Best Ever Beef Chili Recipe
This hearty beef chili is the perfect blend of meaty richness, simmered with vegetables and warming spices. It’s a one-pot wonder that’s easy to prepare and perfect for meal prep, as it freezes beautifully. This recipe makes a generous portion that serves multiple meals and can be customized with various toppings.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 1½ pounds ground beef (80% or 90% lean)
- 4 slices bacon
- 1 green bell pepper
- 1 yellow onion
- 3 garlic cloves
- 28 oz fire-roasted diced tomatoes
- 15 oz red kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 15 oz black beans, drained and rinsed
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 bay leaf
Seasonings:
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 tablespoon cumin
- 2 teaspoons paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
Optional Toppings:
- Grated cheese
- Sour cream
- Avocados
- Red onion
- Cilantro or parsley
Preparation Time
- Total Time: 50-60 minutes
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35-45 minutes
- Servings: 6
Step 1: Prepare the Bacon
Slice four pieces of bacon and add to a large Dutch oven or pot
Heat pot on medium heat and cook bacon until crispy
Step 2: Prepare Vegetables
Dice one green bell pepper, removing seeds and membrane
Dice one yellow onion
Mince three garlic cloves
Step 3: Cook Vegetables
Add diced bell pepper and onion to the pot with bacon
Cook for 4-5 minutes until vegetables soften
Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds
Step 4: Cook Ground Beef
Add ground beef to the pot
Break up meat with spatula and cook for 5-7 minutes until browned
Step 5: Add Seasonings
Add tomato paste and all spices (chili powder, cumin, paprika, oregano, salt)
Toast spices for about one minute
Step 6: Add Remaining Ingredients
Add fire-roasted tomatoes
Add drained and rinsed kidney beans and black beans
Pour in beef broth
Add bay leaf
Step 7: Simmer
Bring to a boil on high heat
Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 30 minutes
Step 8: Finish and Serve
Remove bay leaf before serving
Ladle into bowls
Add optional toppings as desired
