Easy Classic Chili
A hearty and flavorful chili filled with ground beef, beans, and spices, perfect for family dinners or gatherings.
Ingredients
Cooking Base
- 1 tbsp olive oil For sautéing the vegetables
- 1 large yellow onion, diced
- 1 large green bell pepper, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef Can be substituted with ground turkey or chicken
- 1 15 oz can kidney beans, drained Canned beans are recommended for convenience
- 1 15 oz can pinto beans, drained
- 1 28 oz can crushed tomatoes
- 1 6 oz can tomato paste
- 2 cups beef broth
Spices
- 2 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp cayenne pepper (optional) Adjust spice level according to preference
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 leaf bay leaf Remove before serving
Instructions
Cooking Steps
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion, bell pepper, and minced garlic. Sauté until the vegetables are soft and fragrant.
- Add the ground beef to the pot and cook until browned. Drain any excess fat.
- Stir in the kidney beans, pinto beans, crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, and beef broth. Mix well to combine.
- Season the chili with chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, black pepper, and the bay leaf. Stir everything together.
- Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and let it cook for 30 to 45 minutes. Stir occasionally, allowing the flavors to meld and the chili to thicken.
- Before serving, taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Remove the bay leaf and serve hot, garnished with your favorite toppings.
Notes
Chili can be stored in the fridge for up to 4 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months. Let sit for a day in the refrigerator to enhance flavors. Adjust spice levels as desired.