Ahhh, beef chili—warm, hearty, and full of cozy umami goodness 🌶️🥩🍲
Here’s a classic, no-fuss beef chili that’s rich, thick, and slightly spicy.
🥩 Classic Beef Chili
Ingredients (6 servings)
- 1–1.5 lb ground beef
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2–3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bell pepper, diced (optional but great)
- 2 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- ½ tsp smoked paprika (optional, smoky depth)
- ¼ tsp cayenne (optional, heat)
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans or black beans, drained & rinsed (optional)
- ½ cup beef broth or water
Optional toppings: shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped green onions, cilantro
Instructions
- Cook the beef
- Brown beef in a large pot over medium heat.
- Drain excess fat if needed.
- Sauté aromatics
- Add onion, garlic, and bell pepper. Cook 3–4 minutes until softened.
- Add spices
- Stir in chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, cayenne, salt, and pepper. Toast 30 seconds to bloom flavors.
- Add liquids
- Stir in diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and broth.
- Simmer
- Reduce heat, cover partially, and simmer 20–30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add beans
- Stir in beans and simmer another 10 minutes.
- Adjust seasoning
- Taste and add more salt, pepper, or chili powder as needed.
- Serve hot
- With toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, or chopped green onions.
Pro Tips
- Deeper flavor: Simmer 1–2 hours if time allows
- Extra heat: Add diced jalapeño or a splash of hot sauce
- Thicker chili: Smash some beans or reduce liquid during simmer
If you want, I can give a smoky Texas-style chili version with no beans, extra spices, and chili depth that’ll knock your socks off 🔥.
Do you want me to do that next?
