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Hearty Beef Chili Recipe Best Easy Stovetop Dinner

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A rich, flavorful beef chili recipe that’s perfect for cozy weeknight dinners, game day gatherings, or meal prep. It’s a hearty and satisfying comfort food with bold flavors and just the right amount of heat.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb ground beef (80/20)
  • 1 yellow onion, diced finely
  • 34 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 red or green bell pepper, diced
  • 28 oz canned diced tomatoes
  • 6 oz tomato paste
  • 15 oz canned kidney beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 cup beef broth
  • 2 tablespoons chili powder
  • 1 tablespoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon oregano
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Optional toppings: shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped cilantro, diced avocado

Instructions

  1. Heat a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, until browned, about 5-7 minutes.
  2. Remove the cooked beef from the pot and set it aside. Drain any excess grease if needed.
  3. In the same pot, add a splash of olive oil and sauté the diced onion and bell pepper until softened, about 4-5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1 minute, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
  4. Return the cooked beef to the pot and stir to combine with the vegetables.
  5. Add the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, kidney beans, and beef broth. Stir until everything is well combined.
  6. Sprinkle in the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir thoroughly to ensure the spices are evenly distributed.
  7. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and let it simmer for 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
  8. After simmering, taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. If the chili is too thick, add a splash of water or additional beef broth.
  9. Serve hot with your favorite toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped cilantro, or diced avocado.

Notes

[‘Don’t skip browning the beef—it adds a depth of flavor that makes the chili richer.’, ‘Use fresh garlic instead of garlic powder for a more vibrant taste.’, ‘Adjust the chili powder based on your heat preference—start with less and add more if needed.’, ‘If your chili tastes flat, try adding a splash of vinegar or a squeeze of lime juice to brighten the flavors.’, ‘For a thicker chili, let it simmer uncovered for the last 10 minutes to reduce the liquid.’, ‘Make chili a day ahead for parties—the flavors deepen overnight and it tastes even better when reheated.’]

Nutrition

Keywords: beef chili, stovetop chili, hearty chili, easy dinner, comfort food, game day recipe, chili recipe, family dinner, meal prep