Classic Beef Chili
A warm bowl of Classic Beef Chili packed with rich flavors, tender beef, and a medley of spices, perfect for cozy nights or gatherings.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound ground beef (80/20)
- 1 bell pepper diced (any color)
- 2 cans kidney beans, drained and rinsed (15 ounces each)
- 1 can crushed tomatoes (28 ounces)
- 3 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 tablespoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup beef broth (or water for a lighter version)
Optional Toppings
- shredded cheese
- sour cream
- chopped green onions
- jalapeños
Instructions
Preparation
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the diced onion and sauté for about 3 to 4 minutes, until translucent.
- Add the minced garlic to the pot and cook for an additional 1 minute, stirring continuously to prevent burning.
- Increase the heat to medium-high and add the ground beef. Cook it while breaking it apart with a wooden spoon until it’s browned and no longer pink, about 5 to 7 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Stir in the bell pepper and cook for another 3 minutes until it begins to soften.
- Add the kidney beans, crushed tomatoes, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper to the beef mixture. Stir until everything is combined.
Simmering
- Pour in the beef broth, stir again, and increase the heat to bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for 30 to 40 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- After simmering, taste the chili and adjust the seasoning if necessary. If you prefer a thicker chili, continue simmering uncovered until it reaches your desired consistency.
Serving
- Ladle the chili into bowls and top with your choice of cheese, sour cream, green onions, or jalapeños. Enjoy every warm, hearty bite!
Notes
Choose quality beef for the best flavor. Let the chili rest after cooking to enhance the flavors. Adjust spice to taste. This chili freezes well for later use.