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.

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
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
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
Stir in the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and tomato paste; cook 1 to 2 minutes until darkened and fragrant.
- 4
Return the beef, then add the crushed tomatoes, both beans, and the broth. Season with 1 1/2 teaspoons salt.
- 5
Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low and cook uncovered, stirring occasionally, for 40 minutes until thick.
- 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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