Classic Chili Recipe – Cozy, Hearty, and Full of Flavor
A steaming bowl of classic chili rich tomato broth, savory beef, and tender beans this one-pot wonder is cozy, hearty, and full of flavor. Perfect for weeknights, game day, or when you just need comfort in a bowl.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 large yellow onion diced
- 1 green bell pepper diced
- 3 garlic cloves minced
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 can kidney beans 15 oz, drained and rinsed
- 1 can pinto beans 15 oz, drained and rinsed
- 1 can crushed tomatoes 28 oz
- 1 can tomato paste 6 oz
- 2 cups beef broth
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper optional
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 bay leaf
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a Dutch oven over medium heat. Add onion and bell pepper, cooking 5 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
- Add ground beef, breaking it up as it cooks. Cook until browned, 6–8 minutes.
- Stir in kidney beans, pinto beans, crushed tomatoes, and tomato paste. Pour in beef broth and stir to combine.
- Season with chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, cayenne (optional), salt, and black pepper. Add bay leaf. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce to low and simmer 30–45 minutes uncovered, stirring occasionally.
- Remove bay leaf. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve hot topped with cheese, sour cream, and cilantro.
Notes
Add a splash of beer or bourbon with the broth for extra depth. For richer flavor, simmer up to 2 hours. Leftovers freeze beautifully for quick meals later.