Description
This hearty and flavorful Beef Chili is a classic American dish perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings. Made with ground beef, kidney and black beans, tomatoes, and a robust blend of spices, it offers a comforting and protein-packed meal. Topped with shredded cheddar, sour cream, and green onions, this easy stovetop chili is both satisfying and adaptable to your taste preferences.
Ingredients
Scale
Base Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound ground beef
Beans and Tomatoes
- 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (6 oz) tomato paste
Liquids and Spices
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Optional Toppings
- Shredded cheddar cheese
- Sour cream
- Chopped green onions
Instructions
- Heat the Oil and Cook Onion: Warm olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 3–4 minutes until softened and translucent, developing a fragrant base for the chili.
- Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Brown the Ground Beef: Add the ground beef to the pot, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until fully browned and no longer pink, about 6–8 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary to prevent greasiness.
- Add Spices and Tomato Paste: Stir in chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and black pepper. Mix in the tomato paste and cook for 1 minute to deepen the flavors.
- Add Beans, Tomatoes, and Broth: Pour in the diced tomatoes (with juices), kidney beans, black beans, and beef broth. Stir to combine everything evenly.
- Simmer the Chili: Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce heat to low. Cover and cook for 30–40 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chili thickens and flavors meld together.
- Serve: Ladle the chili into bowls and garnish with shredded cheddar cheese, a dollop of sour cream, and chopped green onions if desired. Serve hot.
Notes
- To increase spiciness, add more cayenne pepper or diced jalapeños.
- For a lighter or vegetarian version, substitute ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based meat alternatives.
- Leftover chili tastes even better the next day as flavors continue to deepen.
- Chili freezes well, making it ideal for meal prep and easy reheating.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 7g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
