Classic Chili
A hearty and flavorful traditional chili with ground beef, beans, and a rich tomato base seasoned with aromatic spices. Perfect for game days, potlucks, or cozy family dinners.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs ground beef, 85% lean
- 1 onion, diced
- 1 bell pepper, diced (any color)
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 3 tbsp chili powder
- 2 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 cans diced tomatoes (14 oz cans), canned, with juices
- 1 lg can tomato sauce (8/15 oz cans)
- 1 cup beef broth
- 2 cans kidney beans (15 oz cans), canned, drained and rinsed
- 1 tbsp brown sugar, packed
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 4 green onions, sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
Instructions
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1
Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
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2
Add 2 lbs 85% lean ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks, about 7-8 minutes. Ensure the beef reaches an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).
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3
Add 1 diced onion and 1 diced (any color) bell pepper to the pot. Cook until vegetables begin to soften, about 5 minutes.
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4
Add 3 minced garlic cloves and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
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5
Stir in 3 tbsp chili powder, 2 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp dried oregano, 1 tsp paprika, 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Cook for 1 minute to toast the spices.
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6
Add 2 cans canned, with juices diced tomatoes (14 oz cans), 1 lg can tomato sauce (8/15 oz cans), and 1 cup beef broth. Stir to combine.
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7
Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
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8
Add the 2 cans canned, drained and rinsed kidney beans (15 oz cans) and 1 tbsp packed brown sugar. Stir to combine.
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9
Continue to simmer, uncovered, for another 20-30 minutes until the chili has thickened to your desired consistency. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
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10
Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
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11
Serve hot with optional toppings such as 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, 1/2 cup sour cream, 4 sliced green onions, and 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro.