Chilis Copycat Chili Classic (Printable Version)

Hearty ground beef chili with beans, tomatoes, and bold seasonings for a cozy meal any night.

# What You'll Need:

→ Meats

01 - 2 pounds ground beef (80/20 preferred)

→ Vegetables

02 - 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
03 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
04 - 1 green bell pepper, diced
05 - 1 jalapeño, seeded and minced

→ Tomatoes & Beans

06 - 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
07 - 1 can (15 ounces) diced tomatoes with juices
08 - 2 cans (15 ounces each) kidney beans, drained and rinsed

→ Spices & Seasonings

09 - 2 tablespoons chili powder
10 - 1 tablespoon ground cumin
11 - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
12 - 1 teaspoon dried oregano
13 - 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
14 - 1 teaspoon salt
15 - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
16 - 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
17 - 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
18 - 1 teaspoon sugar

→ Liquids

19 - 1 cup beef broth
20 - 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

→ Toppings (optional)

21 - Shredded cheddar cheese
22 - Sour cream
23 - Diced red onion
24 - Chopped fresh cilantro

# Step-by-Step:

01 - In a large pot or Dutch oven set over medium heat, break up the ground beef and cook until evenly browned. Drain excess fat if desired.
02 - Add finely chopped onion, diced green bell pepper, minced jalapeño, and garlic. Sauté for 5 minutes until vegetables are softened.
03 - Add chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, dried oregano, cayenne pepper, salt, black pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, and sugar to the pot. Stir and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
04 - Stir in tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, kidney beans, beef broth, and Worcestershire sauce. Mix thoroughly to combine.
05 - Bring mixture to a gentle simmer. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 45 minutes, stirring occasionally.
06 - Taste the chili and adjust seasonings as preferred. For a thinner consistency, add water or broth as needed.
07 - Ladle hot chili into bowls and finish with desired toppings such as shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, diced red onion, or chopped cilantro.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Uses ingredients found in most home kitchens
  • Perfect balance of savory heat and comforting flavors
  • Easily customized for spice level or dietary needs
  • Feeds a crowd and tastes even better the next day
02 -
  • Gluten free chili with no flour or wheat in the recipe
  • High protein and fiber thank the beans and beef
  • Freezes perfectly so you always have a backup meal
  • Kid friendly and easy to make mild if you skip jalapeño and cayenne
03 -
  • Toast your spices in the pan briefly before adding liquids for a deeper aroma
  • Letting the chili sit covered for twenty minutes before serving mellows the flavors beautifully
  • Always taste before serving and add an extra pinch of salt or sugar if the tomatoes are too sharp
  • I learned the hard way not to rush this simmer slow and gentle is what rewards with the best savory flavor