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The Ultimate Award-Winning Beef and Bean Chili Recipe

A steaming white mug filled with rich, hearty chili featuring ground meat and beans, showcasing the best chili recipe.
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This hearty chili recipe combines rich, deep flavor with simple ingredients, making it the best homemade comfort food for game day or cozy winter dinners.

Ingredients

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  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 pounds ground beef (80/20 recommended)
  • 1 large yellow onion, chopped
  • 1 red bell pepper, chopped
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 (15 ounce) can kidney beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 (15 ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
  • 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
  • 1 cup beef broth
  • 1/4 cup chili powder
  • 2 tablespoons ground cumin
  • 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon unsweetened cocoa powder (secret ingredient)
  • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to heat preference)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

  1. Heat the olive oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy pot over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until fully browned. Drain off any excess grease.
  2. Add the chopped onion and red bell pepper to the pot with the beef. Cook until the vegetables soften, about 5 to 7 minutes.
  3. Stir in the minced garlic, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, cocoa powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly, until the spices are fragrant. This step builds deep flavor.
  4. Pour in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and beef broth. Stir well to combine all ingredients.
  5. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot partially and let the chili simmer for at least 1 hour, stirring occasionally. For the best flavor, simmer for 2 to 3 hours.
  6. Stir in the rinsed and drained kidney beans and black beans during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
  7. Taste the chili and adjust salt, pepper, or cayenne as needed before serving. Serve hot with your favorite toppings.

Notes

  • For an even richer, deeper flavor, substitute 1/2 cup of strong brewed coffee for 1/2 cup of the beef broth. Ethan’s dad suggested this trick.
  • If you prefer a thicker chili, remove the lid for the last 30 minutes of simmering to allow excess liquid to evaporate.
  • This chili is excellent for meal prep; the flavor deepens overnight. You can easily adapt this to a slow cooker by browning the meat first, then adding all ingredients to the slow cooker and cooking on low for 6-8 hours.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://tastytipster.com/best-chili-recipe-ultimate-award-winning/