Beef
Classic Beef Chili
★★★★½ (4.7)
This is a thick, hearty chili built from browned ground beef, beans, and a well-balanced blend of spices that simmers into something better than any can. It is the kind of one-pot dinner that gets even better as leftovers the next day.
- Deep, layered flavor from toasting the spices before simmering
- One pot, minimal cleanup, and freezes well for later
- Naturally gluten-free and easy to make ahead
- Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large heavy pot or Dutch oven over medium heat, then add the diced onion and bell pepper and cook 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
- Push the vegetables to one side, add the ground beef, and break it apart with a wooden spoon; cook over medium-high heat 6 to 8 minutes, stirring, until no pink remains and it reaches 160F internal temperature.
- Drain off excess grease if there is more than about 2 tablespoons pooling in the pot.
- Stir in 3 tbsp chili powder, 1 tbsp cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, cayenne (if using), and 1.5 tsp salt; cook 1 minute, stirring constantly, until the spices smell toasty.
- Add the diced tomatoes with their juice, tomato paste, beef broth, and kidney beans; stir well to combine everything evenly.
- Bring the chili to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low, partially cover, and simmer for 45 minutes, stirring every 10 minutes so the bottom does not catch and scorch.
- The chili is done when it has thickened noticeably and the surface glistens with a slight sheen of red oil at the edges; if it looks too thin, simmer uncovered for an extra 10 to 15 minutes.
- Taste and adjust salt or chili powder as needed.
- Ladle into bowls and serve hot with your favorite toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, or diced green onion.
Blooming the dry spices in the pot for a full minute before adding liquid wakes up their oils and makes the chili taste noticeably richer than dumping them in with the tomatoes.
If the chili tastes flat after simmering, a splash of vinegar or a squeeze of lime juice at the end brightens all the flavors instantly.
Nutrition (per serving)
430Calories
32gProtein
20gFat
28gCarbs
9gFiber
890mgSodium
Nutrition information is estimated and provided for convenience only.
