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Flavorful Beef Chili Recipe with 5 Perfect Toppings

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A rich, hearty beef chili recipe with bold flavors, smoky spices, and customizable toppings, perfect for cozy nights or game day gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 red or green bell pepper, diced
  • 2 (14-ounce) cans diced tomatoes, preferably fire-roasted
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 (15-ounce) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
  • 2 cups beef broth
  • 2 tablespoons chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 teaspoon oregano
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 small square dark chocolate (optional)
  • Optional toppings: sliced avocado, shredded cheese, sour cream, diced jalapeños, tortilla strips

Instructions

  1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
  2. Add the diced onion and bell pepper, and sauté for 5 minutes until softened.
  3. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes, being careful not to let it burn.
  4. Add the ground beef to the pot and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Drain any excess grease if needed.
  5. Stir in the chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1 minute to toast the spices.
  6. Add the tomato paste and stir to combine, cooking for 1-2 minutes for a deeper flavor.
  7. Pour in the diced tomatoes, beef broth, and kidney beans. Stir well and bring to a simmer.
  8. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let the chili cook for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  9. Uncover the pot and stir in the optional square of dark chocolate, letting it melt and blend into the chili.
  10. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Add a little more salt or chili powder if desired.
  11. Serve hot with your favorite toppings such as shredded cheese, sour cream, avocado slices, or crunchy tortilla strips.

Notes

[‘Toast your spices in oil for enhanced flavor.’, ‘Allow the chili to simmer slowly to develop its rich taste.’, ‘Balance the flavors by adding a pinch of sugar or a splash of beef broth if the chili tastes too acidic.’, ‘Chili often tastes better the next day as the flavors meld together.’, ‘Adjust the spice level by adding more chili powder or diced jalapeños.’]

Nutrition

Keywords: beef chili, hearty chili, smoky chili, chili recipe, game day chili, comfort food, easy chili recipe