Description
A hearty and comforting chili made with ground beef, beans, and vibrant spices. Perfect for cozy dinners and leftovers taste even better the next day.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 pounds ground beef (80 to 85 percent lean)
- 1 large onion, diced
- 1 piece green bell pepper, diced (optional)
- 3 to 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons chili powder (add more later if desired)
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- 1 to 2 teaspoons salt, plus more to taste
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 28-ounce can crushed tomatoes
- 1 15-ounce can diced tomatoes
- 2 15-ounce cans beans, drained and rinsed (kidney and pinto is typical)
- 2 to 3 cups beef broth (start with 2 cups)
- 1 teaspoon sugar or 1 tablespoon maple syrup (optional) (to balance acidity)
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce (optional) (adds depth)
Instructions
Preparation
- Heat a big pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up as you go. Drain excess grease if needed but leave some for flavor.
- Stir in the diced onion and bell pepper. Cook for 4 to 6 minutes until softened. Then add the garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds.
- Sprinkle in the chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir for about 30 seconds to toast the spices.
- Stir in the tomato paste and let it cook for 1 minute, then add the crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, Worcestershire sauce, and 2 cups beef broth. Mix well.
- Bring to a gentle bubble, lower the heat, and partially cover. Simmer for 30 to 45 minutes, stirring occasionally. If it gets too thick, add a splash more broth.
- Stir in the drained beans for the last 15 minutes to prevent them from getting mushy.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt, chili powder, or sugar if needed.
Notes
For thickening, simmer uncovered, mash some beans, or stir in masa harina near the end. This recipe can be made ahead and tastes even better the next day.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Main Course
- Cuisine: American