Easy Beef Chili
Easy beef chili with ground beef, beans, and spices bloomed in the pan for real depth of flavor.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs ground beef 85/15
- 1 yellow onion diced
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 2 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tbsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 (28 oz) can diced tomatoes
- 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
- 1 (15 oz) can kidney beans drained and rinsed
- 1 (15 oz) can pinto beans drained and rinsed
- 1 cup beef broth
- shredded cheddar for serving
Instructions
- Brown the beef: In a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef with the onion, breaking it up as it cooks, about 6-8 minutes. Drain off the excess grease.
- Bloom the spices: Add the garlic, chili powder, cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper directly to the pot. Stir and cook for about 60-90 seconds until fragrant.
- Add the rest: Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, kidney beans, pinto beans, and beef broth.
- Simmer: Bring to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low and cook uncovered for 30-45 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened to your liking.
- Serve: Ladle into bowls and top with shredded cheddar.
Notes
Bloom the chili powder and cumin in the hot beef fat for about a minute before adding any liquid, it's what gives this chili real depth instead of a flat, dusty taste.