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Ultimate Beef Chili

Ultimate Beef Chili

  • Author: Nina Johnson
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45 minutes
  • Total Time: 55 minutes
  • Yield: 68 servings 1x
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American

Description

This Ultimate Beef Chili is a bold, comforting one-pot classic that brings together perfectly seasoned ground beef, tender beans, and rich tomato flavor. Whether it’s game night, a weeknight dinner, or meal prep for the week, this chili delivers cozy satisfaction in every bite.


Ingredients

Scale

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 large onion, diced

4 cloves garlic, minced

2 pounds ground beef (80/20 preferred)

3 tablespoons chili powder

2 teaspoons ground cumin

1 teaspoon paprika

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1 teaspoon salt

½ teaspoon black pepper

2 tablespoons tomato paste

2 cans (14.5 oz each) diced tomatoes, undrained

1 ½ cups beef broth

2 cans (15 oz each) kidney beans, drained and rinsed

Optional toppings: shredded cheddar cheese, chopped green onions, sour cream, jalapeños, cilantro


Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium heat. Add diced onion and sauté for 5 minutes until soft and golden.

2. Add minced garlic and cook for another 1 minute until fragrant.

3. Add ground beef. Cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon, about 7–10 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.

4. Sprinkle in chili powder, cumin, paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir and let toast for 1 minute.

5. Stir in tomato paste, then add diced tomatoes with their juices. Simmer for 2–3 minutes.

6. Add beef broth and kidney beans. Stir to combine. Bring to a low boil.

7. Reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 30–45 minutes, stirring occasionally.

8. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Add a dash of hot sauce for extra heat.

9. Serve hot with your choice of toppings and sides like rice, bread, or baked potatoes.


Notes

Simmering the chili uncovered allows it to naturally thicken and deepen in flavor.

If using lean ground beef, add a splash of oil when browning to retain moisture.

This chili freezes beautifully—store in freezer-safe bags for easy reheating later.


Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 bowl
  • Calories: 420
  • Sugar: 6g
  • Sodium: 680mg
  • Fat: 20g
  • Saturated Fat: 7g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 28g
  • Fiber: 8g
  • Protein: 32g
  • Cholesterol: 75mg

Keywords: beef chili, hearty chili, one pot meal