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The Best Classic Hearty Beef Chili Recipe

Close-up of a rich, hearty bowl of chili recipe featuring ground meat and kidney beans in a thick red sauce.
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This is a classic, hearty ground beef chili recipe that is easy to make and perfect for family dinners or game day gatherings. It delivers bold, comforting flavor in one pot.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1.5 pounds ground beef (80/20 recommended)
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 (15 ounce) can kidney beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 (15 ounce) can pinto beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes, undrained
  • 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
  • 1 cup beef broth
  • 3 tablespoons chili powder
  • 1 tablespoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon sugar (secret ingredient for balance)

Instructions

  1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
  2. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess grease.
  3. Add the chopped onion to the pot and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
  4. Stir in the minced garlic, chili powder, cumin, oregano, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, and sugar. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  5. Pour in the crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, beef broth, rinsed kidney beans, and pinto beans. Stir everything together well.
  6. Bring the chili to a simmer. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot partially, and let it simmer for at least 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, to allow the flavors to blend. For deeper flavor, simmer for 1 hour.
  7. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed before serving.

Notes

  • For a richer flavor, substitute 1/2 pound of the ground beef with ground pork.
  • If you prefer a thicker chili, remove the lid for the last 15 minutes of simmering.
  • This recipe is excellent made ahead of time; the flavor deepens overnight in the refrigerator.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://cookingbycarla.com/best-classic-hearty-chili-recipe/