Spicy Beef Chili Kidney Beans (Printable Version)

Bold spices, tender beef, and creamy kidney beans combine for a rich and hearty main dish.

# What You'll Need:

→ Meats

01 - 1.5 lbs ground beef (80–85% lean)

→ Vegetables

02 - 1 large yellow onion, diced
03 - 1 red bell pepper, diced
04 - 1 green bell pepper, diced
05 - 3 cloves garlic, minced
06 - 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and minced
07 - 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
08 - 2 (15 oz) cans kidney beans, drained and rinsed

→ Liquids

09 - 1 cup beef broth
10 - 2 tbsp tomato paste

→ Spices & Seasonings

11 - 2 tbsp chili powder
12 - 2 tsp ground cumin
13 - 1 tsp smoked paprika
14 - 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
15 - 1 tsp dried oregano
16 - 1 tsp salt
17 - 1/2 tsp black pepper

→ Oils

18 - 2 tbsp vegetable oil

# Method:

01 - Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and no longer pink, about 6–8 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
02 - Add the diced onion, red and green bell peppers, and jalapeño. Sauté until vegetables are softened, about 5 minutes.
03 - Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
04 - Add the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, cayenne, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to coat the meat and vegetables with the spices.
05 - Mix in the tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes, stirring frequently.
06 - Add the crushed tomatoes, kidney beans, and beef broth. Stir until well combined.
07 - Bring the chili to a simmer. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 45 minutes, stirring occasionally.
08 - Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. For a thicker chili, simmer uncovered for an additional 10–15 minutes.
09 - Serve hot, garnished with your choice of toppings such as chopped cilantro, sour cream, or shredded cheese.

# Chef's Tips:

01 -
  • The secret is letting the spices bloom in the beef fat before adding anything else
  • This chili actually improves overnight, making it perfect for meal prep
02 -
  • The chili needs at least 45 minutes of simmering for the flavors to truly meld
  • Let it rest off the heat for 10 minutes before serving, as the flavors continue to develop
03 -
  • Make this a day ahead and reheat gently, the flavors intensify overnight
  • Reserve some of the garnishes to add fresh right before serving

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