This Classic American Chili recipe is a hearty and flavorful dish that is perfect for cold nights. Made with ground beef, beans, tomatoes, and a blend of spices, this chili is easy to make and can be customized to suit your taste. Serve it with some warm cornbread for a complete meal.
Ingredients
- 1.5 pounds ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cans (14.5 ounces each) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
- 1 can (6 ounces) tomato paste
- 1 can (15 ounces) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 ounces) pinto beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 green bell pepper, seeded and diced
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Optional toppings: shredded cheese, sliced jalapenos, sour cream, chopped cilantro
Directions
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Drain any excess fat.
- Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot with the ground beef. Cook for 5 minutes, until the onion is translucent.
- Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and tomato paste. Mix well to combine.
- Add the kidney beans, pinto beans, and diced green bell pepper to the pot. Stir in the chili powder, cumin, paprika, oregano, salt, and black pepper.
- Bring the chili to a simmer and let it cook for 45 minutes to 1 hour, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Taste and adjust the seasonings if needed. Add more chili powder or salt if desired.
- Serve the chili hot with your favorite toppings such as shredded cheese, sliced jalapenos, sour cream, and chopped cilantro. Enjoy!
Interesting Facts
Chili is often associated with Tex-Mex cuisine but has become a popular dish across the United States.
Chili con carne, which means chili with meat, is the official dish of the state of Texas.
The spiciness of chili can be adjusted by adding more or less chili powder and jalapenos.
Leftover chili can be refrigerated and enjoyed the next day, as the flavors continue to develop and intensify.