Dinner · 5 min prep · about 30 min total

Classic Chili

Prep Piece of Cake → Chef Mode
Family Pass → Seconds, please

My take

Good ol’ comfort food at its finest. Perfect on a chilly, rainy day when you want the house to smell like you’ve got life handled. Even better with freshly made cornbread on the side. Confidence in a bowl.

Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced
  • 1 pound 90% lean ground beef
  • 2 tablespoons chili powder
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons ground cumin
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 tablespoon garlic powder
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1 1/2 cups beef broth
  • 1 (15 oz.) can petite diced tomatoes
  • 1 (16 oz.) can red kidney beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 (8 oz.) can tomato sauce

Steps

  1. Add the olive oil to a large soup pot and place it over medium-high heat for two minutes. Add the onion. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  2. Add the ground beef to the pot. Break it apart with a wooden spoon. Cook for 6–7 minutes, until the beef is browned, stirring occasionally.
  3. Add the chili powder, cumin, sugar, tomato paste, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until well combined.
  4. Add the broth, diced tomatoes (with their juice), drained beans, and tomato sauce. Stir well.
  5. Bring the liquid to a low boil. Then reduce the heat (low to medium-low) to gently simmer the chili, uncovered, for 20–25 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  6. Remove the pot from the heat. Let the chili rest for 5–10 minutes before serving.

Cook’s notes

  • Chili powder brand matters. Different brands vary a lot in heat. McCormick is flavorful without being spicy.
  • Toppings: Cheddar, sour cream, green onions, crackers, or diced avocado. Set them out and let people build their bowl.
  • Leftovers: Fridge up to 5 days, or freeze up to 3 months.

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