Description
A hearty, one-pot smoky beef and bean chili that is easy to make, freezer-friendly, and perfect for cold nights. This recipe uses simple pantry staples to create a rich, comforting dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1.5 pounds ground beef (80/20 lean-to-fat ratio)
- 1 large yellow onion, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 15 ounces tomato sauce
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1–2 tablespoons chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, minced
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 15 ounces kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup beef broth (low-sodium)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Optional: 1 cup corn, 1 diced bell pepper, 1 square dark chocolate
Instructions
- Prep ingredients by dicing the onion, mincing the garlic, and draining the beans.
- Heat a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and brown for 8-10 minutes, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain excess fat if desired.
- Push beef to the side or remove if browned separately. Add diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until soft. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, and salt to the pot. Stir into the beef and onions for 1 minute to bloom the spices.
- Stir in tomato paste and cook for 1 minute. Add tomato sauce, beef broth, and chipotle peppers. Stir to combine and taste for seasoning adjustments.
- Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer uncovered for 30-45 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and flavors meld.
- Add kidney beans during the last 10 minutes of simmering to prevent them from getting mushy. Add optional corn or veggies now if using.
- Taste and adjust salt and pepper. Stir in dark chocolate if using until melted. Serve hot with toppings like cheese, sour cream, or cilantro.
Notes
Bloom the spices in the fat before adding liquid to release essential oils. Let the chili simmer for at least 45 minutes for best flavor. It tastes even better the next day. Can be frozen for up to 3 months. For a vegetarian version, swap beef for extra beans and mushrooms, and use vegetable broth.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 380
- Sodium: 650
- Fat: 18
- Carbohydrates: 28
- Fiber: 8
- Protein: 25
Keywords: beef chili, bean chili, smoky chili, one pot dinner, comfort food, freezer friendly, easy dinner, ground beef recipe