In a small Mixing Bowl, combine all the spice blend ingredients — 2 tbsp chili powder, 2 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 4 cloves garlic 切碎, 1 tsp onion powder, ½ tsp dried oregano, ¼ tsp cayenne pepper 根据口味调整, 1 ½ tsp kosher salt 更多可选, and 1 ½ tsp kosher salt 更多可选. Stir together and set aside. Having the spices pre-mixed makes the cooking process smooth and ensures even seasoning.

Heat the 1 tbsp olive oil in a large Dutch Oven or heavy-bottomed Pot over medium-high heat. Add the diced 1 yellow onion 切丁 and 1 green bell pepper 切丁. Cook, stirring occasionally, until softened and the onion is translucent, about 5–6 minutes.

Add the minced 4 cloves garlic 切碎 and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly, until fragrant. Do not let it burn.

Add the 2 lb ground beef 建议80/20 to the pot. Break it up with a Wooden Spoon and cook over medium-high heat until fully browned with no pink remaining, about 7–8 minutes. Drain off any excess fat, leaving about 1 tbsp in the pot for flavor.

Add the 1 can diced tomatoes to the beef mixture and stir to coat everything. Cook for 2 minutes, stirring frequently — this step deepens the tomato flavor and adds richness.

Pour in the entire spice blend and stir to coat the meat and vegetables. Toast the spices for about 1 minute while stirring — this blooms the spices and dramatically improves depth of flavor.

Add the diced 1 can diced tomatoes (with their juices), 1 can diced tomatoes, 2 lb ground beef 建议80/20, drained 1 can kidney beans 沥干并冲洗, and drained 1 can black beans 沥干并冲洗. Stir everything together until well combined. If using, add the teaspoon of 1 tsp sugar 用于平衡酸度 now to balance the acidity of the tomatoes.

Bring the chili to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to low. Cover partially with a lid (leaving a small gap for steam to escape) and simmer for at least 45 minutes, stirring every 10–15 minutes. The longer it simmers, the better it gets — up to 2 hours is ideal if time allows.

Taste the chili and adjust seasoning — add more 1 ½ tsp kosher salt 更多可选, 2 tbsp chili powder, or ¼ tsp cayenne pepper 根据口味调整 as needed. If the chili is too thick, add a splash of 2 lb ground beef 建议80/20. If it's too thin, simmer uncovered for 10–15 more minutes to reduce.

Ladle the chili into bowls and serve with your choice of toppings: shredded 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, a dollop of ½ cup sour cream, sliced 3 stalks green onions 切片, and 1 jalapeño 切片 slices. Serve with cornbread, crackers, or over rice.