Entrée: United States – Beef Chili

Food safety reminder: Follow safe food-handling practices and use a food thermometer to verify safe internal cooking temperatures.

Serving Size: 6

Approximate Time

Prep 20 min

Cook 1 hr

Total 1 hr 20 min

Ingredients

2 tbsp (30 ml) olive oil
1 large onion, diced
1 green bell pepper, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 lb / 900 g ground beef (85% lean)
2 tbsp (30 ml) chili powder
2 tsp (10 ml) ground cumin
1 tsp (5 ml) smoked paprika
1 tsp (5 ml) dried oregano
1 / 2 tsp (2.5 ml) cayenne pepper (optional, to taste)
1 1 / 2 tsp (7.5 ml) kosher salt, plus more to taste
1 / 2 tsp (2.5 ml) black pepper
2 tbsp (30 ml) tomato paste
1 (14.5 oz / 411 g) can diced tomatoes
1 (15 oz / 425 g) can crushed tomatoes or tomato sauce
1 1 / 2 cups (360 ml) beef broth
1 (15 oz / 425 g) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
1 (15 oz / 425 g) can black beans, drained and rinsed
1 tsp (5 ml) brown sugar or maple syrup (optional)
1 tsp (5 ml) apple cider vinegar or lime juice (to finish)
1 bay leaf
Garnishes: chopped cilantro, sliced scallions, shredded cheese, sour cream, lime wedges

Instructions

Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and bell pepper and cook until softened, 5–7 minutes.
Stir in the garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
Add the ground beef. Cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and no longer pink, 6–8 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
Sprinkle in the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, cayenne (if using), salt, and black pepper. Cook, stirring, for 1 minute to bloom the spices.
Add the tomato paste and cook, stirring, for 1–2 minutes until darkened slightly.
Stir in the diced tomatoes, crushed tomatoes (or tomato sauce), beef broth, bay leaf, and brown sugar (if using). Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low.
Simmer partially covered for 30–45 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of water or broth if it gets too thick.
Stir in the kidney beans and black beans. Simmer uncovered for 10–15 minutes more to meld flavors and reach desired thickness.
Remove the bay leaf. Stir in the vinegar or lime juice and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper to taste.
Serve hot with desired garnishes.