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Hearty Classic Beef Chili

hearty classic beef chili recipe - featured image

A comforting and flavorful beef chili recipe perfect for chilly evenings, featuring tender beef, bold spices, and a rich tomato base. Easy to make and ideal for cozy winter nights.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound ground chuck beef
  • ¼ pound lean sirloin beef (optional)
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, preferably fire-roasted
  • 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 cup beef broth, low sodium
  • 2 tablespoons chili powder
  • 1 tablespoon cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • ½ cup dark beer (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare Ingredients (10 minutes): Finely chop the onion and mince the garlic. Drain and rinse the kidney beans under cold water.
  2. Brown the Beef (8-10 minutes): Heat olive oil over medium-high in your pot. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with your spoon. Drain excess fat if needed.
  3. Sauté Aromatics (5 minutes): Add chopped onion to the beef and cook until translucent and fragrant. Toss in garlic and sauté for another minute.
  4. Add Spices (2 minutes): Sprinkle in chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir well to coat the beef and onions.
  5. Pour Liquids and Tomatoes (5 minutes): Stir in tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, and beef broth. If using, add the dark beer. Bring to a gentle boil.
  6. Simmer (30-40 minutes): Reduce heat to low and let chili simmer uncovered, stirring occasionally.
  7. Add Beans and Final Seasoning (5 minutes): Stir in rinsed kidney beans and cook for another 5 minutes. Adjust seasoning as needed.
  8. Serve: Ladle into bowls and garnish with toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, or chopped green onions.

Notes

If chili is too thick during simmering, add a splash of broth or water. If too thin, simmer longer uncovered. Browning beef properly and toasting spices enhances flavor. Add beans near the end to keep their shape. Leftovers taste better after a day.

Nutrition

Keywords: beef chili, classic chili, hearty chili, comfort food, winter recipe, easy chili, homemade chili