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Easy Hearty Bachelor’s Chili Recipe

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A simple, quick, and comforting chili recipe perfect for cozy nights, made with ground beef, beans, and a balanced blend of spices.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb (450 g) ground beef (80/20 lean-to-fat ratio)
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 can (14.5 oz / 411 g) canned diced tomatoes
  • 1 can (15 oz / 425 g) canned kidney beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 can (15 oz / 425 g) canned black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 cup (240 ml) beef broth
  • 2 tablespoons chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Optional toppings: shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, chopped green onions, jalapeños

Instructions

  1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat for about 5 minutes until shimmering but not smoking.
  2. Add the diced onion and sauté until translucent and soft, about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  3. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, watching carefully to avoid burning.
  4. Add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spoon, and cook until browned and no longer pink, about 7-10 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
  5. Stir in chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper, mixing well to coat the meat and onions evenly.
  6. Add tomato paste, canned diced tomatoes (with juice), kidney beans, black beans, and beef broth. Stir to combine, scraping the bottom of the pot.
  7. Bring the chili to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low and cover. Simmer for at least 25 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  8. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or chili powder if desired.
  9. Serve hot with your choice of toppings such as shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, chopped green onions, or jalapeños.

Notes

If chili is too thick, add more beef broth or water. If too thin, simmer uncovered for 5-10 minutes to reduce. Drain excess fat after browning meat to avoid greasy chili. Rinse canned beans well to reduce sodium and starch. Adjust spice level at the end to avoid overpowering heat. Can be made in a slow cooker by browning meat and sautéing aromatics first, then cooking on low for 6-8 hours.

Nutrition

Keywords: chili, easy chili recipe, bachelor chili, hearty chili, quick dinner, comfort food, ground beef chili, one pot meal