Chili

    Classic Beef Chili

    This is a stovetop chili with backbone: browned ground beef, two kinds of beans, and a spice base bloomed in the rendered fat. Forty-five minutes of gentle simmering thickens it into a spoon-coating bowl that reheats even better on day two.

    Classic Beef Chili
    Prep15 min
    Cook50 min
    Total65 min
    Yield6 servings

    Ingredients

    • 1 1/2 lbs ground beef (85/15)
    • 1 large yellow onion, diced
    • 3 cloves garlic, minced
    • 2 tbsp chili powder
    • 1 tbsp ground cumin
    • 1 tsp smoked paprika
    • 2 tbsp tomato paste
    • 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
    • 1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, drained
    • 1 (15 oz) can pinto beans, drained
    • 1 cup beef broth

    Instructions

    1. 1

      Brown the beef in a heavy pot over medium-high heat, breaking it up, until no pink remains, about 7 minutes. Remove and set aside.

    2. 2

      In the same pot, cook the onion in the rendered fat until soft, 5 minutes, then add the garlic and cook 1 minute more.

    3. 3

      Stir in the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and tomato paste; cook 1 to 2 minutes until darkened and fragrant.

    4. 4

      Return the beef, then add the crushed tomatoes, both beans, and the broth. Season with 1 1/2 teaspoons salt.

    5. 5

      Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low and cook uncovered, stirring occasionally, for 40 minutes until thick.

    6. 6

      Taste and adjust salt. Serve topped with cheddar, sour cream, and sliced scallions.

    Chef's Tips

    • Blooming the spices in fat before the liquid goes in is the single biggest flavor upgrade.
    • For a thicker chili, mash a ladle of beans against the side of the pot.
    • Make it a day ahead — the flavors meld and sharpen overnight.

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