Hearty Beef Chili

Name: Hearty Beef Chili
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients: 2 lbs ground beef; 1 large onion, chopped; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 bell pepper, chopped; 2 tbsp chili powder; 1 tsp cumin; 1 tsp paprika; 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper; 2 (14 oz) cans diced tomatoes; 1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed; 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed; 1 cup beef broth; Salt and pepper to taste; 2 tbsp olive oil

🕒 Prep: 15 min

🔥 Cook: 1 hour

🍽 Serves: 6

★★★★★

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There's something undeniably comforting about a big pot of chili simmering away on the stove. This Hearty Beef Chili is packed with flavor and warmth, perfect for those cozy nights or a game day gathering. With its robust spices and tender beef, it's bound to become a family favorite.

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Ingredients for Hearty Beef Chili

Ground beef: The heart of the chili, providing a rich, meaty base. Choose a quality beef for the best flavor.

Onion and garlic: These aromatics add depth and a subtle sweetness to the chili, forming the base of the flavor profile.

Bell pepper: Adds a touch of sweetness and a pop of color, enhancing both the flavor and visual appeal.

Chili powder, cumin, paprika, and cayenne pepper: These spices are the backbone of the chili, bringing warmth and complexity to the dish.

Diced tomatoes: Provide a tangy base and help create the sauce. Canned tomatoes work perfectly here.

Kidney beans and black beans: These add texture, protein, and heartiness. Make sure to drain and rinse them well.

Beef broth: This liquid gold ties everything together, enhancing the rich, beefy flavor.

Olive oil: Used to sauté the onions and garlic, adding a subtle richness.

Tips & Tricks

If you like your chili spicier, feel free to add more cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce.
For a thicker chili, let it simmer a little longer until it reduces to your preferred consistency.
Use fresh garlic and onions for the best flavor — it makes a noticeable difference.

Serving Suggestions

This chili is fantastic served with warm, crusty bread or over a bed of fluffy rice. Top with shredded cheese, a dollop of sour cream, or some chopped green onions for added flair. A side of cornbread also pairs beautifully.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this chili in advance?: Absolutely! In fact, it often tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop in the fridge.
Can I use a different type of meat?: Sure thing. Ground turkey or chicken can work well as lighter alternatives.

Hearty Beef Chili Recipe Walkthrough

Start by heating up the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once it’s nice and hot, toss in the onions and garlic. Sauté them until they’re translucent and their aroma fills the kitchen — it should only take a few minutes.

Add the ground beef to the pot next. Break it apart with a spoon as it cooks, ensuring it browns evenly. Once browned, carefully drain any excess fat; you don’t want your chili too greasy.

Stir in the chopped bell pepper, along with the chili powder, cumin, paprika, and cayenne pepper. Let these cook for about two minutes to release their full flavor.

Now, it’s time for the diced tomatoes, kidney beans, black beans, and beef broth. Stir everything together until well combined.

Bring the pot to a simmer, reducing the heat to low. Let it cook for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. This gives the flavors time to meld together beautifully.

Finally, season with salt and pepper to taste, and serve it up hot. Enjoy!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Quick and easy to prepare — perfect for busy weeknights.
Rich in flavor with a perfect balance of spices.
Fills the house with an incredible aroma.
Customizable with your favorite toppings and add-ins.

Ingredients

2 lbs ground beef

1 large onion, chopped

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 bell pepper, chopped

2 tbsp chili powder

1 tsp cumin

1 tsp paprika

1/2 tsp cayenne pepper

2 (14 oz) cans diced tomatoes

1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed

1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed

1 cup beef broth

Salt and pepper to taste

2 tbsp olive oil

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onions and garlic; sauté until translucent.

2. Add ground beef to the pot and cook until browned. Drain excess fat.

3. Stir in bell pepper, chili powder, cumin, paprika, and cayenne pepper. Cook for 2 minutes.

4. Add diced tomatoes, kidney beans, black beans, and beef broth. Stir well to combine.