Hearty American Chili Recipe: Classic Main Course (Print Version)
Classic American chili recipe. Rich, savory, and packed with flavor, this hearty main course is perfect for family dinners or game day gatherings.
# Recipe Info:
Prep Time: 20 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 45 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 65 minutes
Servings: 8 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: American
# Ingredients:
→ The Hearty Foundation
01 -
1 tbsp olive oil
02 -
2 lbs 85/15 lean ground beef
03 -
1 large yellow onion, diced
04 -
1 large green bell pepper, diced
05 -
4 cloves garlic, minced
→ The Chili's Soul & Substance
06 -
1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
07 -
1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
08 -
2 cups beef broth
09 -
1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
10 -
1 (15 oz) can pinto beans, drained and rinsed
→ The Aromatic Spice Symphony
11 -
3 tbsp chili powder
12 -
1 tbsp ground cumin
13 -
1 tsp smoked paprika
14 -
1 tsp dried oregano
15 -
1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
16 -
1 tbsp light brown sugar
17 -
1 tsp salt
18 -
1/2 tsp black pepper
# Instructions:
01 -
Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add 2 lbs 85/15 lean ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until browned, about 6-8 minutes. Drain excess fat, then set the beef aside. This is the hearty foundation for The Best Chili Recipe: Hearty American Main Course.
02 -
In the same pot, add 1 large yellow onion, diced, and 1 large green bell pepper, diced. Cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add 4 cloves garlic, minced, and cook for another minute until fragrant, stirring frequently.
03 -
Stir in 3 tbsp chili powder, 1 tbsp ground cumin, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp dried oregano, 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper, 1 tbsp light brown sugar, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly, to toast the spices and enhance their flavor for The Best Chili Recipe.
04 -
Return the browned beef to the pot. Stir in 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes, 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained, and 2 cups beef broth. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
05 -
Add 1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed, and 1 (15 oz) can pinto beans, drained and rinsed. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for at least 30 minutes, or up to 45 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
06 -
Uncover and continue to simmer for the remaining time, allowing the chili to thicken to your desired consistency. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. For the best The Best Chili Recipe: Hearty American Main Course, let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving hot.
# Notes:
01 -
For an even deeper flavor, prepare your chili a day ahead. The flavors meld and intensify overnight, making it even more delicious when reheated.
02 -
Store leftover chili in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, or freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
03 -
Feel free to customize your beans! Black beans or cannellini beans can be swapped in for kidney or pinto beans. Adjust spice level by increasing or decreasing cayenne pepper.
04 -
Serve this hearty chili with your favorite toppings like shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, chopped green onions, a sprinkle of fresh cilantro, or a side of warm cornbread.
# Tools You'll Need:
01 -
Large Dutch oven or stockpot
02 -
cutting board
03 -
chef's knife
04 -
measuring cups
05 -
measuring spoons
06 -
wooden spoon or spatula
# Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):
Calories: 444 kcal
Total Fat: 21 g
Total Carbohydrate: 27 g
Protein: 34 g