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The Best Award-Winning Hearty Beef Chili Recipe

Close-up of a white bowl filled with rich, thick chili featuring ground meat and kidney beans, showcasing the best chili recipe.
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This recipe delivers a rich, deep-flavored chili using a layered spice blend and slow simmering, perfect for game day or a cozy winter meal.

Ingredients

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  • 2 lbs ground beef (80/20 recommended)
  • 1 large yellow onion, chopped
  • 1 green bell pepper, chopped
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
  • 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
  • 1 (15 ounce) can kidney beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 (15 ounce) can pinto beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 cup beef broth
  • 3 tablespoons chili powder
  • 1 tablespoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (or more, to taste)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

Instructions

  1. Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy pot over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook, breaking it apart, until browned. Drain off excess fat.
  2. Add chopped onion and bell pepper to the pot with the beef. Cook until softened, about 5 to 7 minutes.
  3. Stir in minced garlic, chili powder, cumin, oregano, smoked paprika, cocoa powder, and cayenne pepper. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  4. Pour in crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and beef broth. Stir well to combine all ingredients.
  5. Bring the mixture to a simmer. Reduce heat to low, cover the pot, and let it cook for at least 1.5 hours, stirring occasionally. For deeper flavor, simmer for up to 3 hours.
  6. Stir in the rinsed and drained kidney beans and pinto beans. Add salt and pepper.
  7. Continue to simmer uncovered for another 30 minutes, allowing the chili to thicken.
  8. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed before serving hot with your favorite toppings.

Notes

  • For a slow cooker method, combine all ingredients (except beans) in the slow cooker insert. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. Add beans during the last hour of cooking.
  • If you prefer a thicker chili, remove the lid for the last 30 minutes of simmering.
  • Serve with shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped cilantro, and cornbread for a complete meal.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://afripaket.com/best-chili-recipe/