Description
A hearty and flavorful chili recipe packed with ground beef, beans, and a blend of spices, simmered to perfection in a large stockpot. This classic chili is perfect for a cozy meal, topped with cheddar cheese, Fritos, and green onions.
Ingredients
Meat and Aromatics
- 1 lb. ground beef (85/15)
- 1/2 medium yellow onion, finely diced
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
Beans and Tomatoes
- 1 15-oz. can pinto beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 15-oz. can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 15-oz. can tomato sauce
- 1 15-oz. can diced tomatoes
- 3 tablespoons tomato paste
Seasonings and Broth
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
- 3 tablespoons chili powder
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground pepper
- 1 cup beef broth (or chicken broth or water)
Toppings
- Shredded cheddar cheese
- Fritos
- Green onion
Instructions
- Heat the Stockpot: Place a large stockpot over medium-high heat to prepare for sautéing.
- Sauté Beef and Aromatics: Add ground beef, yellow onion, and minced garlic to the pot. Cook for 7-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the beef is fully browned and onions are softened.
- Add Beans and Tomatoes: Stir in pinto beans, kidney beans, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, and maple syrup. Mix everything thoroughly to combine all ingredients.
- Season the Chili: Add chili powder, garlic powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper to the pot. Pour in 1 cup of beef broth and stir well.
- Simmer the Chili: Bring the chili mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer for 10-15 minutes, uncovered, to allow the flavors to meld and the chili to thicken.
- Serve and Garnish: Spoon the chili into bowls and top with shredded cheddar cheese, Fritos, and green onions as desired. Enjoy your hearty chili!
Notes
- Use 85/15 ground beef for a good balance of flavor and fat.
- Beans should be drained and rinsed to reduce sodium and starch.
- Adjust spice levels according to your preference by adding more chili powder or smoked paprika.
- Maple syrup adds a subtle sweetness to balance the acidity of tomatoes.
- Simmering time can be extended for thicker chili and deeper flavor.
- Substitute beef broth with chicken broth or water if needed.