Description
A smoky, hearty classic beef chili—rich, cozy, and packed with flavor. Perfect for game days, family dinners, and make-ahead meal prep.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 onion, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 2 cans (15 oz each) kidney beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 2 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 cup beef broth
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Sauté the onion and garlic until softened and fragrant, 2–3 minutes.
- Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up, until no longer pink. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Stir in the bell pepper, chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper; cook 1–2 minutes to bloom the spices.
- Mix in the tomato paste, crushed tomatoes, kidney beans, and beef broth; stir well to combine.
- Bring to a gentle simmer and cook uncovered for 30–40 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thick and flavorful.
- Taste and adjust seasoning. Serve hot, garnished with sour cream, shredded cheese, and fresh cilantro.
Notes
Make ahead—flavors deepen by the next day. Adjust heat with extra chili powder or a pinch of cayenne. Freezer-friendly up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 19g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 10g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
Keywords: classic beef chili, hearty chili, ground beef, kidney beans, crushed tomatoes, comfort food, game day