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The Best Award-Winning Ground Beef Chili

Close-up of a white bowl filled with rich, thick chili featuring ground meat and kidney beans, part of the best chili recipe.
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This recipe delivers a deeply flavorful, hearty ground beef chili, perfect for game day or a satisfying weeknight dinner. It uses simple ingredients combined with specific techniques for maximum taste.

Ingredients

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  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 2 pounds ground beef (80/20 recommended)
  • 1 large yellow onion, diced
  • 1 green bell pepper, diced
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
  • 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
  • 1 (15 ounce) can kidney beans, rinsed and drained (optional)
  • 1 (15 ounce) can pinto beans, rinsed and drained (optional)
  • 1 cup beef broth
  • 1/4 cup chili powder
  • 2 tablespoons ground cumin
  • 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon unsweetened cocoa powder (secret ingredient)
  • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to heat preference)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

  1. Heat the vegetable oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat.
  2. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until fully browned. Drain off excess grease.
  3. Add the diced onion and bell pepper to the pot. Cook until softened, about 5 to 7 minutes.
  4. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  5. Add the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, cocoa powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Stir well and cook for 2 minutes to toast the spices.
  6. Pour in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and beef broth. Stir to combine all ingredients.
  7. If using beans, add the rinsed and drained kidney and pinto beans now.
  8. Bring the mixture to a simmer. Once simmering, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot partially, and let it cook slowly for at least 1.5 hours, stirring occasionally. For deeper flavor, simmer for 3 hours.
  9. Taste and adjust salt, pepper, or cayenne pepper as needed before serving.

Notes

  • For an award-winning flavor profile, do not skip the cocoa powder; it deepens the color and richness without making the chili taste sweet.
  • If you prefer a thicker chili, remove the lid for the last 30 minutes of simmering to allow excess liquid to evaporate.
  • Serve with shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, and chopped green onions for classic toppings.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://delishsymphony.com/best-chili-recipe/