Classic Hearty Beef & Bean Chili
(A Rich, One-Pot Comfort Classic)
KEY INFO:
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 1.5 hours
• Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
• Servings: 8-10
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Dietary: Can be made gluten-free
EQUIPMENT NEEDED:
• Large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot (6-8 quart)
• Sharp knife
• Cutting board
• Wooden spoon
• Measuring cups/spoons
[Alternative: Slow cooker for 6-8 hour cooking]
INGREDIENTS:
Base:
• 2 lbs (900g) lean ground beef
• 2 medium onions, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 bell peppers, diced
Beans & Tomatoes:
• 2 (15oz) cans kidney beans, drained
• 2 (14.5oz) cans diced tomatoes
• 1 (8oz) can tomato sauce
Spice Blend:
• 3 tbsp chili powder
• 2 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tbsp paprika
• 1 tsp oregano
• 1 tbsp brown sugar
• Salt and pepper to taste
[Spice level adjustment: Add ½-1 tsp cayenne for heat]
METHOD:
1. Heat Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Brown beef in batches until no pink remains (8–10 minutes per batch)
2. Remove beef, lower heat to medium. Sauté onions and peppers until soft (5 minutes)
3. Add garlic, cook until fragrant (30 seconds)
4. Return beef to pot. Add spice blend, stir to coat (1 minute)
5. Add tomatoes, beans, and sauce. Bring to boil, then reduce to low simmer
6. Cover and simmer for minimum 1 hour, stirring occasionally
[Visual cue: Chili should coat back of spoon when ready]
CRUCIAL TIPS:
• Don’t rush the beef browning – it builds flavor
• Taste and adjust seasoning in final 15 minutes
• If too thin, simmer uncovered to reduce
• If too thick, add beef broth ¼ cup at a time
STORAGE & SCALING:
Storage:
• Refrigerate up to 5 days
• Freeze up to 3 months in airtight container
Scaling:
• Recipe doubles easily
• Increase pot size accordingly
• Spices may need slight adjustment
VARIATIONS:
Three-Bean: Add black and pinto beans
Spicy: Double cayenne, add diced jalapeños
Turkey: Substitute ground turkey for beef
[Note: Turkey version needs extra oil for browning]
Common Mistakes:
• Over-stirring (makes beans mushy)
• Adding too much liquid
• Under-seasoning early in cooking
• Rushing the simmering process
This classic chili recipe delivers deep, rich flavor while remaining straightforward to prepare. The long simmer allows flavors to develop fully, making it perfect for batch cooking or feeding a crowd.
