The Ultimate Chili

Bold, hearty, and packed with flavor, The Ultimate Chili is your go-to recipe for the perfect comfort food. This rich, savory chili combines tender ground beef, two types of beans, and a medley of aromatic spices like chili powder, cumin, and paprika to achieve a deep, smoky profile that warms with every bite. Slow-simmered with fresh vegetables, diced tomatoes, and beef broth, its thick, satisfying texture is enhanced by the optional addition of cayenne for a spicy edge. Ready in just over an hour, this versatile recipe is ideal for feeding a crowd, whether served with cornbread or tortilla chips and garnished with sour cream, shredded cheddar, and green onions. Perfect for game days, family gatherings, or cold evenings, The Ultimate Chili is an irresistible blend of bold flavors and hearty comfort—truly a masterpiece in a bowl.

Nutriscore Rating: 75/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:60 mins

Total Time:75 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 yellow onion, diced
• 1 green bell pepper, diced
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 pound ground beef (80% lean)
• 2 cans canned diced tomatoes (14.5 ounces each)
• 3 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1 can canned kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can canned black beans, drained and rinsed
• 2 tablespoons chili powder
• 2 teaspoons ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon oregano
• 0.5 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 0 sour cream (for serving, optional)
• 0 shredded cheddar cheese (for serving, optional)
• 0 green onions, sliced (for garnish, optional)
• 0 tortilla chips or cornbread (for serving, optional)

Directions

Step 1

Heat a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the olive oil and let it heat until shimmering.

Step 2

Add the diced onion and bell pepper to the pot. Sauté for 5-7 minutes, or until the vegetables start to soften.

Step 3

Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.

Step 4

Add the ground beef to the pot. Cook, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, until it is browned and no longer pink, about 7-10 minutes. Drain any excess fat if necessary.

Step 5

Stir in the chili powder, cumin, paprika, oregano, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and black pepper. Cook for 1 minute to toast the spices.

Step 6

Add the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, beef broth, kidney beans, and black beans. Stir to combine.

Step 7

Bring the chili to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer uncovered for 45 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

Step 8

Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Add more salt, pepper, or spices according to your preference.

Step 9

Serve the chili warm with your choice of toppings such as sour cream, shredded cheddar cheese, or green onions. Pair with tortilla chips or cornbread for a complete meal.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	2024.7 grams (2024.7g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2691

Total Fat 147.30g	189%
Saturated Fat 51.70g	259%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.70g
Cholesterol 358mg	119%
Sodium 5516mg	240%
Total Carbohydrate 201.60g	73%
Dietary Fiber 60.30g	215%
Total Sugars 19.40g
Protein 144.00g	288%

Vitamin D 34IU	171%
Calcium 784mg	60%
Iron 33mg	182%
Potassium 4827mg	103%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 49.0%

Protein: 21.3%

Carbs: 29.8%