Classic American Beef Chili

Classic American Beef Chili

Ingredients

• 01
  2 lbs lean ground beef (80/20 or 90/10)
• 02
  1 large yellow onion, diced
• 03
  3 cloves garlic, minced
• 04
  1 medium red bell pepper, diced
• 05
  2 cans (15 oz) dark red kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 06
  1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
• 07
  1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
• 08
  1 cup beef broth
• 09
  3 tbsp chili powder
• 10
  1 tbsp ground cumin
• 11
  1 tsp dried oregano
• 12
  1 tsp smoked paprika
• 13
  1 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
• 14
  1/2 tsp black pepper

Instructions

• Step 01
  Brown the Meat: Place a large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon as it cooks. Drain excess fat if necessary.
• Step 02
  Saute the Vegetables: Add the diced yellow onion and red bell pepper to the pot with the beef. Cook for about 5 minutes until the onions soften and turn translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute until fragrant.
• Step 03
  Add the Spices: Stir in the chili powder, ground cumin, dried oregano, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Coat the meat and vegetables thoroughly with the spices and cook for 2 minutes to toast the spices.
• Step 04
  Combine Remaining Ingredients: Pour in the crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes with their juices, beef broth, and the rinsed kidney beans. Stir well to combine everything. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
• Step 05
  Simmer: Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot with a lid, and let the chili simmer gently for at least 45 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking at the bottom.
• Step 06
  Serve: Remove from heat. Ladle the hot chili into bowls and top with shredded cheddar cheese, a dollop of sour cream, and fresh green onions. Serve alongside cornbread or tortilla chips.