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How to Make THE BEST Beef Chili Recipe This is the best chili recipe with chunky ground beef and beans in a rich sauce loaded with all the classic chili flavors. It's so easy to make!

How to Make THE BEST Beef Chili Recipe

This is the best chili recipe with chunky ground beef and beans in a rich sauce loaded with all the classic chili flavors. It's so easy to make!
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 3 hours
Course Soup
Cuisine American
Servings 8
Calories 413 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 1 large yellow onion diced
  • 1 medium green bell pepper seeded and diced
  • 2 celery stalks diced
  • 3 garlic cloves pressed or minced
  • 4 ounces tomato paste
  • 3 cups water
  • 15 ounces tomato sauce
  • 2 ½ pounds 80/20 ground beef
  • 4 tablespoons chili powder
  • 2 tablespoons ground cumin
  • 2 teaspoons kosher salt
  • ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 2 15- ounce cans chili beans or kidney beans drained and lightly rinsed
  • 2 tablespoons white vinegar

Instructions
 

  • Heat the oil in a Dutch oven or large, heavy-bottom pot over medium heat. Add the onion, green bell pepper, celery, and garlic. Cook, stirring frequently until the vegetables start to soften, about 5-7 minutes. Stir the tomato paste into the vegetables and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  • Add the water to the pot and stir well, scraping up any bits from the bottom of the pot. Add the ground beef. Use a wooden spoon to break the beef into small pieces. Add the tomato sauce, chili powder, cumin, cayenne pepper and kosher salt and black pepper then bring to a medium boil. Add the beans. Stir and reduce the heat to a simmer. Cook uncovered for 2-3 hours to reduce and thicken, stirring every so often.
  • Before serving, add the vinegar and taste for seasoning. Serve with shredded cheddar cheese, minced onion, and sliced jalapeño peppers. Refrigerate for up to 4 days or freeze for 4 months.
Keyword Chili