Classic Beef Chili – Hearty, Spicy & Comfort Food Perfection!
A rich and spicy beef chili made with lean ground beef, kidney beans, crushed tomatoes, and bold spices. Perfect for cozy meals, this hearty dish simmers to perfection with layers of flavor and a comforting texture.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs ground beef (preferably lean)
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bell pepper, diced (any color)
- 2 cans (15 oz each) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 tablespoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup beef broth (or water)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion, bell pepper, and minced garlic. Sauté until the vegetables are softened, about 5 minutes.
- Add the ground beef to the pot, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Cook until fully browned, about 7-10 minutes.
- Stir in the chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to combine the spices with the meat and vegetables.
- Pour in the crushed tomatoes and beef broth, then add the drained kidney beans. Stir everything together until well combined.
- Bring the chili to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let it simmer for 1 hour, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Once the chili has thickened and the flavors have melded together, taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary.
- Serve hot, garnished with your favorite toppings like cheese, sour cream, or diced green onions.
Notes
For deeper flavor, consider browning the beef in batches to give it a nice sear.
Add a pinch of sugar to balance the acidity of the tomatoes.
Let your chili sit for a while after cooking; it tastes even better the next day!
Experiment with additional spices like cayenne pepper if you prefer extra heat.
Top with fresh cilantro or lime juice for an added burst of flavor.
Add a pinch of sugar to balance the acidity of the tomatoes.
Let your chili sit for a while after cooking; it tastes even better the next day!
Experiment with additional spices like cayenne pepper if you prefer extra heat.
Top with fresh cilantro or lime juice for an added burst of flavor.