Description
There’s nothing like a bowl of hearty, flavorful Classic Beef Chili to warm your soul and satisfy your hunger. Packed with ground beef, kidney beans, and bold spices, this one-pot wonder is perfect for family dinners, game days, or cozy nights in. Easy to prepare and even easier to love, this chili will quickly become a favorite in your home!
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 medium yellow onions, finely chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, stemmed, seeded, and finely chopped
- ¼ cup chili powder
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt, divided
- 6 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 pounds ground beef (85-90% lean)
- 30 oz can dark red kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 28 oz can diced tomatoes
- 28 oz can tomato puree
Instructions
1. Prep Your Ingredients
Finely chop the onions and red bell pepper, and mince the garlic. Drain and rinse the kidney beans to remove excess sodium.
2. Sauté the Vegetables
Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the onions and red bell pepper, and sauté for 5 minutes or until softened.
3. Add the Spices
Stir in the chili powder, ground cumin, cayenne pepper, and ½ teaspoon of salt. Let the spices cook with the vegetables for 1-2 minutes to release their aroma.
4. Cook the Garlic
Add the minced garlic and stir constantly for 1 minute to prevent burning.
5. Brown the Ground Beef
Increase the heat to medium-high and add the ground beef. Break it up with a wooden spoon or spatula and cook for 7-10 minutes, or until no longer pink. If necessary, drain any excess grease.
6. Add the Tomatoes and Beans
Pour in the diced tomatoes (with their juices), tomato puree, and kidney beans. Stir until all the ingredients are well combined.
7. Simmer the Chili
Bring the chili to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and simmer for 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
8. Adjust the Seasoning
Taste your chili and add the remaining ½ teaspoon of salt if needed. For extra heat, add more cayenne pepper or chili powder to taste.
9. Serve and Enjoy
Ladle the chili into bowls and serve hot. Top with your favorite garnishes like shredded cheese, sour cream, diced avocado, or fresh cilantro.
Notes
- Make It Ahead: Chili tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld. Make it a day in advance for the ultimate flavor boost.
- Freezing Tips: Let the chili cool completely before storing in airtight containers or freezer bags. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
- Spice Level: Adjust the cayenne and chili powder to suit your heat preference. Start small, then add more as needed.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American