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Classic Beef Chili Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 65 reviews

Classic Beef Chili is a comforting and hearty dish featuring browned ground beef simmered with tomatoes, beans, and a blend of aromatic spices. Perfect for a cozy meal, this chili is garnished with cheddar cheese, sour cream, and fresh green onions, served alongside crunchy tortilla chips for added texture and flavor.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 1 large onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 pound (450g) ground beef
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
  • 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
  • 1 cup beef broth or water
  • 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed

Spices

  • 2 tablespoons chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

For Garnish (Optional)

  • Shredded cheddar cheese
  • Sour cream
  • Chopped green onions or scallions
  • Tortilla chips or strips

Instructions

  1. Sauté Onions and Garlic: Warm the vegetable oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. Then add the minced garlic and stir for another minute until fragrant.
  2. Brown the Ground Beef: Add the ground beef to the pot. Use a wooden spoon to break it up and cook until it’s browned and no longer pink, about 7 to 8 minutes. If there’s too much fat, drain some off before proceeding.
  3. Add Spices and Mix: Sprinkle in the chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and black pepper. Stir everything well and cook for 1 to 2 minutes to toast the spices, which helps bring out their flavors.
  4. Add Tomatoes, Sauce, and Broth: Pour in the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, and beef broth. Stir everything together to blend the ingredients evenly.
  5. Simmer the Chili: Bring the chili up to a gentle simmer. Lower the heat to maintain a low simmer, partially cover the pot with a lid, and let it cook for at least 30 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and to help flavors meld.
  6. Add Beans and Finish Cooking: About 10 minutes before you’re ready to serve, stir in the drained and rinsed kidney beans. Let them heat through in the chili.
  7. Taste and Adjust Seasoning: Give your chili a quick taste and add salt or pepper if needed to suit your preference.
  8. Serve and Garnish: Spoon the chili into bowls and top with shredded cheddar cheese, a dollop of sour cream, and chopped green onions. Add crunchy tortilla chips on the side for extra fun and texture.

Notes

  • For a spicier chili, increase the cayenne pepper or add chopped jalapeños.
  • You can substitute kidney beans with black beans or pinto beans if preferred.
  • To make this chili gluten-free, ensure your beef broth and tomato products are certified gluten-free.
  • Leftover chili tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to meld.
  • Serve with cornbread, rice, or over baked potatoes for a full meal.

Keywords: Beef chili, classic chili recipe, ground beef chili, hearty chili, easy chili recipe, stovetop chili, chili with beans

Find it online: https://yumwithmia.com/classic-beef-chili-recipe/