Classic Beef Chili
Ingredients
- 1 medium yellow onion
- 3 cloves garlic
- 2 cans kidney beans
about 15-ounce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 pounds ground beef
preferably 80 to 85% lean
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
plus more as needed
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
optional
- 1 can fire-roasted crushed tomatoes
28-ounce
- 1 can low-sodium beef or chicken broth
14.5-ounce
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
- Sour cream or plain Greek yogurt
- Shredded cheddar cheese
- Thinly sliced scallions
- Diced avocado
- Fresh cilantro
- Tortilla chips
Directions
- 1
Dice 1 medium yellow onion (about 1 1/2 cups). Mince 3 garlic cloves. Drain and rinse 2 (about 15-ounce) cans kidney beans.
- 2
Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a Dutch oven or large pot over medium heat until shimmering. Add the onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, 3 to 5 minutes. Add the garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add 3 tablespoons tomato paste and stir to coat the onions. Cook, stirring occasionally until darkened in color, 2 to 3 minutes.
- 3
Add 2 pounds ground beef, 2 teaspoons kosher salt, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper. Cook, breaking up the meat with a wooden spoon, until browned and cooked through, 6 to 8 minutes. Add 2 tablespoons chili powder, 1 tablespoon ground cumin, 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder, 2 teaspoons dried oregano, 1 teaspoon paprika, and 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper if using. Stir to coat the meat and cook for 1 minute more.
- 4
Add the beans, 1 (28-ounce) can fire-roasted crushed tomatoes, and 1 (14.5-ounce) can low-sodium beef or chicken broth, and stir to combine. Bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to maintain a gentle simmer. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the flavors meld and the mixture is slightly thickened, 30 to 40 minutes.
- 5
Remove the pot from the heat. Add 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar and stir to combine. Taste and season with more kosher salt as needed. Ladle into bowls and serve with desired toppings.
Classic Beef Chili
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About this Recipe
Craving a hearty, comforting meal that brings everyone to the table? This Classic Beef Chili delivers big, bold flavors in a generous batch, perfect for feeding a crowd or enjoying throughout the week.
This Classic Beef Chili stands out thanks to its thoughtful blend of robust flavors. The combination of fire-roasted crushed tomatoes and a unique mix of aromatic spices, including unsweetened cocoa powder and ground cumin, creates a rich, complex depth that's incredibly satisfying. Using 80 to 85% lean ground beef ensures a hearty texture without excessive greasiness, making every spoonful a pure delight.
When you dive into this chili, you'll be greeted with a thick, deeply flavorful experience, boasting tender kidney beans and savory ground beef. The aroma alone is enough to get appetites rumbling, filled with the warmth of chili powder, paprika, and dried oregano. Expect a comforting warmth, with a subtle kick from the optional cayenne pepper, all balanced by the earthy notes of oregano and the unexpected richness of cocoa. This is classic chili comfort at its finest, designed to be both filling and incredibly satisfying.
Customization & Serving Suggestions
Feel free to customize your Classic Beef Chili to suit your preferences. For a milder version, simply omit the cayenne pepper. You can swap out the ground beef for ground turkey or a plant-based alternative if you're looking for a different protein. For a richer, deeper flavor, consider adding an extra splash of apple cider vinegar right before serving to brighten the sauce.
This chili is the ultimate crowd-pleaser, ideal for game days, chilly evenings, or casual get-togethers. Serve it with a generous array of toppings like creamy sour cream or plain Greek yogurt, sharp shredded cheddar cheese, fresh thinly sliced scallions, diced avocado, and vibrant cilantro. Don't forget a side of crispy tortilla chips for dipping!