Ingredients

For this classic chili, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 2 lbs Ground Beef
• 1/4 cup Green Bell Pepper, diced
• 1/4 cup Red Bell Pepper, diced
• 1 Onion, chopped
• 2 cloves Garlic, minced
• 2 stalks Celery, diced
• 1 (14.5 oz) can Diced Tomatoes
• 1 (6 oz) can Tomato Paste
• 1 cup Beef Broth
• 1 Jalapeno Pepper, diced (seeds removed for less heat)
• 1 (15 oz) can Chili Beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 (15 oz) can Kidney Beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 Tbsp Chili Powder
• 1/2 tsp Oregano
• 1 tsp Cumin
• 2 1/2 tsps Salt, or to taste
• 2 1/2 tsps Black Pepper, or to taste

Directions

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

1. Dice the Vegetables
   Start by dicing the green and red bell peppers, onion, celery, and jalapeno. Mince the garlic cloves. Set these aside as they will be added at different stages.

Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef

2. Brown the Beef
   In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat a tablespoon of oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Cook for 5-7 minutes, until browned and no longer pink. Drain any excess fat.

Step 3: Add the Aromatics

3. Add Onion, Garlic, and Celery
   Add the chopped onion, garlic, and celery to the pot with the ground beef. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until the vegetables start to soften and the garlic is fragrant.

Step 4: Add Peppers and Seasonings

4. Incorporate Bell Peppers and Jalapeno
   Add the diced green and red bell peppers and the diced jalapeno to the pot. Stir and cook for 2-3 minutes until the peppers begin to soften.
5. Season the Mixture
   Sprinkle in the chili powder, oregano, cumin, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to coat the beef and vegetables evenly with the spices, cooking for another minute to enhance the flavors.

Step 5: Add Tomatoes, Tomato Paste, and Broth

6. Add Diced Tomatoes and Tomato Paste
   Pour in the can of diced tomatoes and the tomato paste. Stir until the paste is fully mixed in, giving the chili a rich tomato base.
7. Pour in the Beef Broth
   Add the beef broth to the pot, stirring to combine. This liquid will help simmer the chili to perfection, ensuring all flavors meld together.

Step 6: Add Beans and Simmer

8. Add the Beans
   Drain and rinse both the chili beans and kidney beans before adding them to the pot. Stir well to ensure they are evenly distributed.
9. Simmer the Chili
   Bring the chili to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let it simmer for 45 minutes to 1 hour, stirring occasionally. This slow simmer allows the flavors to deepen and the texture to become rich and thick.

Step 7: Taste and Adjust Seasoning

10. Season to Taste
    After simmering, taste the chili and adjust salt, pepper, and spice levels as needed. If you prefer more heat, consider adding an extra sprinkle of chili powder or diced jalapeno.

Step 8: Serve

11. Garnish and Serve
    Ladle the chili into bowls and top with optional garnishes like shredded cheese, chopped green onions, sour cream, or fresh cilantro. Serve with cornbread, crackers, or a warm loaf of crusty bread.

Nutritional Facts (Per Serving)

Based on an approximate 1-cup serving size.

• Calories: 310
• Protein: 22g
• Carbohydrates: 18g
• Fat: 15g
• Fiber: 7g
• Sugars: 5g
• Sodium: 800mg

FAQs

1. Can I make this chili spicier?
Yes! You can increase the heat by adding extra jalapeno, cayenne pepper, or more chili powder. If you prefer a milder flavor, reduce the amount of chili powder or omit the jalapeno.

2. Can I use other types of beans?
Absolutely. Feel free to substitute black beans or pinto beans for the kidney or chili beans, or even add an additional can of beans for extra heartiness.

3. Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, simply replace the ground beef with a plant-based meat substitute or additional beans, and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.

4. How can I thicken my chili?
If your chili is too thin, you can simmer it uncovered for the last 15-20 minutes to reduce the liquid. Another option is to add a few tablespoons of cornmeal, masa, or a slurry of flour and water to thicken it up.

5. Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Yes! Brown the ground beef and sauté the onions and garlic on the stovetop, then add all ingredients to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.

Tips for Making the Best Beef Chili

1. Brown the Beef Well
   Browning the ground beef is crucial for flavor. It adds depth and enhances the texture of the chili. Make sure to drain the fat after browning if desired, especially if using a fattier ground beef.
2. Let It Simmer
   The longer the chili simmers, the more flavorful it becomes. Aim for at least an hour of cooking time if possible, and remember to stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
3. Use Fresh Spices
   Using fresh spices (especially chili powder and cumin) makes a big difference in the final flavor. If your spices are old, consider replacing them for the best results.
4. Customize Your Toppings
   Chili toppings are all about personal preference. Try shredded cheese, chopped onions, sour cream, avocado, jalapenos, and even tortilla chips for a variety of tastes and textures.
5. Make It Ahead
   Chili often tastes even better the next day, so feel free to make it ahead and store it in the fridge. This allows the flavors to meld and intensify.

Storage Tips

1. Refrigeration
   Store leftover chili in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave until warmed through.
2. Freezing
   Chili freezes well, making it a great meal prep option. Once the chili has cooled, transfer it to freezer-safe containers or resealable bags and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
3. Reheating
   For the best results, reheat the chili on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of broth if the chili has thickened too much in the fridge or freezer.

Conclusion

This Hearty Classic Beef Chili is a simple yet flavorful dish that’s sure to warm you up on a cold day. It’s rich, packed with protein and fiber, and full of customizable flavors, making it a versatile addition to any meal rotation. Whether served at a family dinner, a weekend game day, or prepared ahead for a quick lunch, this chili delivers comfort and satisfaction. With a few simple tips, you can perfect this chili recipe and make it uniquely yours, adding your favorite toppings or adjusting the spice level to suit your taste. Enjoy every delicious bowlful of this wholesome, hearty chili!