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The Ultimate Hearty Ground Beef Chili: A Family Favorite

Close-up of a white mug filled with hearty, thick chili featuring ground meat and kidney beans.
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This is the best chili recipe ever, combining deep, comforting flavor with simple preparation for an easy weeknight dinner or game day meal. It is hearty, flavorful, and a true comfort food.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 pounds ground beef (80/20 recommended)
  • 1 large yellow onion, chopped
  • 1 green bell pepper, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
  • 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
  • 1 (15 ounce) can kidney beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 (15 ounce) can pinto beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 (15 ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 cup beef broth
  • 3 tablespoons chili powder
  • 1 tablespoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
  • 1 teaspoon unsweetened cocoa powder (secret ingredient for depth)

Instructions

  1. Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy pot over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until fully browned. Drain off any excess grease.
  2. Add the chopped onion and bell pepper to the pot with the beef. Cook until the vegetables soften, about 5 to 7 minutes.
  3. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  4. Add the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes (with their liquid), beef broth, chili powder, cumin, oregano, salt, pepper, cayenne pepper (if using), and the cocoa powder. Stir well to combine all ingredients.
  5. Bring the mixture to a simmer. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot partially, and let the chili cook for at least 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. For deeper flavor, simmer for 1 hour.
  6. Stir in the rinsed and drained kidney beans, pinto beans, and black beans. Continue to simmer for another 10 minutes, allowing the beans to heat through.
  7. Taste the chili and adjust seasonings as needed. Serve hot with your favorite toppings.

Notes

  • For a slow cooker method, brown the beef and sauté the vegetables on the stovetop first. Transfer everything to the slow cooker, add the remaining ingredients (except beans), and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. Add the beans during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
  • This chili tastes even better the next day after the flavors have fully melded.
  • Consider adding a splash of apple cider vinegar near the end to brighten the flavor profile.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://spoonsprout.com/best-ultimate-hearty-chili-recipe/