Description
This classic beef chili recipe is a hearty and flavorful dish perfect for any occasion. Made with ground beef, beans, tomatoes, and a blend of spices, it simmers to a rich, thick consistency, delivering comfort in every bite. Ideal for a family dinner or meal prep, this stovetop chili is both easy to make and satisfying.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Oil
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 pounds ground beef (80/20)
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 large onion, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
Tomatoes and Beans
- 1 (6 oz) can tomato paste
- 1 (15 oz) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (15 oz) can diced tomatoes
- 1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
Liquids
- 1 cup beef broth
Spices and Seasonings
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Prepare the Aromatics: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for about 5 minutes until softened and translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 1 minute until fragrant.
- Brown the Beef: Add the ground beef to the pot. Cook it until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. This should take about 7 to 8 minutes. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
- Add Tomato Paste: Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1 minute. This helps develop a deeper flavor in the chili.
- Add Remaining Ingredients: Pour in the crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, kidney beans, black beans, and beef broth. Stir well to combine.
- Season the Chili: Add chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, dried oregano, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly to evenly distribute spices throughout the mixture.
- Simmer: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let it simmer for 30 to 45 minutes, stirring occasionally. This allows the chili to thicken and flavors to meld together beautifully.
- Adjust and Serve: Taste the chili and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve hot with optional toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, green onions, or avocado for added flavor and texture.
Notes
- This chili tastes even better the next day as the flavors fully develop overnight.
- For a spicier chili, increase the amount of cayenne pepper or add chopped jalapeños.
- To make this chili low-carb, omit the beans and increase the amount of meat or add vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 430
- Sugar: 7 g
- Sodium: 680 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 8 g
- Protein: 32 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg