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5-Star Award-Winning Beef Chili

Thick, hearty, and perfectly spiced — this award-winning chili brings bold, smoky flavor to your table.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Tex-Mex
Calories: 410
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 lb ground beef 80/20 blend
  • 1 large onion diced
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 bell peppers 1 red, 1 green, diced
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 tbsp chili powder
  • 1 tbsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tbsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp oregano
  • 0.5 tsp cayenne pepper adjust to taste
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 0.5 tsp black pepper
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 43 oz tomatoes mixed diced and crushed
  • 1 cup beef broth
  • 15 oz kidney beans drained and rinsed
  • 15 oz pinto beans drained and rinsed
  • 1 tbsp brown sugar
  • 1 tsp unsweetened cocoa powder

Equipment

  • Dutch oven
  • Wooden spoon
  • Cutting board
  • Chef's knife

Method
 

  1. Heat olive oil in a Dutch oven. Brown ground beef, drain excess fat.
  2. Add onions, garlic, and bell peppers; cook until softened.
  3. Stir in spices and tomato paste, cooking 1 minute.
  4. Add tomatoes, broth, beans, sugar, and cocoa powder. Stir well.
  5. Simmer 45–60 minutes on low heat, stirring occasionally.
  6. Serve hot with toppings like cheese, sour cream, and green onions.

Notes

For spicier chili, add chipotle peppers or extra cayenne.