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–+ servings
Classic Homemade Beef Chili topped with shredded cheddar cheese and served with cornbread
Callie Brooks

Homemade Beef Chili

This hearty homemade chili brings back memories of cozy evenings in grandma’s kitchen. Rich with chili ground beef, beans, and bold spices, it’s comforting, flavorful, and perfect for weeknight dinners or game day.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 6 bowls
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 420
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1.5 lbs chili ground beef (80/20 or 85/15)
  • 1 large yellow onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 28 oz can crushed tomatoes (fire roasted preferred)
  • 15 oz can tomato sauce
  • 2 × 15 oz cans kidney beans, rinsed and drained
  • 15 oz can pinto beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 cup beef broth (or water)
  • 2 tbsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1/2 tsp dried oregano
  • 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
  • 1 bay leaf
  • to taste salt and black pepper
  • as desired cheddar cheese, sour cream, green onions (for topping)

Equipment

  • Dutch oven or large pot
  • wooden spoon
  • measuring spoons
  • can opener
  • cutting board and knife

Method
 

  1. Heat olive oil in a Dutch oven over medium high heat. Add chili ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon. Drain any grease.
  2. Add chopped onion and cook until softened, about five minutes. Stir in garlic and cook one minute more.
  3. Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, kidney beans, pinto beans, and beef broth.
  4. Add chili powder, cumin, oregano, cayenne, bay leaf, salt, and black pepper. Mix well.
  5. Bring to a boil, reduce to low, cover, and let simmer for at least one hour. For best flavor, simmer two to three hours while stirring occasionally.
  6. Remove the bay leaf before serving. Ladle chili into bowls and top with cheddar cheese, sour cream, and green onions.

Nutrition

Calories: 420kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 28gFat: 22gSaturated Fat: 8gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 9gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 75mgSodium: 880mgPotassium: 900mgFiber: 8gSugar: 8gVitamin A: 700IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 100mgIron: 4mg

Notes

Use fire roasted tomatoes for a smoky depth, and let the chili simmer longer to develop full flavor. Optional add-ins include a square of dark chocolate or a splash of coffee for complexity. This chili freezes and reheats beautifully for easy meals.

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