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Here’s a classic beef chili recipe—rich, hearty, and deeply flavored, the kind that improves the next day.
🍲 Classic Beef Chili
🛒 Ingredients (serves 4–6)
- 500 g ground beef
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large onion, diced
- 3–4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 bell pepper, diced (optional but traditional)
- 2 cups canned crushed tomatoes
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 cup beef broth
🌶️ Spices
- 2 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp paprika (smoked if possible)
- ½ tsp oregano
- ½ tsp black pepper
- Salt to taste
- Optional heat: cayenne pepper or fresh chili
🫘 Beans (optional, depending on style)
- 1 cup cooked kidney beans or canned (drained)
👨🍳 Instructions
1. Brown the beef
Heat oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned. Break it up as it cooks. Remove excess fat if needed.
2. Build the base
Add onion and cook until soft (about 5 minutes). Stir in garlic and bell pepper, cooking for another 2–3 minutes.
3. Add spices
Sprinkle in chili powder, cumin, paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1 minute to bloom the spices.
4. Add liquids
Stir in tomato paste, then crushed tomatoes and beef broth. Mix well.
5. Simmer
Bring to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat and cook uncovered for 30–45 minutes, stirring occasionally.
6. Add beans (optional)
Add beans in the last 10–15 minutes.
🍽️ Serving Ideas
Top your chili with:
- Shredded cheese
- Sour cream
- Fresh cilantro
- Chopped onions
Serve with:
- Rice
- Cornbread
- Tortilla chips
🔥 Tips for Better Chili
- Let it simmer longer (1–2 hours) for deeper flavor
- Add a small square of dark chocolate or a pinch of sugar to balance acidity
- A splash of vinegar or lime juice at the end brightens the taste
- Chili tastes even better the next day
🌎 Variations
- Texas-style chili: no beans, more meat-focused
- Spicy version: add jalapeños or extra cayenne
- Smoky twist: add chipotle peppers in adobo sauce
If you want, I can give you a restaurant-style version, a slow cooker method, or a very spicy “competition chili” recipe.