Classic American Beef Chili Recipe (Print Version)
Hearty beef chili recipe packed with rich flavors. This classic American comfort food is perfect for a satisfying meal on a cool evening.
# Recipe Info:
Prep Time: 25 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 75 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 100 minutes
Servings: 8 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: American
# Ingredients:
→ Hearty Foundation
01 -
2 lbs 85/15 ground beef
02 -
1 large yellow onion, diced
03 -
4 cloves garlic, minced
→ Chili's Soulful Spices
04 -
1/4 cup chili powder
05 -
1 tbsp ground cumin
06 -
1 tsp dried oregano
07 -
1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
08 -
1 tsp smoked paprika
09 -
Salt and black pepper to taste
→ Rich & Robust Liquids
10 -
1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
11 -
1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
12 -
1 1/2 cups beef broth
13 -
2 (15 oz) cans kidney beans, drained and rinsed
14 -
1 (15 oz) can pinto beans, drained and rinsed
15 -
1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
# Instructions:
01 -
In a large pot or Dutch oven, brown 2 lbs 85/15 ground beef over medium-high heat, breaking it apart with a spoon. Cook until no pink remains, then drain any excess fat. This forms the hearty foundation for your Best Beef Chili Recipe: Classic American Comfort Food.
02 -
Add 1 large yellow onion, diced, to the pot with the browned beef. Cook for 5-7 minutes until softened. Stir in 4 cloves garlic, minced, and cook for another minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
03 -
Stir in 1/4 cup chili powder, 1 tbsp ground cumin, 1 tsp dried oregano, 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper, and 1 tsp smoked paprika. Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, to toast the spices and release their aromas. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
04 -
Pour in 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes, 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce, and 1 1/2 cups beef broth. Stir well to combine all ingredients. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
05 -
Reduce heat to low, cover the pot, and let the Best Beef Chili Recipe: Classic American Comfort Food simmer for 45 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. This allows the flavors to meld and deepen beautifully.
06 -
Uncover the pot and stir in 2 (15 oz) cans kidney beans, drained and rinsed, and 1 (15 oz) can pinto beans, drained and rinsed. Add 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar for a touch of brightness and depth of flavor.
07 -
Continue to simmer, uncovered, for another 15-20 minutes, allowing the chili to thicken to your desired consistency. Taste and adjust salt and black pepper as needed for your Best Beef Chili Recipe: Classic American Comfort Food. Serve hot.
# Notes:
01 -
For an extra layer of comfort, serve your chili with your favorite toppings like shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, chopped green onions, or a side of cornbread.
02 -
Leftover chili stores wonderfully! Keep it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, or freeze for up to 3 months. Flavors often deepen overnight.
03 -
Feel free to adjust the heat level by increasing or decreasing the cayenne pepper. For a milder chili, omit the cayenne entirely. You can also swap pinto beans for black beans.
04 -
A secret to truly great chili is letting it rest. If you have time, make it a day ahead and gently reheat; the flavors will be even more robust and harmonious.
# Tools You'll Need:
01 -
Large Dutch oven or stockpot
02 -
Cutting board
03 -
Chef's knife
04 -
Measuring cups
05 -
Measuring spoons
06 -
Can opener
07 -
Wooden spoon or spatula
# Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):
Calories: 465 kcal
Total Fat: 21 g
Total Carbohydrate: 33 g
Protein: 41 g