Description
A hearty and flavorful classic chili recipe featuring lean ground beef, kidney beans, and a perfect blend of spices. This easy-to-make chili is ideal for comforting family meals, delivering rich, warm flavors with every bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 1 pound 90% lean ground beef
- 2 1/2 tablespoons chili powder*
- 2 tablespoons ground cumin
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper** (optional)
- 1 1/2 cups beef broth
- 1 (15 oz.) can petite diced tomatoes
- 1 (16 oz.) can red kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (8 oz.) can tomato sauce
Instructions
- Heat the oil and cook onions: Add the olive oil to a large soup pot and heat it over medium-high for two minutes. Add the diced onion and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally until softened.
- Brown the ground beef: Add the ground beef to the pot and break it apart with a wooden spoon. Cook the beef for 6 to 7 minutes until fully browned and no longer pink, stirring occasionally to ensure even cooking.
- Add spices and seasonings: Mix in chili powder, cumin, sugar, tomato paste, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and the optional cayenne pepper. Stir thoroughly to combine all the spices evenly with the beef and onion mixture.
- Add liquids and beans: Pour in the beef broth, petite diced tomatoes with their juice, drained kidney beans, and tomato sauce. Stir all ingredients well to combine and distribute flavors.
- Simmer the chili: Bring the liquid to a low boil, then reduce the heat to low or medium-low. Let the chili simmer uncovered for 20 to 25 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and to let flavors meld.
- Rest the chili before serving: Remove the pot from heat and allow the chili to rest for 5 to 10 minutes. This resting time enhances the flavor and texture before serving.
Notes
- The chili powder brand you select greatly affects the spice level; McCormick Chili Powder is recommended for flavorful but mild chili.
- Cayenne pepper is optional and can be omitted for milder flavor, especially if serving children. Offer hot sauce on the side for those who prefer extra heat.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6th of the recipe
- Calories: 334 kcal
- Sugar: 10 g
- Sodium: 1249 mg
- Fat: 11 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 34 g
- Fiber: 9 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 49 mg
