This classic beef chili is the perfect dish for a cold winter’s night. It’s hearty and filling, and packed full of flavour. Plus, it’s easy to make and can be easily customized to your liking. So whether you like your chili with beans or without, spice it up with some jalapeños or keep it mild, this recipe is sure to please.
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450 g) ground beef
- 1 onion, diced
- 1 green pepper, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp (15 ml) olive oil
- 2 tbsp (30 ml) chili powder
- 1 tsp (5 ml) cumin
- 1 tsp (5 ml) oregano
- 1/2 tsp (2.5 ml) salt
- 1/4 tsp (1 ml) black pepper
- 1 can (28 oz/796 ml) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 can (15 oz/425 ml) red kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz/425 ml) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (14.5 oz/411 ml) crushed tomatoes
Method
In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the oil over medium heat. Add the onions, peppers, and garlic, and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the ground beef and cook until browned. Drain any excess fat.
Stir in the chili powder, cumin, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Add the tomatoes, kidney beans, black beans, and crushed tomatoes. Bring to a simmer and cook for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Taste and adjust seasoning as necessary. Serve hot with some shredded cheese and a dollop of sour cream, if desired.
Potential changes & improvements
There are endless possibilities when it comes to chili, so feel free to mix things up and make it your own. Here are a few ideas:
- Add some heat with some diced jalapeños or a can of diced green chilies
- Make it a bit sweeter by adding a can of corn
- Bulk it up with some diced sweet potatoes
- Give it a smoky flavor with some chipotle peppers in adobo sauce
What other food it works well with
Chili is pretty versatile and goes well with a lot of different dishes. Here are a few ideas:
- Serve it over a bed of rice or quinoa
- Top it with some avocado slices
- Serve it with some cornbread or biscuits
- Use it as a filling for tacos or burritos
Common Mistakes
When it comes to chili, there are a few common mistakes that people make. Here are a few to avoid:
- Not browning the ground beef – This step may seem unnecessary, but it really does make a difference in the flavor of the dish. Be sure to cook the beef until it’s nicely browned.
- Overcooking the vegetables – You want the onions, peppers, and garlic to be softened, but you don’t want them to be mushy. So be sure to only cook them for a few minutes.
- Not adjusting the seasonings – Seasonings are key in chili, so be sure to taste it before you serve it and adjust as necessary. Add more chili powder if you want it spicier, more salt if it needs it, etc.
Nutritional Information
Calories: 490
Fat: 17 g
Saturated Fat: 6 g
Cholesterol: 70 mg
Sodium: 1290 mg
Carbohydrates: 49 g
Fiber: 15 g
Sugar: 10 g
Protein: 32 g
Allergens
This recipe contains the following allergens:
- Beef
- Tomatoes
- Kidney beans
- Black beans