Classic Chili
Warm up your kitchen with a hearty bowl of Classic Chili, a comforting and flavor-packed dish perfect for any occasion. This recipe strikes the ideal balance of bold spices and rich textures, combining tender ground beef, plump kidney and black beans, and a robust tomato base simmered to perfection. A blend of chili powder, cumin, and paprika infuses each bite with irresistible smoky heat, while fresh aromatics like garlic and onions add depth. Customize your bowl with shredded cheddar, a dollop of sour cream, or fresh cilantro, and pair it with cornbread for a satisfying and timeless meal. Ready in just over an hour, this crowd-pleasing chili is both a weeknight hero and a game-day favorite. Perfect for those craving a classic, hearty chili recipe!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large yellow onion, diced
- 1 medium green bell pepper, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound ground beef (80% lean)
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 28 ounces crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup beef broth
- 15 ounces kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 15 ounces black beans, drained and rinsed
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 0.25 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 piece bay leaf
- to taste shredded cheddar cheese (optional, for serving)
- to taste sour cream (optional, for serving)
- to taste chopped fresh cilantro (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
Add the diced onion and green bell pepper to the pot, cooking until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
Stir in the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Add the ground beef to the pot, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Cook until browned and no longer pink, about 7-10 minutes. Drain any excess fat, if necessary.
Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1-2 minutes to enhance its flavor.
Add the crushed tomatoes, beef broth, kidney beans, and black beans to the pot.
Stir in the chili powder, ground cumin, paprika, dried oregano, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and black pepper.
Add the bay leaf and stir to combine all ingredients thoroughly.
Bring the chili to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot partially with a lid and let it simmer for 45 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Remove the bay leaf and taste for seasoning, adding more salt or spices if needed.
Serve hot in bowls, optionally topped with shredded cheddar cheese, a dollop of sour cream, and a sprinkle of chopped cilantro. Pair with cornbread or crackers for a complete meal.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
437 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 21.8 g | 28% | |
| Saturated Fat | 7.4 g | 37% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 53 mg | 18% | |
| Sodium | 590 mg | 26% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 38.5 g | 14% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 11.6 g | 41% | |
| Total Sugars | 8.3 g | ||
| Protein | 24.1 g | 48% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.1 mcg | 1% | |
| Calcium | 90 mg | 7% | |
| Iron | 5.6 mg | 31% | |
| Potassium | 1128 mg | 24% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
