Description
A one-pot, savory chili that balances earthy beef with bright tomatoes and layers of toasted spices, perfect for weeknights or potlucks.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1.5 pounds ground beef (80/20)
- 1 large yellow onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano or Mexican oregano
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 (14-oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 (8-oz) can tomato sauce
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 (15-oz) can kidney beans, drained (optional)
- 1 teaspoon cocoa powder or brewed espresso (optional)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons neutral oil for sautéing
- Garnishes: chopped cilantro, shredded cheddar, diced avocado, lime wedges
Instructions
- Prep your ingredients: chop the onion, peppers, and garlic. Open cans and measure spices.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat, add oil and ground beef. Brown the beef without stirring frequently.
- Once browned, add onions to the skillet and sauté until translucent, then add bell pepper until tender. Finally, stir in garlic and cook until fragrant.
- Sprinkle chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, and oregano over the mixture. Toast for a minute, then stir in the tomato paste.
- Add diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and broth. Bring to a simmer and reduce heat to medium-low. Season with salt and pepper, adding cocoa or espresso if desired.
- Simmer uncovered for 20–30 minutes, adding beans in the last ten minutes to heat through.
- Adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and lime juice before serving with garnishes.
Notes
For a thicker chili, use less broth; for a stew-like chili, simmer longer. Can substitute beef with crumbled tempeh for vegetarian options.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 7g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Keywords: chili, ground beef, stovetop chili, comfort food, weeknight meals
