Hearty Beef Chili

Instructions

1. 1

   In a small Mixing Bowl, combine all the spice blend ingredients — Chili Powder, Cumin, Paprika, Oregano, Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Cayenne Pepper, Kosher Salt, Black Pepper, and Sugar (if using). Mix well and set aside.

2. 2

   Heat the Olive Oil in a large Dutch Oven or heavy-bottomed Pot over medium-high heat. Add the diced Yellow Onion and Green Bell Pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until softened and the onion is translucent, about 5–6 minutes.

3. 3

   Add the minced Garlic and cook for 1 minute more, stirring constantly, until fragrant. Do not let the Garlic burn.

4. 4

   Add the Ground Beef to the pot. Break it up with a Wooden Spoon into small crumbles. Cook over medium-high heat until fully browned with no pink remaining, about 7–8 minutes. Drain off any excess fat, leaving just a thin coating in the pot.

5. 5

   Add the Tomato Paste and stir it into the Beef. Cook for 2 minutes, stirring frequently — this step caramelizes the paste and deepens the flavor significantly.

6. 6

   Sprinkle the entire spice blend over the Beef mixture and stir to coat everything evenly. Cook for 1 minute to bloom the spices in the heat.

7. 7

   Pour in the diced Tomatoes (with their juices), Tomato Sauce, and Beef Broth. Stir everything together, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the Pot — those bits are pure flavor.

8. 8

   Add the drained Kidney Beans and Black Beans. Stir to combine. Bring the chili to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to low.

9. 9

   Partially cover the Pot and let the chili simmer on low heat for at least 45 minutes, stirring every 10–15 minutes. The longer it simmers, the richer the flavor becomes. If it gets too thick, add a splash of Beef Broth or water. If too thin, leave the lid off for the last 15 minutes.

10. 10

    Taste and adjust seasoning — add more Kosher Salt, Cayenne Pepper for heat, or a pinch of Sugar if the Tomatoes taste too acidic. Ladle into bowls and top with your choice of shredded Cheddar Cheese, Sour Cream, Green Onions, Cilantro, and sliced Jalapeno.

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