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The Best Chili Recipe

The Best Chili Recipe


Description

This chili recipe is the one everyone will beg for – loaded with bold flavors, perfectly spiced, and guaranteed to become your new cold-weather obsession.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 lbs ground beef (80/20 lean-to-fat ratio)
  • 1 large yellow onion, finely diced (about 2 cups)
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced (about 2 tablespoons)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 tablespoons chili powder (not cayenne)
  • 2 tablespoons ground cumin
  • 1 tablespoon paprika (preferably smoked)
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
  • 2 teaspoons kosher salt
  • 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 2 (14.5 oz) cans diced fire-roasted tomatoes
  • 1 (6 oz) can tomato paste
  • 1 (14.5 oz) can beef broth
  • 1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 (15 oz) can pinto beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

Instructions

  1. Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add diced onion and cook for 4-5 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
  2. Add all dried spices (chili powder, cumin, paprika, oregano, cayenne, salt, and pepper) to the pot. Stir continuously for 30-60 seconds until aromatic.
  3. Add ground beef in batches, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Brown each portion before stirring, about 8-10 minutes total. Drain excess fat if desired, leaving about 2 tablespoons.
  4. Stir in tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes. Add fire-roasted diced tomatoes, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and brown sugar. Scrape the bottom of the pot to release any browned bits.
  5. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to maintain a gentle simmer. Cook uncovered for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  6. Add drained kidney and pinto beans. Continue simmering uncovered for another 20-30 minutes until chili reaches desired thickness. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
  7. Let rest for 10 minutes before serving with your favorite toppings.