney beans and black beans. Lower the heat and let the chili simmer for at least 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. For deeper flavor, simmer for an hour.
  6. Adjust & Serve: Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. If the chili is too thick, add a splash of broth. Serve hot with your favorite toppings.