Classic Beef Chili Recipe

Classic Beef Chili Recipe

Ingredients:

– **1 tablespoon olive oil**
– **1 large onion, chopped**
– **3 cloves garlic, minced**
– **1 red bell pepper, chopped**
– **1 green bell pepper, chopped**
– **1 pound (450g) ground beef**
– **1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed**
– **1 can (15 oz) black beans or pinto beans, drained and rinsed**
– **1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes**
– **1 can (6 oz) tomato paste**
– **2 cups beef broth**
– **2 tablespoons chili powder**
– **1 teaspoon ground cumin**
– **1 teaspoon smoked paprika**
– **1/2 teaspoon ground oregano**
– **1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)**
– **Salt and pepper to taste**

**For Serving:**
– Shredded cheddar cheese
– Sour cream
– Chopped green onions
– Fresh cilantro
– Tortilla chips or cornbread (optional)

Instructions:

1. **Cook the Vegetables:**
– Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
– Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
– Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant.
– Stir in the chopped red and green bell peppers, cooking until they start to soften, about 3 minutes.

2. **Brown the Beef:**
– Add the ground beef to the pot, breaking it up with a spoon.
– Cook until the beef is browned all over and no longer pink, about 8-10 minutes.
– Drain any excess fat if necessary.

3. **Add the Beans and Tomatoes:**
– Stir in the kidney beans, black beans, diced tomatoes, and tomato paste.
– Pour in the beef broth and stir to combine all ingredients.

4. **Season the Chili:**
– Add the chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and pepper.
– Stir well to ensure the spices are evenly distributed.

5. **Simmer the Chili:**
– Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low.
– Cover the pot and let the chili simmer for at least 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. For deeper flavor, you can let it simmer for up to an hour.

6. **Adjust the Seasoning:**
– Taste the chili and adjust the seasoning if needed, adding more salt, pepper, or spices to your liking.

7. **Serve:**
– Ladle the chili into bowls and top with shredded cheddar cheese, a dollop of sour cream, chopped green onions, and fresh cilantro.
– Serve with tortilla chips or cornbread on the side.

Tips:

– For a spicier chili, you can add more cayenne pepper, chopped jalapeños, or a dash of hot sauce.
– This chili can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, or frozen for up to 3 months.

Enjoy your hearty, homemade chili! It’s perfect for a cozy dinner, game day, or a gathering with friends and family.