Ultimate Classic Thick & Hearty Beef & Bean Chili
When the weather turns chilly, nothing warms the soul like a hearty chili. Award-winning beef and bean chili is a classic comfort food.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 2 hours
- Yield: ~6 quarts
- Category: chili, comfort food, meal prep recipes, game day foods, tailgating, football foods, hearty foods, award winning chili
- Method: stove top
- Cuisine: chili, comfort food, meal prep recipes, game day foods, tailgating, football foods, hearty foods, award winning chili
Ingredients
- 2lb ground beef 93/7 or 80/20 blend
- 1 cup yellow onion, chopped small
- 1 large red pepper, chopped small
- 1 jalapeno, de-seeded and minced
- 2 Tablespoons olive oil
- 1 Tablespoon minced garlic
- 1–2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 4 Tablespoons chili powder
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 1–2 teaspoons black pepper
- 1/2–3/4 tsp cayenne *depends on how hot you want it*
- 2 teaspoons oregano
- 3/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- 1 1/2 Tablespoons cocoa powder
- 6 ounces tomato paste
- 28-ounce can of crushed tomatoes
- 2 15.5 ounce cans Dark Red Kidney beans *I do not drain mine
- 2 15.5 ounce cans of Light Red Kidney beans *I do not drain mine
- 4 ounces beef stock
Instructions
- In a 7.5 quart Dutch oven over medium heat, add the olive oil. Once the oil is heated add the onions, jalapenos, and red peppers, sautéing until translucent. Add in the garlic and cook for 1 minute. Next, add in the ground meat, breaking up into smaller pieces. Cook for 5-6 minutes, while mixing occasionally until the meat is cooked through.
- Remove the pan from the heat, strain the fat out and return the meat and vegetables to the pan. Add in the spices (start with 1 teaspoon of salt and pepper), stir and cook for 2 minutes. Add in the tomato paste, stir to combine and cook for 3 minutes. Add in the crushed tomatoes, stir and cook for one minute. Add in the beans, stock and stir. Bring to a boil, reduce the heat to a low simmer and partially cover with a lid, stirring occasionally or until the chili thickens. ~1 hour.
- Taste for seasoning (add more salt/pepper if desired). . Remove from the stove and enjoy! Serve with sour cream, cheese, onions and chips if desired.
- Store leftovers in an air tight container in the fridge.