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Savory Ground Beef and Bean Chili Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 55 reviews

A hearty and flavorful savory chili featuring ground beef, beans, and a rich blend of spices. Perfect for cozy nights, this easy recipe combines aromatic vegetables, smoky seasonings, and tender beans simmered to perfection in a classic one-pot comfort dish.

Ingredients

Scale

Base Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (or vegetable oil)
  • 1 large yellow onion, diced (about 1 cup)
  • 1 green bell pepper, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 1/2 pounds ground beef (85% lean)

Spices & Seasonings

  • 2 tablespoons chili powder
  • 1 tablespoon ground cumin
  • 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon salt (plus more to taste)
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon cocoa powder

Tomato & Broth

  • 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
  • 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes, with juices
  • 1 cup beef broth (or chicken broth or water)
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste

Beans

  • 1 (15-ounce) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed

Optional Toppings

  • Shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese
  • Sour cream or Greek yogurt
  • Chopped green onions
  • Fresh cilantro
  • Crushed tortilla chips
  • Cornbread
  • Hot sauce

Instructions

  1. Prepare Vegetables: Dice the onion and green bell pepper. Mince the garlic finely and set aside.
  2. Brown the Ground Beef: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and crumbly, about 8 to 10 minutes. Spoon off excess fat if needed for a leaner chili.
  3. Sauté Vegetables: Add diced onion and bell pepper to the browned beef. Cook for 4 to 5 minutes until the onion is soft and translucent. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute to release aroma.
  4. Add Spices: Stir in chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, cayenne (if using), salt, black pepper, and cocoa powder. Cook and stir for about 1 minute to toast the spices and intensify their flavors.
  5. Add Liquids and Tomato Base: Pour in crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes with their juices, beef broth, and tomato paste. Stir well, making sure to scrape the bottom of the pot to incorporate any browned bits.
  6. Add Beans: Add drained and rinsed kidney beans and black beans to the pot. Stir to evenly distribute all ingredients.
  7. Simmer Chili: Bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium heat, then reduce heat to low. Partially cover the pot and let it simmer for 30 to 40 minutes, stirring every 10 minutes. Adjust thickness by adding more broth or simmering uncovered to reduce.
  8. Adjust Seasoning: Taste the chili and add more salt, pepper, or cayenne for heat if desired. Optionally, add a teaspoon of sugar or a squeeze of lime juice to balance acidity.
  9. Serve: Ladle the hot chili into bowls and serve with your choice of optional toppings such as shredded cheese, sour cream, green onions, cilantro, tortilla chips, cornbread, or hot sauce.

Notes

  • You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for beef for a leaner chili.
  • For a vegetarian version, omit beef and add extra beans or vegetables.
  • Letting the chili simmer longer deepens the flavors; it can also be made ahead and reheated.
  • Add a pinch of cinnamon or a splash of coffee for a unique depth of flavor.
  • Serve with cornbread or over steamed rice for a complete meal.

Keywords: chili recipe, ground beef chili, easy chili, bean chili, cozy meals, one pot chili, savory chili

Find it online: https://foodbylina.com/savory-ground-beef-and-bean-chili-recipe/