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A steaming bowl of thick beef chili topped with shredded cheese and green onions

Best Homemade Chili

Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings 6 servings
Calories 485 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 lbs lean ground beef (90/10)
  • 1 large yellow onion, finely diced
  • 1 green bell pepper, diced
  • 4 cloves garlic , minced
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 3 tablespoons chili powder
  • 1 tablespoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
  • 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies
  • 1 can (15 oz) dark red kidney beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 can (15 oz) pinto beans, drained and rinsed
  • 2 cups low -sodium beef broth

Instructions
 

  • Heat a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it into small crumbles with a wooden spoon for approximately 8 minutes. Drain excess fat.
  • Add the diced onion and bell pepper to the beef. Sauté for 5 minutes until the vegetables are translucent and softened.
  • Stir in the minced garlic and tomato paste. Cook for 2 minutes, stirring constantly until the tomato paste turns a deep brick red.
  • Add the chili powder, cumin, paprika, oregano, brown sugar, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Toast the spices for 1 minute until highly aromatic.
  • Pour in the crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes with green chilies, and beef broth. Use a wooden spoon to scrape the bottom of the pot to release any browned bits (deglazing).
  • Stir in the drained kidney beans and pinto beans until fully incorporated.
  • Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover with a lid and simmer for 45 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
  • Remove the lid and simmer uncovered for an additional 15 minutes to allow the chili to thicken to the desired consistency.
  • Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste and serve hot with optional toppings like shredded cheddar, sour cream, and green onions.