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Classic Homemade Chili – A Hearty Family Favorite

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A hearty, flavorful classic homemade chili made with ground beef, beans, tomatoes, and a bold blend of spices. Perfect for cozy dinners, game days, or meal prep.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb ground beef (80/20)

  • 1 tbsp olive oil

  • 1 yellow onion, diced

  • 3 cloves garlic, minced

  • 2 tbsp tomato paste

  • 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes

  • 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes

  • 1 cup beef broth

  • 1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, rinsed and drained

  • 1 (15 oz) can pinto beans, rinsed and drained

  • 2 ½ tbsp chili powder

  • 1 tsp ground cumin

  • 1 tsp smoked paprika

  • 1 tsp dried oregano

  • 1 tsp salt (or to taste)

  • Optional: ¼ tsp cayenne pepper, 1 tsp brown sugar

Instructions

  • Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, about 8–10 minutes. Drain excess fat.

  • Add diced onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook 1 minute more.

  • Stir in tomato paste, chili powder, cumin, paprika, oregano, salt, and optional cayenne. Cook for 2 minutes, stirring.

  • Add crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, and beef broth. Stir to combine and bring to a simmer.

  • Reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 30–40 minutes, stirring occasionally.

  • Stir in beans and cook an additional 15 minutes.

  • Remove from heat and let rest 5–10 minutes before serving.

Notes

  • For thicker chili, simmer longer uncovered.

  • Use ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for variation.

  • Freezes well for up to 3 months.