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- 1 lb ground beef (85% lean) - 1 medium onion, diced - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 bell pepper (red or green), diced - 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed - 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed - 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies - 2 tablespoons tomato paste - 1 cup beef broth - 2 tablespoons chili powder - 1 tablespoon ground cumin - 1 teaspoon paprika - 1 teaspoon oregano - 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste) - Salt and pepper to taste - Shredded cheese - Sour cream - Sliced jalapeños - Chopped cilantro The right mix of ingredients makes this chili great. Ground beef gives it a nice, meaty texture. I like using 85% lean beef for the best flavor and less grease. Fresh vegetables like onion, garlic, and bell pepper add a sweet taste and crunch. The canned beans and tomatoes bring in depth and body. Spices are the secret to a bold flavor. Chili powder gives heat, while cumin adds a warm, earthy taste. Paprika and oregano add layers of flavor, and cayenne pepper can spice things up. Adjust it to fit your taste. Don’t forget the toppings! Shredded cheese melts and adds creaminess. Sour cream cools the heat. Jalapeños give an extra kick, and cilantro adds freshness. These little details make your chili shine. {{ingredient_image_1}} First, heat one tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add one medium onion, diced, and one diced bell pepper. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until they soften. Next, add two minced garlic cloves and cook for one more minute. This step builds the base flavor of your chili. Now, add one pound of ground beef to the pot. Cook it, breaking it apart with a spoon, until it turns brown. This should take about 7-10 minutes. If there’s too much fat, drain what you don’t need. Browning the beef adds richness to the chili. Mix in two tablespoons of tomato paste, along with the spices. Add two tablespoons of chili powder, one tablespoon of cumin, and one teaspoon of paprika. Stir in one teaspoon of oregano and half a teaspoon of cayenne pepper. Season with salt and pepper to taste, then cook for 2-3 minutes. This lets the spices bloom and enhances the flavor. Now, add one can of diced tomatoes, kidney beans, black beans, and one cup of beef broth. Stir well to combine all the ingredients. Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Let it simmer for at least 30 minutes. For richer flavor, let it simmer for up to an hour. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. Add more salt, pepper, or cayenne for extra heat. This step is crucial for developing deep flavors in your chili. For great flavor and texture, use ground beef with 15% fat. This mix gives a juicy taste. If you want, you can also use ground turkey or chicken. These lean options work well, too. To boost the taste, add a dash of smoked paprika or a sprinkle of cayenne. These spices can wake up your chili. Simmering for at least 30 minutes is key. The longer it simmers, the richer the flavor. Serve your chili with cornbread or tortilla chips for crunch. You can also add toppings like cheese, sour cream, or sliced jalapeños. Fresh cilantro adds a nice touch, too. It's all about what you love! Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh vegetables and spices can significantly enhance the flavor of your chili, making it more vibrant and aromatic. Adjust the Heat: If you prefer a spicier chili, consider adding fresh diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce to the mix for an extra kick. Let It Rest: For even better flavor, allow your chili to rest for a few hours or overnight in the fridge. Reheat before serving to let the flavors meld together. Experiment with Toppings: Don't be afraid to get creative with toppings! Avocado, lime wedges, or even crushed tortilla chips can add unique textures and flavors. {{image_2}} You can switch up the meat in your chili. Ground turkey or chicken works well. These options are leaner but still tasty. If you want a vegetarian version, try using lentils or chickpeas. These will add protein and fiber without meat. Want your chili mild or hot? You can easily change the spice level. For mild chili, use less cayenne pepper. Start with just a pinch and taste as you go. If you like heat, add more cayenne or even some diced jalapeños. Adjust until it’s just right for you. To make a meat-free chili, replace the ground beef with a mix of beans. Use kidney beans, black beans, and some lentils for texture. You can also add more veggies, like zucchini or corn. This will give your chili great flavor and substance without the meat. To store your chili, let it cool down first. This helps keep it fresh. Use a clean, airtight container. Pour the chili into the container, leaving some space at the top. This allows for expansion when the chili freezes. Seal the container tightly. Place it in the fridge. Your chili stays good for up to four days. Always reheat only what you plan to eat. Freezing your chili is simple and keeps it tasty. Start by letting it cool completely. Use freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags. If using bags, squeeze out the air before sealing. Label the bags with the date. You can freeze chili for up to three months. When you're ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Reheat it in a pot over low heat. Stir occasionally until hot. You can also use the microwave for quick reheating. For the best flavor, eat your refrigerated chili within four days. If frozen, try to use it within three months. After this time, the taste may fade. Always check for off smells or changes in color before eating. Enjoy your chili while it's fresh for the best experience! To thicken your chili, try these simple tips: - Add more beans: Use extra kidney or black beans. - Mash some beans: Take a few beans and mash them with a fork. - Use cornmeal: Stir in a tablespoon of cornmeal. - Simmer longer: Let it cook uncovered to reduce liquid. These methods help you reach your desired thickness. Always taste and adjust as you go. Yes, you can make chili in advance. Here are some benefits: - Better flavor: Chili tastes even better the next day. - Easy meal prep: Prepare it ahead for busy days. - Convenient storage: You can refrigerate or freeze it. Making chili in advance saves time and keeps your week stress-free. Chili pairs well with many sides. Here are some great options: - Cornbread: Soft and sweet, it’s a classic choice. - Rice: Serve it over steamed white or brown rice. - Tortilla chips: Crunchy chips add texture and fun. - Salad: A fresh side salad balances the meal. These sides enhance your chili experience and make it more enjoyable. This blog post covered how to make a great chili. We started with key ingredients like ground beef and vegetables. Then, we shared simple steps for cooking and flavoring. Tips helped enhance your dish, while variations offered options for different tastes. Finally, we addressed storage and answered common questions. Chili is flexible and fun. You can always adjust it to fit your tastes. Now, it’s time to cook and enjoy your delicious creation!

Ultimate Spicy Beef Chili

A hearty and flavorful chili packed with spices and beans, perfect for a cozy meal.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb ground beef (85% lean)
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 bell pepper diced (red or green)
  • 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 2 tablespoons chili powder
  • 1 tablespoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon oregano
  • 0.5 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • 1 cup beef broth
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • optional toppings: shredded cheese, sour cream, sliced jalapeños, chopped cilantro

Instructions
 

  • In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onions and bell pepper, sauté for 5-7 minutes until softened.
  • Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
  • Add the ground beef to the pot. Cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned (about 7-10 minutes). Drain excess fat if necessary.
  • Mix in the tomato paste, chili powder, cumin, paprika, oregano, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine and cook for 2-3 minutes to let the spices bloom.
  • Add the diced tomatoes, kidney beans, black beans, and beef broth to the pot. Bring the mixture to a boil then reduce to a simmer.
  • Cover and let simmer for at least 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. For richer flavor, let it simmer for up to an hour.
  • Taste and adjust seasoning if needed, adding more salt, pepper, or cayenne for heat.
  • Serve hot with your choice of toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, jalapeños, and cilantro.

Notes

Adjust the cayenne pepper to your heat preference.
Keyword beef, chili, comfort food, spicy