Description
This Hearty Beef Chili with Kidney Beans is a warm, filling, and flavorful dish perfect for cozy dinners or feeding a crowd. Made with ground beef, kidney beans, tomatoes, and aromatic spices, it’s a comforting classic chili that simmers to thick, rich perfection and can be customized with your favorite toppings.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat
- 1 lb (450 g) ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
Beans & Tomatoes
- 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 small can (6 oz) tomato paste
Vegetables
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bell pepper, diced (optional)
Liquids
- 1 cup beef broth (or water)
- 1 tbsp olive oil or vegetable oil
Spices & Seasonings
- 2 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika (optional for smoky flavor)
- ½ tsp cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
Optional Toppings
- Shredded cheese
- Sour cream
- Sliced green onions
- Chopped cilantro
Instructions
- Cook the Beef: Heat oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain excess fat if needed to prevent greasiness.
- Sauté the Veggies: Add diced onion, minced garlic, and diced bell pepper (if using) to the beef. Sauté for 3 to 5 minutes, until the vegetables are softened and fragrant, building the flavor base.
- Add Tomatoes & Spices: Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika (optional), cayenne pepper (optional), salt, and black pepper. Mix well to combine all ingredients, and cook for 2 to 3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Add Beans & Simmer: Add the drained kidney beans and beef broth to the pot. Stir everything to combine, then bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce heat to simmer uncovered, and cook for 25 to 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chili thickens to your desired consistency.
- Adjust & Serve: Taste the chili and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve the chili hot with your choice of optional toppings such as shredded cheese, sour cream, sliced green onions, or chopped cilantro for extra flavor and texture.
Notes
- For added depth, consider mixing in 1 tablespoon of cocoa powder or a small square of dark chocolate.
- Enhance texture by adding corn, black beans, or chopped carrots.
- You can adapt this recipe for a slow cooker: brown the beef and sauté the vegetables first, then combine all ingredients and cook on low for 6–8 hours.
- Adjust the spice level by varying the chili powder and cayenne pepper according to your heat preference.
- Drain excess fat from the beef to keep the chili from becoming greasy.
