Hearty Beef Chili: A Comforting Bowl for Any Day (Print Version)

Whip up a rich, comforting beef chili recipe that warms you from the inside out. My family's favorite, packed with flavor and easy to make!

# Recipe Info:

Prep Time: 20 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 60 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 80 minutes
Servings: 6-8 Servings
Difficulty: Intermediate
Cuisine: American
Dietary: High Protein, Gluten-Free (use GF broth)

# Ingredients:

→ Main Chili Base

01 - 2 lbs ground beef (80/20 chuck)
02 - 1 large yellow onion, chopped
03 - 1 red bell pepper, chopped
04 - 1 green bell pepper, chopped
05 - 2 (28 oz) cans crushed tomatoes
06 - 1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, rinsed and drained
07 - 1 (15 oz) can black beans, rinsed and drained

→ Flavor Boosters & Spices

08 - 4-5 cloves garlic, minced
09 - 3 tbsp chili powder
10 - 2 tbsp ground cumin
11 - 1 tsp smoked paprika
12 - 1 tsp dried oregano
13 - 1 tsp unsweetened cocoa powder
14 - 2 cups beef broth (low sodium)
15 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

→ Toppings & Garnishes

16 - Shredded cheddar cheese
17 - Sour cream or Greek yogurt
18 - Fresh cilantro, chopped
19 - Green onions, sliced
20 - Corn chips or Fritos

→ Optional Extras (for heat)

21 - 1 jalapeño, finely diced (seeds removed for less heat)
22 - 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper

# Instructions:

01 - First things first, grab your biggest Dutch oven or heavy pot and get it hot over medium-high heat. Add a splash of olive oil, then your ground beef. Break it up with a spoon, really get it browned and crumbly. This step, honestly, is where so much flavor starts for your comforting beef chili recipe. Don't rush it! Once it's nicely browned, drain off any excess fat. I usually just tilt the pot and spoon it out – less mess than a colander, trust me. Remove the beef and set it aside for a moment.
02 - In the same pot, with just a tiny bit of the rendered fat left (or a fresh drizzle of oil), add your chopped onions and bell peppers. Sauté them until they're soft and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. You want them tender, not crispy. This is where your kitchen starts to smell amazing, a real hint of the comforting beef chili recipe to come! I always get a little impatient here, but patience pays off, seriously. If they start to stick, a tiny splash of broth can help.
03 - Now, toss in your minced garlic. Stir it around for about a minute until it's fragrant – don't let it burn, that's a mistake I've made before, and burnt garlic is just sad. Then, add all your chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, and that secret cocoa powder. Stir it constantly for another minute or so, letting those spices toast and release their incredible aromas. This step is crucial for deepening the flavor of your comforting beef chili recipe.
04 - Pour in your crushed tomatoes and beef broth. Give it a good stir, scraping up any delicious browned bits from the bottom of the pot – that's called 'deglazing,' and it adds so much richness. Bring the mixture to a simmer. This is where the liquid magic starts to happen, melding all those flavors into something truly special for your comforting beef chili recipe.
05 - Time to bring the browned beef back to the party! Stir it into the simmering tomato mixture. Then, add your rinsed kidney and black beans. Give everything another good stir to combine. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let this beautiful comforting beef chili recipe simmer gently for at least 45 minutes, or even an hour, stirring occasionally. The longer it simmers, the more the flavors deepen and mingle.
06 - After simmering, taste your chili. This is the fun part! Add salt and black pepper to your liking. You might find you need more, or less, depending on your broth. If it's too thick, add a splash more broth or water; if it's too thin, let it simmer uncovered for a bit longer. Ladle generous portions into bowls and get ready for those delicious toppings! This comforting beef chili recipe is truly a masterpiece once it's done.

# Notes:

01 - Don't rush the browning of the beef; that's where all the flavor starts, honestly.
02 - This comforting beef chili recipe tastes even better the next day, so make extra!
03 - If you're out of beef broth, chicken broth works, but I once used water and it was... fine, but not great.
04 - Serve this rich beef chili recipe with a generous dollop of sour cream and crunchy Fritos, it's a game changer.

# Equipment Needed:

01 - Large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot
02 - cutting board
03 - sharp knife

# Nutrition (Per Serving):

Calories: 450 kcal
Total Fat: 25g
Total Carbohydrate: 30g
Protein: 35g

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