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The Ultimate Award-Winning Beef and Bean Chili

A spoonful of steaming, rich, meaty chili is lifted from a ceramic bowl, showcasing the best chili recipe ingredients.
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This is the best chili recipe you will ever make. It delivers deep, rich flavor perfect for game day or a cozy winter dinner. We show you how to build layers of taste for a truly satisfying bowl.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 lbs ground beef (80/20 recommended)
  • 1 large yellow onion, chopped
  • 1 green bell pepper, chopped
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
  • 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
  • 1 (15 ounce) can kidney beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 (15 ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 cup strong brewed coffee (secret ingredient)
  • 2 tablespoons chili powder
  • 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
  • 1 tablespoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon unsweetened cocoa powder (secret ingredient)
  • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to heat preference)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar

Instructions

  1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Drain off excess fat.
  2. Add the chopped onion and bell pepper to the pot with the beef. Cook until the vegetables soften, about 5 to 7 minutes.
  3. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Do not let the garlic burn.
  4. Add the chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, oregano, cocoa powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper to the pot. Stir well and cook for 2 minutes, allowing the spices to toast. This step builds deep flavor.
  5. Pour in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and brewed coffee. Stir to combine everything.
  6. Add the rinsed and drained kidney beans and black beans. Stir in the brown sugar.
  7. Bring the chili mixture to a simmer. Once simmering, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot partially, and let it cook for at least 1.5 hours, stirring occasionally. For the best flavor, simmer for 3 hours.
  8. Taste the chili before serving. Adjust salt, pepper, or cayenne as needed.
  9. Serve hot with your favorite toppings. This is a great make ahead chili recipe; the flavor improves overnight.

Notes

  • For a no bean chili option, simply omit the kidney and black beans. The flavor base remains strong.
  • If you prefer a slow cooker chili perfection method, transfer all ingredients (after browning the beef and sautéing the aromatics) to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
  • To achieve a thicker chili, remove the lid for the last 30 minutes of simmering time.
  • Consider adding a splash of apple cider vinegar at the end to brighten the overall taste.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://cookifyme.com/best-chili-recipe/