Classic Beef Chili Recipe: American Comfort Food (Print Version)
Hearty beef chili recipe packed with rich flavors and tender meat. A classic American comfort food, perfect for game day or a chilly evening.
# Recipe Info:
Prep Time: 20 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 120 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 140 minutes
Servings: 8 Servings
Difficulty: Intermediate
Cuisine: American
# Ingredients:
→ The Hearty Foundation
01 -
2 lbs lean ground beef (90/10)
02 -
1 large yellow onion, diced
03 -
4 cloves garlic, minced
04 -
1 green bell pepper, diced
→ The Rich Tomato Base
05 -
1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
06 -
1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
07 -
1 (6 oz) can tomato paste
08 -
2 cups beef broth
→ The Chili Spice Symphony
09 -
1/4 cup chili powder
10 -
1 tbsp ground cumin
11 -
1 tsp smoked paprika
12 -
1/2 tsp dried oregano
13 -
1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
14 -
Salt and black pepper to taste
→ The Essential Beans
15 -
1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, rinsed and drained
16 -
1 (15 oz) can pinto beans, rinsed and drained
# Instructions:
01 -
In a large pot or Dutch oven, brown 2 lbs lean ground beef (90/10) over medium-high heat, breaking it apart. Drain excess fat. Add 1 large yellow onion, diced, 1 green bell pepper, diced, and 4 cloves garlic, minced. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until softened. This is the hearty start to your Best Beef Chili Recipe: Classic American Comfort Food.
02 -
Stir in 1 (6 oz) can tomato paste and cook for 1 minute. Then, add 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes, 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained, and 2 cups beef broth. Incorporate 1/4 cup chili powder, 1 tbsp ground cumin, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1/2 tsp dried oregano, and 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional).
03 -
Bring the chili to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 90 minutes, stirring occasionally. This long simmer allows the flavors of your Best Beef Chili Recipe: Classic American Comfort Food to meld beautifully, creating a rich, deep taste.
04 -
After 90 minutes, stir in 1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, rinsed and drained, and 1 (15 oz) can pinto beans, rinsed and drained. Continue to simmer, uncovered, for another 30 minutes, allowing the chili to thicken slightly and the beans to absorb the delicious flavors.
05 -
Taste the chili and season generously with salt and black pepper to taste. Adjust any other spices as desired. The total cook time for this Best Beef Chili Recipe: Classic American Comfort Food is 120 minutes, ensuring maximum flavor development.
06 -
Remove the chili from the heat and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before serving. This resting period allows the flavors to settle and deepen even further, making each spoonful incredibly satisfying.
# Notes:
01 -
For an even richer flavor, prepare the chili a day ahead. The flavors deepen significantly overnight in the refrigerator. Reheat gently on the stovetop.
02 -
Feel free to substitute other beans like black beans or cannellini beans for the kidney or pinto beans. You can also add a pinch of cocoa powder for a deeper, more complex flavor profile.
03 -
Serve this classic beef chili with your favorite toppings: shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, chopped green onions, fresh cilantro, or a side of cornbread.
04 -
Leftover chili can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, or frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
# Tools You'll Need:
01 -
Large Dutch oven or stockpot
02 -
Cutting board
03 -
Chef's knife
04 -
Measuring cups and spoons
05 -
Wooden spoon or spatula
06 -
Can opener
# Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):
Calories: 437 kcal
Total Fat: 14 g
Total Carbohydrate: 36 g
Protein: 36 g