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The Best Chili Recipe

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This hearty and flavorful chili is made with ground beef, beans, spices, and tomatoes for a classic comfort food dish that’s perfect for cold nights, game days, or meal prep. Thick, meaty, and versatile, it’s a go-to recipe that’s even better the next day.

  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Yield: 6–8 servings

Ingredients

  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1.5 lbs ground beef (or mix of beef and pork)
  • 1 onion, diced
  • 1 bell pepper, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
  • 1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 (15 oz) can black beans or pinto beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 cup beef broth
  • 2 tbsp chili powder
  • 1 tbsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Sauté onion and bell pepper until softened, about 5 minutes.
  2. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute more. Stir in ground beef, breaking it apart as it browns. Season with salt and pepper.
  3. Once browned, stir in tomato paste, chili powder, cumin, paprika, oregano, and cayenne. Cook for 1–2 minutes to bloom the spices.
  4. Add crushed tomatoes, beef broth, kidney beans, and black beans. Stir to combine.
  5. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat and cook uncovered for 30–45 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened and flavorful.
  6. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve hot with toppings like cheese, sour cream, green onions, or tortilla chips.

Notes

  • Add corn, jalapeños, or zucchini for extra texture.
  • Use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
  • Fire-roasted tomatoes or a splash of liquid smoke add a smoky depth.
  • Skip beans for a Texas-style chili.
  • This chili is great served over rice, cornbread, baked potatoes, or pasta.
  • Author: liinaa
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1.5 cups
  • Calories: 390
  • Sugar: 6g
  • Sodium: 610mg
  • Fat: 20g
  • Saturated Fat: 7g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 28g
  • Fiber: 8g
  • Protein: 28g
  • Cholesterol: 75mg