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Hearty Ultimate Chili with Beans and Beef

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A rich and comforting chili featuring ground beef, kidney and black beans, simmered with smoky spices for a cozy meal perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound (450g) ground beef (85% lean)
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 3 large garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 medium red bell pepper, diced
  • 1 can (15 oz/425g) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 can (15 oz/425g) black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 can (28 oz/800g) crushed tomatoes
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 cup (240ml) beef broth (low sodium preferred)
  • 2 tablespoons chili powder
  • 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon chipotle powder (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Optional toppings: shredded cheddar, sour cream, chopped green onions, fresh cilantro

Instructions

  1. Dice 1 medium onion and 1 red bell pepper, and mince 3 garlic cloves. Open and drain 2 cans of beans, rinsing them under cold water. Measure out your spices and liquids for easy access.
  2. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add 1 pound ground beef, breaking it apart with a spoon. Cook until browned and no pink remains, about 6-8 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
  3. Add diced onion, bell pepper, and minced garlic to the browned beef. Cook for about 5 minutes until softened and fragrant.
  4. Stir in 2 tablespoons chili powder, 1 tablespoon smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon cumin, 1/2 teaspoon chipotle powder (if using), and 1 teaspoon dried oregano. Mix well to coat the beef and veggies evenly.
  5. Add 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes and 2 tablespoons tomato paste. Mix until combined and the tomato paste is well distributed.
  6. Pour in 1 cup beef broth, then fold in the rinsed kidney and black beans. Stir gently to combine without mashing the beans.
  7. Bring the chili to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover partially and simmer for 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of broth or water if it gets too thick.
  8. Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed. Optionally add cayenne or fresh jalapeño for more heat.
  9. Ladle chili into bowls and garnish with shredded cheddar, sour cream, chopped green onions, or fresh cilantro.

Notes

Never rush browning the beef to seal in flavor. Drain excess fat but leave a little for richness. Bloom spices in hot oil for best flavor. Simmer low and slow for best results. Rinse canned beans to reduce sodium and canned taste. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and help thicken evenly.

Nutrition

Keywords: chili, beef chili, chili with beans, hearty chili, easy chili recipe, cozy meals, ground beef chili, smoky chili

Find it online: https://wigglebite.com/hearty-ultimate-chili-with-beans-and-beef-easy-recipe-for-cozy-meals/