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An overhead view of a large pot of homemade chili simmering on the stove, surrounded by ingredients like tomatoes, onions, and spices.

Beef Chili Recipe (The BEST Hearty Classic)

This is the BEST beef chili recipe you'll ever try! A rich, hearty, and flavorful classic made with ground beef, beans, and a perfect blend of spices. Easy to make on the stovetop or in a crockpot.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 450
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 tablespoon Olive Oil
  • 2 pounds Ground Beef 85/15 recommended
  • 1 large Yellow Onion chopped
  • 4 cloves Garlic minced
  • 2 tablespoons Tomato Paste
  • 1/4 cup Chili Powder
  • 2 tablespoons Ground Cumin
  • 1 tablespoon Smoked Paprika
  • 1 teaspoon Dried Oregano
  • 1 teaspoon Kosher Salt more to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon Black Pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon Cayenne Pepper optional, for heat
  • 1.5 cups Beef Broth
  • 1 (28 ounce) can Crushed Tomatoes
  • 1 (15 ounce) can Tomato Sauce
  • 2 (15 ounce) cans Dark Red Kidney Beans rinsed and drained
  • 1 (15 ounce) can Black Beans rinsed and drained
  • 1 tablespoon Brown Sugar packed
  • 1 teaspoon Unsweetened Cocoa Powder

Equipment

  • 1 Large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot
  • 1 Wooden Spoon

Instructions
 

  1. In a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon. Do not drain.
  2. Add the chopped onion to the pot with the beef and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
  3. Add the tomato paste, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Stir constantly for 1-2 minutes to bloom the spices.
  4. Pour in the beef broth to deglaze the pot, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, rinsed and drained kidney beans, rinsed and drained black beans, brown sugar, and cocoa powder.
  5. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for at least 1 hour, or up to 2 hours for deeper flavor, stirring occasionally.
  6. Taste and adjust seasonings if necessary. Serve hot with your favorite toppings.

Notes

Make it Ahead: Chili tastes even better the next day! Store it in the fridge and reheat gently on the stove.
Toppings: Serve with shredded cheese, sour cream, cilantro, and chopped onions.
Spice Level: Adjust the cayenne pepper to your preferred level of heat.
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