Here’s a classic, hearty beef and bean chili recipe—rich, comforting, and packed with flavor. Perfect for a cozy dinner or batch cooking for the week.
Ingredients (Serves 6–8)
-
1 lb (450 g) ground beef
-
1 medium onion, chopped
-
3 cloves garlic, minced
-
1 bell pepper, chopped (any color)
-
2 (14.5 oz / 410 g) cans diced tomatoes
-
1 (15 oz / 425 g) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
-
1 (15 oz / 425 g) can black beans, drained and rinsed
-
2 tbsp tomato paste
-
1 cup beef broth (or water)
-
2 tsp chili powder
-
1 tsp cumin
-
½ tsp smoked paprika (optional)
-
½ tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
-
Salt and pepper, to taste
-
Optional toppings: shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped green onions, avocado
Instructions
1. Brown the Beef
-
Heat a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
-
Add ground beef, season with salt and pepper, and cook until browned.
-
Remove excess fat if necessary.
2. Sauté Vegetables
-
Add chopped onion, garlic, and bell pepper to the pot.
-
Sauté 3–5 minutes until softened.
3. Build the Chili
-
Stir in tomato paste and cook 1 minute.
-
Add diced tomatoes, beef broth, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and cayenne (if using).
-
Bring to a simmer.
4. Add Beans and Simmer
-
Stir in kidney beans and black beans.
-
Reduce heat to low and cover.
-
Simmer for 30–45 minutes, stirring occasionally, until chili thickens and flavors meld.
5. Adjust Seasoning
-
Taste and adjust salt, pepper, or spices as needed.
-
If chili is too thick, add a splash of water or broth.
6. Serve
-
Ladle into bowls and top with shredded cheese, sour cream, green onions, or avocado if desired.
-
Serve with cornbread or tortilla chips for a complete meal.
Tips for Success
-
Browning the beef and sautéing the veggies first gives the chili a deeper flavor.
-
For extra richness, stir in 1 tbsp cocoa powder or a small square of dark chocolate toward the end.
-
Chili often tastes even better the next day—flavors really meld.
If you want, I can also give a slow-cooker version that’s basically “dump and go” for busy days, and it comes out ultra-tender.