Hearty Beef Chili Recipe: Rich, Smoky Comfort (Print Version)

Hearty Beef Chili Recipe: Make my ultimate, flavor-packed chili! Rich, smoky, and perfect for cozy nights or feeding a crowd. Your new go-to recipe.

# Recipe Info:

Prep Time: 20 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 2 Hours minutes
Total Time: 22 minutes
Servings: 6-8 Servings
Difficulty: Intermediate
Cuisine: American
Dietary: High Protein

# Ingredients:

→ Base Ingredients

01 - 2 tbsp olive oil
02 - 2 lbs ground beef (80/20 lean)
03 - 1 large yellow onion, chopped
04 - 1 large green bell pepper, chopped
05 - 4 cloves garlic, minced
06 - 2 (14.5 oz) cans diced tomatoes (fire-roasted if possible)
07 - 2 (15 oz) cans kidney beans, rinsed and drained
08 - 2 cups beef broth (low sodium)

→ Flavor Boosters

09 - 3 tbsp chili powder
10 - 1 tbsp ground cumin
11 - 1 tsp smoked paprika
12 - 1 tsp dried oregano
13 - 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (or more, to taste)
14 - 1 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
15 - 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
16 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

→ Finishing Touches

17 - Shredded cheddar cheese, for serving
18 - Sour cream or plain Greek yogurt, for serving
19 - Fresh cilantro, chopped, for serving
20 - Sliced jalapeños, for serving (optional)

→ Optional Extras

21 - 1 tbsp masa harina (corn flour), for thickening
22 - A pinch of cinnamon (1/4 tsp)
23 - Hot sauce, for an extra kick

# Instructions:

01 - First things first, grab your biggest, heaviest pot or Dutch oven. I swear, a good pot makes all the difference. Heat a little oil over medium-high heat, then crumble in your ground beef. Brown it up, breaking it into small pieces as it cooks. Drain off most of that excess fat; I usually tilt the pot and spoon it out, trying not to make a huge mess on the counter (I always do). Then, toss in your chopped onion and bell pepper. Let them soften up for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally. You'll smell that sweet aroma starting to fill your kitchen, and honestly, that's when you know you're on the right track for this Hearty Beef Chili Recipe.
02 - Now for the magic! Push the beef and veggies to one side of the pot, and add your minced garlic to the cleared space. Let it cook for just about 30 seconds until it's fragrant – you don't want it to burn, trust me, I've been there and it's a sad, bitter flavor! Then, sprinkle in your chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, dried oregano, and cayenne pepper. Stir them into the garlic and a little of that beef fat, letting them toast for another minute. This step, friends, is crucial for bringing out all those deep, complex flavors in your Hearty Beef Chili Recipe. The smell is just incredible, earthy and warm.
03 - Pour in your diced tomatoes (undrained!), rinsed kidney beans, beef broth, a splash of Worcestershire sauce, and that secret ingredient, cocoa powder. Give everything a really good stir, making sure nothing is sticking to the bottom of the pot. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer. This is where the patience comes in! I usually set a timer for at least an hour, but sometimes I forget and just let it do its thing. The longer it simmers, the more those flavors meld together for a truly rich Hearty Beef Chili Recipe.
04 - After about an hour of simmering, give your chili a good stir. Check the consistency; if it's too thick, you can add a little more beef broth or even just a splash of water. Now for the tasting! This is my favorite part. Add salt and black pepper to taste. Be brave, adjust the seasonings! Maybe a little more cayenne if you're feeling spicy, or another pinch of chili powder for deeper flavor. I always taste, add, stir, and taste again. It’s a dance, really. You want it just right, bursting with all those savory notes.
05 - Once you've adjusted the seasonings, put the lid back on and let it continue to simmer for another 30 minutes to an hour, or even longer if you have the time! The longer this Hearty Beef Chili Recipe cooks, the richer and more developed the flavors become. I've let it go for three hours before, just stirring occasionally, and it was glorious. The beef gets incredibly tender, and the sauce thickens beautifully. I love how the kitchen smells at this point; it's pure comfort.
06 - When your chili has reached its peak deliciousness, ladle it into bowls. This is the moment I always anticipate! Top generously with shredded cheddar cheese, a dollop of cool sour cream, some fresh cilantro, and a few slices of jalapeño if you like a little extra kick. Grab a spoon and dig in! The steam rising from the bowl, the vibrant colors – it's just so inviting. This Hearty Beef Chili Recipe is truly a masterpiece, even if I do say so myself. Enjoy every single comforting spoonful!

# Notes:

01 - Don't rush the simmering! The longer it cooks, the more the flavors meld. I learned that the hard way when I tried to cut it short once.
02 - This chili keeps beautifully in the fridge for 3-4 days; flavors deepen overnight! For longer, it freezes wonderfully for up to 3 months.
03 - If you're out of kidney beans, pinto or black beans are excellent substitutes that I've used with good results.
04 - A warm piece of cornbread for dipping is my absolute favorite way to serve this chili - it's just perfect.

# Equipment Needed:

01 - Large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot
02 - wooden spoon
03 - ladle
04 - cutting board
05 - chef's knife

# Nutrition (Per Serving):

Calories: 350-450 kcal
Total Fat: 15-25g
Total Carbohydrate: 30-40g
Protein: 25-35g

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