Steel Mill Chili: A Hearty and Flavorful American Classic

Indulge in the rich and robust flavors of Steel Mill Chili, a classic American dish that will warm you up from the inside out. Packed with tender meat, aromatic spices, and a hint of smoky heat, this chili is perfect for cozy nights or entertaining friends. The recipe takes a little time to simmer and develop its flavors, but the wait is well worth it. Serve it with your favorite toppings and enjoy the hearty goodness of this chili that will keep you coming back for more.

Ingredients

• 2 pounds ground beef
• 1 large onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 green bell pepper, diced
• 2 jalapeño peppers, seeded and minced
• 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes
• 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
• 1 can (15 ounces) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (15 ounces) pinto beans, drained and rinsed
• 2 tablespoons chili powder
• 1 tablespoon cumin
• 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil

Directions

1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon.
2. Add the diced onion, minced garlic, red bell pepper, green bell pepper, and jalapeño peppers to the pot. Cook for about 5 minutes, until the vegetables are softened.
3. Stir in the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, dried oregano, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Cook for another minute to toast the spices and enhance their flavors.
4. Add the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, kidney beans, pinto beans, and beef broth to the pot. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
5. Bring the chili to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let it simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours, stirring occasionally.
6. After simmering, taste the chili and adjust the seasoning if needed. If you prefer a thicker chili, you can mash some of the beans with a fork or use an immersion blender to partially blend the chili.
7. Serve the Steel Mill Chili hot with your favorite toppings such as shredded cheese, sour cream, diced onions, or sliced jalapeños. Enjoy!

Interesting Facts