Easy Beef Chili

$To make easy beef chili, you need these key items: - 1 lb ground beef - 1 medium onion, diced - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 bell pepper (any color), diced - 2 cans (15 oz each) kidney beans, drained and rinsed - 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes - 2 tablespoons chili powder - 1 teaspoon cumin - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - 1/2 teaspoon oregano - 1 teaspoon salt - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper - 1 cup beef broth - 1 tablespoon olive oil - Fresh cilantro, for garnish These ingredients pack a punch of flavor and make the chili hearty. For an extra touch, consider these toppings: - Sour cream - Shredded cheese These add creaminess and richness to each bowl. When choosing your ingredients, look for the best quality: - Ground Beef: Select beef with a bright red color. Check the fat content for juiciness. - Onion and Garlic: Choose firm onions and plump garlic bulbs. Avoid any with soft spots. - Bell Pepper: Pick peppers that are firm and shiny. Look for bright colors for a sweet taste. - Beans and Tomatoes: Choose cans that are not dented. Check the expiration dates for freshness. Fresh ingredients will give your chili the best flavor and texture. Enjoy cooking! First, gather all your ingredients. This makes cooking smooth and easy. You need: - 1 lb ground beef - 1 medium onion, diced - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 bell pepper, diced - 2 cans kidney beans, drained - 1 can crushed tomatoes - 2 tablespoons chili powder - 1 teaspoon cumin - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - 1/2 teaspoon oregano - 1 teaspoon salt - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper - 1 cup beef broth - 1 tablespoon olive oil - Fresh cilantro for garnish - Sour cream and shredded cheese for serving Chop your onion, garlic, and bell pepper. This helps them cook faster. Now, let’s start cooking! 1. Heat olive oil in a large pot on medium heat. 2. Add the diced onion and bell pepper. Sauté for about 5 minutes until they soften. 3. Next, stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute. This makes your kitchen smell great! 4. Add the ground beef. Break it apart with a spoon, cooking until it’s brown. This takes about 7 to 10 minutes. 5. If there's excess fat, drain it out. 6. Now add the spices: chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 2 minutes. This toasts the spices and boosts flavor. 7. Pour in the crushed tomatoes, kidney beans, and beef broth. Mix everything well. 8. Bring the pot to a simmer. Reduce the heat to low and cover. Cook for at least 30 minutes, stirring every so often. For deeper flavor, let it simmer for up to an hour. 9. Taste your chili. Adjust seasoning if needed. Check if your chili is done by tasting it. The flavors should blend well. If it’s too thick, add a bit more beef broth. If it’s too thin, let it simmer longer. Serving your chili hot is key! Garnish with fresh cilantro. Offer sour cream and shredded cheese on the side for extra flavor. Enjoy your hearty kickin' beef chili! You can find the full recipe above. To boost flavor, think about using fresh herbs. Fresh cilantro on top adds brightness. You can also add lime juice for a zesty finish. If you like heat, try adding diced jalapeños or hot sauce. For a smoky kick, add a bit more smoked paprika. Each option brings a unique taste to your beef chili. One common mistake is not browning the beef enough. Browning adds deep flavor and richness. Another mistake is adding too much liquid at once. It can make your chili too runny. Make sure to adjust spices as you cook. Always taste before serving. This helps you avoid bland chili. For a thick chili, let it simmer longer. Simmering helps the flavors meld and reduces liquid. If you find it too thick, add a splash of beef broth. Mixing in some corn can also add a nice crunch. You want each spoonful to be hearty and satisfying. For more texture, consider adding chopped carrots or celery while cooking. For more details, check the Full Recipe. {{image_2}} If you want a meatless chili, you can swap the ground beef for lentils or mushrooms. Lentils cook fast and add protein. Mushrooms give a nice, earthy flavor. You can also use black beans or chickpeas for a different taste. Adding more vegetables, like zucchini or carrots, makes it hearty too. Use the same spices to keep the flavor rich. For those who love heat, add jalapeños or cayenne pepper. You can mix in chipotle peppers for a smoky flavor. Hot sauce is another good option. If you want more depth, try adding a dark beer to your chili. It enhances the taste and gives a bit of sweetness. Adjust the spices to suit your taste. Feel free to mix up the ingredients based on what you like. If you prefer turkey, use ground turkey instead of beef. You can also change the beans; pinto beans work well too. If you don't like kidney beans, swap them for black beans. You can even use different peppers for a unique twist. Experiment with whatever you have on hand. Each change can create a new favorite dish! After you enjoy your Easy Beef Chili, store the leftovers in an airtight container. Let the chili cool to room temperature first. This helps keep it fresh. You can store it in the fridge for about three to four days. Label the container with the date. This way, you know when to use it. To reheat your chili, you can use the stove or the microwave. For the stove, pour the chili into a pot. Heat it over medium-low heat. Stir often until it’s hot. This usually takes about 10 minutes. If you're using a microwave, place your chili in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat it in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between. This helps heat it evenly. Freezing chili is a great way to save it for later. Make sure it cools completely before freezing. Use freezer-safe containers or bags. Leave some space at the top, as the chili will expand when frozen. You can freeze it for up to three months. When you want to eat it, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Then reheat it as mentioned above. Enjoy a warm bowl of your tasty beef chili anytime! For the complete recipe, check out the Full Recipe. Yes, you can make this chili in a slow cooker! Start by browning the beef and onions in a pan. Then, add all cooked ingredients to your slow cooker. Mix well. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. This method gives the chili a rich flavor. You can set it in the morning and come home to a warm meal. Beef chili lasts about 3 to 4 days in the fridge. Store it in an airtight container. Make sure it cools down before sealing. If you want to keep it longer, freeze it for up to three months. Just remember to label the container with the date! Absolutely! You can use turkey, chicken, or even pork. Each meat gives the chili a unique flavor. If you prefer a leaner option, ground turkey works great. For a richer taste, try using beef chuck. Just adjust the cooking time as needed for different meats. Enjoy experimenting with flavors! In this blog post, we explored the essential ingredients for chili, including required and optional items. You learned step-by-step instructions for preparation and cooking, along with tips to check doneness. We covered ways to enhance flavor and common mistakes to avoid. You also discovered variations to suit your taste, how to store leftovers, and answers to frequently asked questions. Chili is simple and fun to make. Experiment with ingredients and let your taste shine. Enjoy your cooking!$

Warm up your dinner routine with this Hearty Kickin' Beef Chili recipe. Packed with flavor from ground beef, spices, and kidney beans, it's the perfect comfort food for any occasion. Discover how easy it is to create a rich, satisfying meal that your family will love. Get inspired to cook this delicious chili tonight - click through for the full recipe and make mealtime a breeze!

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Ingredients

1 lb ground beef

1 medium onion, diced

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 bell pepper (any color), diced

2 cans (15 oz each) kidney beans, drained and rinsed

1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes

2 tablespoons chili powder

1 teaspoon cumin

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

1/2 teaspoon oregano

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

1 cup beef broth

1 tablespoon olive oil

Fresh cilantro, for garnish

Sour cream (optional, for serving)

Shredded cheese (optional, for serving)

Instructions

In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and bell pepper, sautéing until softened (about 5 minutes).

Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.

Add the ground beef to the pot, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until browned, about 7-10 minutes.

Once the beef is browned, drain excess fat if necessary.

Stir in the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 2 minutes to toast the spices.

Add the crushed tomatoes, kidney beans, and beef broth. Mix well to combine all ingredients.

Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce heat to low, covering the pot. Let it cook for at least 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. For deeper flavors, simmer for up to an hour.

Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.

Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro, and offer sour cream and shredded cheese on the side for topping.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour | Servings: 6