Description

This Ultimate Beef Chili is a bold, cozy, and deeply flavorful dinner idea made with ground beef, beans, tomatoes, and smoky spices simmered into one hearty pot. It is an easy recipe for busy weeknights, game day meals, meal prep, or cold-weather food ideas when you want a satisfying family dinner with rich flavor and simple ingredients.

Ingredients

1 tablespoon olive oil

2 pounds ground beef

1 large yellow onion, diced

1 green bell pepper, diced

4 cloves garlic, minced

3 tablespoons tomato paste

2 tablespoons chili powder

2 teaspoons ground cumin

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper

1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder

1 teaspoon brown sugar

1 1/2 teaspoons salt

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

28 ounces crushed tomatoes

14.5 ounces diced tomatoes

15 ounces kidney beans, drained and rinsed

15 ounces black beans, drained and rinsed

1 cup beef broth

1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro or green onions, for serving

Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy soup pot over medium-high heat.

2. Add ground beef and cook for 6 to 8 minutes, breaking it apart, until browned and no pink remains. Drain excess grease if needed.

3. Add diced onion and green bell pepper. Cook for 4 to 5 minutes until softened.

4. Stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.

5. Add tomato paste, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, cayenne pepper, cocoa powder, brown sugar, salt, and black pepper. Stir and cook for 1 to 2 minutes.

6. Pour in crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, kidney beans, black beans, and beef broth. Stir well and scrape the bottom of the pot.

7. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low.

8. Simmer uncovered for 35 to 45 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thick and flavorful.

9. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, chili powder, or cayenne if desired.

10. Rest for 5 to 10 minutes, then serve with cilantro, green onions, cheese, sour cream, or your favorite chili toppings.

Notes

Brown the beef well before adding the vegetables because those browned bits create a deeper chili flavor.

Simmer uncovered for a thicker chili, or add a splash of broth if you prefer it looser.

Chili tastes even better the next day, so it is great for meal prep and make-ahead dinners.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 55 minutes
Category: Dinner
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 bowl
Calories: 430
Sugar: 9g
Sodium: 980mg
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Unsaturated Fat: 12g
Trans Fat: 1g
Carbohydrates: 32g
Fiber: 10g
Protein: 30g
Cholesterol: 95mg

Keywords: ultimate beef chili, beef chili, easy dinner, dinner ideas, ground beef chili, hearty chili, game day food, meal prep chili, comfort food