Chili

A rich, hearty chili made with ground beef, beans, tomatoes, and warm spices. Easy, comforting, and perfect for weeknight dinners or game day.

This chili is a bold, comforting one-pot dish with tender ground beef, beans, tomatoes, and a balanced blend of spices. It is easy to make, deeply flavorful, and ideal for serving with cornbread, rice, or your favorite toppings. Perfect for cozy dinners, meal prep, or feeding a crowd.

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 1 green bell pepper, diced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 pound ground beef
• 2 tablespoons chili powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper, optional
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes
• 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1 can (15 ounces) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 teaspoon brown sugar, optional
• 1 tablespoon lime juice, optional

Instructions

1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Add the onion and bell pepper, then cook for 5 minutes until softened.
3. Stir in the garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
4. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and no longer pink. Drain excess fat if needed.
5. Stir in the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, cayenne, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 1 minute to bloom the spices.
6. Add the tomato paste and stir until the meat and vegetables are well coated.
7. Pour in the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and beef broth. Stir to combine.
8. Add the kidney beans, black beans, and brown sugar if using.
9. Bring the chili to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low and cook uncovered for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
10. Stir in the lime juice if using. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
11. Serve hot with your favorite toppings.