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Classic Beef Chili

A close-up of a bowl filled with steaming Classic Beef Chili, featuring ground beef and kidney beans in a rich sauce.

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A hearty and flavorful beef chili recipe perfect for a chilly autumn evening. This chili is designed to be a crowd-pleaser, featuring tender beef, beans, and warming spices.

Ingredients

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  • 2 pounds ground beef
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
  • 1 (15 ounce) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 (15 ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 (15 ounce) can pinto beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 (4 ounce) can diced green chilies
  • 2 tablespoons chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • Optional toppings: shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped onions, cilantro

Instructions

  1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat. Drain off any excess grease.
  2. Add the chopped onion to the pot and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
  3. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more until fragrant.
  4. Add the crushed tomatoes, kidney beans, black beans, pinto beans, and diced green chilies to the pot.
  5. Stir in the chili powder, cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper.
  6. Bring the chili to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook for at least 1 hour, stirring occasionally. For deeper flavor, you can simmer for up to 3 hours.
  7. Serve hot, with your favorite toppings.

Notes

  • For a spicier chili, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a diced jalapeño when you add the garlic.
  • This chili freezes well. Let it cool completely before transferring to airtight containers for freezing.
  • Consider this a great base for meal planning, similar to how meal delivery services offer pre-portioned ingredients.

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