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Homemade Beef Chili with Beans Recipe

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4.1 from 2 reviews

This homemade chili recipe is a hearty, flavorful dish perfect for a cozy meal. Combining ground beef, kidney and black beans, tomatoes, and a blend of spices, this chili simmers to develop rich, deep flavors. It's an easy one-pot recipe that yields six generous servings, ideal for family dinners or meal prep.

Ingredients

Produce

  • 1 yellow onion
  • 2 cloves garlic

Meat

  • 1 lb. ground beef

Canned Goods

  • 1 15oz. can kidney beans, drained
  • 1 15oz. can black beans, drained
  • 1 15oz. can diced tomatoes (with juices)
  • 1 6oz. can tomato paste

Pantry

  • 2 Tbsp olive oil
  • 1 cup water
  • 1 Tbsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1/4 tsp cayenne powder
  • 1/4 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp onion powder
  • 1/2 Tbsp brown sugar
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp freshly cracked black pepper

Instructions

  1. Prepare Aromatics: Dice the yellow onion and mince the garlic cloves thoroughly. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat and add the onion and garlic. Cook them until they become soft and translucent, releasing wonderful aromas.
  2. Brown the Ground Beef: Add 1 pound of ground beef to the pot with the softened aromatics. Continue to sauté over medium heat until the beef is fully browned, breaking it apart with a spatula to ensure even cooking.
  3. Add Beans, Tomatoes, and Seasoning: Drain the kidney and black beans and add them to the pot along with the canned diced tomatoes (with juices), tomato paste, and 1 cup of water. Then, add all the seasoning ingredients—chili powder, ground cumin, cayenne powder, garlic powder, onion powder, brown sugar, salt, and freshly cracked black pepper. Stir everything well to combine all flavors.
  4. Simmer the Chili: Place a lid on the pot and reduce the heat to low. Allow the chili to simmer gently for at least 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. This slow simmer helps the flavors deepen and meld beautifully, making the chili tastier the longer it cooks.
  5. Final Seasoning and Serve: Before serving, taste the chili and adjust salt or spices according to your preference. Serve the chili hot with your favorite toppings such as shredded cheese, sour cream, or chopped green onions.

Notes

  • For a spicier chili, increase the cayenne powder or add chopped jalapeños during cooking.
  • You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner protein option.
  • This chili can be refrigerated for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
  • For a vegetarian version, omit the ground beef and add extra beans or vegetables like diced bell peppers and corn.