A rich, hearty, and flavorful chili packed with ground beef, beans, and colorful veggies. This comforting dish is perfect for cozy nights, meal prep, or game day gatherings!
-Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✔️ One-Pot Meal – Easy to make, minimal cleanup.
✔️ Rich & Flavorful – Slow-simmered for deep, bold flavors.
✔️ Customizable – Adjust spice levels and toppings to your taste.
✔️ Great for Meal Prep – Tastes even better the next day!
-Ingredients
For the Chili:
1 tbsp olive oil
1 lb (450g) ground beef
1 onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 bell pepper, diced (red or green)
1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes, with juice
1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
1 cup beef broth (or water)
1 tbsp tomato paste
1 tbsp chili powder ️
1 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp smoked paprika
½ tsp dried oregano
½ tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
¼ tsp cayenne pepper (optional for extra heat) ️
For Toppings (Optional):
Shredded cheddar cheese
Sour cream
Chopped green onions
Sliced jalapeños ️
Tortilla chips or cornbread
-Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Brown the Beef
1. Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven or pot over medium heat.
2. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon.
3. Drain excess fat if needed.
-Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
1. Add diced onion, garlic, and bell pepper to the beef.
2. Cook for 3-4 minutes until the vegetables soften.
-Step 3: Add the Tomatoes & Beans
1. Stir in diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, and beef broth.
2. Add kidney beans and black beans, mixing well.
-Step 4: Season & Simmer
1. Add chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, black pepper, and cayenne (if using).
2. Stir to combine, then bring to a gentle simmer.
3. Reduce heat to low and let the chili simmer for 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally.
-Step 5: Serve & Garnish
1. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
2. Serve hot with your favorite toppings!
-Storage & Reheating
Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
❄️ Freezing: Freeze in individual portions for up to 3 months.
Reheating: Warm on the stovetop over medium heat, or microwave in 30-second intervals.
-Tips for the Best Chili
✔️ Let It Simmer – The longer it cooks, the deeper the flavors develop.
✔️ Use Fresh Spices – High-quality spices make a difference in taste.
✔️ Add Chocolate or Coffee – A small amount (1 tbsp cocoa powder or espresso) enhances the depth of flavors!
✔️ Make It Meatier – Add ground turkey, sausage, or shredded chicken.
-Fun Variations
Sweet Potato Chili – Swap beans for diced sweet potatoes.
Vegetarian Chili – Use lentils or extra beans instead of beef.
Spicy Chili – Add extra jalapeños, chipotle powder, or habanero.
Beer Chili – Replace ½ cup of broth with dark beer for a rich flavor.
-Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Yes! Brown the beef first, then add everything to a slow cooker and cook on LOW for 6-8 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours.
2. How do I thicken chili?
Let it simmer uncovered for 10-15 minutes, or mash some beans to make it thicker.
3. What sides go well with chili?
Serve with cornbread, tortilla chips, rice, or garlic bread.
-Final Thoughts
This Hearty Classic Chili is warm, rich, and loaded with bold flavors—perfect for any occasion! Whether you’re making it for meal prep, family dinner, or a party, it’s guaranteed to be a hit.