Description
This Best Chili Recipe is a hearty and flavorful one-pot meal featuring ground beef, beans, and a well-balanced blend of spices. Perfect for a cozy dinner, it simmers to perfection creating a thick, rich chili topped with cheddar cheese, Fritos, and green onions for added texture and taste.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb. ground beef (85/15)
- 1/2 medium yellow onion, finely diced
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 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
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
- 1 cup beef broth (can substitute chicken broth or water)
Spices
- 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
Toppings
- Shredded cheddar cheese
- Fritos
- Green onion, chopped
Instructions
- Heat the pot: Place a large stockpot over medium-high heat to prepare for cooking the ingredients evenly.
- Sauté beef and aromatics: Add the ground beef, finely diced yellow onion, and minced garlic to the hot pot. Cook and stir for 7-10 minutes until the beef is fully browned and the onions are softened.
- Add beans and tomato elements: Stir in the drained pinto beans and kidney beans, followed by the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, and maple syrup. Mix thoroughly to combine all ingredients.
- Incorporate spices and broth: Add chili powder, garlic powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and ground pepper to the pot. Pour in 1 cup of beef broth and stir everything well to distribute flavors evenly.
- Simmer the chili: Bring the chili mixture to a boil, then lower the heat to a gentle simmer. Allow it to cook uncovered for 10-15 minutes so it thickens and the flavors meld.
- Serve with toppings: Spoon the chili into bowls and garnish with shredded cheddar cheese, Fritos, and chopped green onions before serving.
Notes
- For a milder chili, reduce chili powder or omit smoked paprika.
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for ground beef for a lighter version.
- If you prefer a thicker chili, simmer longer until desired consistency is reached.
- Maple syrup adds a subtle sweetness; honey or brown sugar can be used instead.
- This chili freezes well; store leftovers in airtight containers and reheat gently.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: beef chili, chili recipe, easy chili, hearty meal, stovetop chili
