Name: Classic Beef and Bean Chili
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 2 h 30 min
Total time: 2 h 55 min
Yield: Serves 8-10
Ingredients: 900 g (2 lb) ground beef; 2-3 medium yellow onions, diced; 6-8 garlic cloves, minced; 60 ml (4 tbsp) chili powder, plus more to taste; 5-10 ml (1-2 tsp) ground cumin; 2 x 800 g (28 oz) cans crushed tomatoes; 2 x 425 g (15 oz) cans tomato paste; 720 ml-1.2 litres (3-5 cups) beef stock/broth; 3-4 x 425 g (15 oz) cans beans, drained and rinsed; Salt and black pepper

Instructions

Heat a large, heavy pot over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until well browned, breaking it into small pieces and allowing browned bits to form on the bottom of the pot.
Add the onions and cook for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened. Stir in the garlic and cook for 30-60 seconds.
Add the chili powder and cumin. Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until fragrant.
Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste and 720 ml (3 cups) of the stock. Bring to a gentle simmer.
Cook for 1 1/2-3 hours, partially uncovered, stirring occasionally. Add more stock as needed to keep the chili thick but saucy.
Stir in the drained beans and simmer for another 20-45 minutes, until heated through and the flavours have blended.
Taste and adjust the salt, black pepper and chili powder. Leave the chili to stand for 10-15 minutes before serving.

Notes

For a mixed-meat version, replace half of the ground beef with ground pork.
Add 2-3 diced bell peppers with the onions for a sweeter, more vegetable-forward chili.
For a smokier flavour, add 5-10 ml (1-2 tsp) smoked paprika with the chili powder.
Add 10 ml (2 tsp) dried oregano with the spices for a more herbaceous flavour.
Water may be used instead of stock, although the finished chili will be less savoury.
If the chili tastes bitter or overly sharp, stir in a small amount of brown sugar. If it tastes heavy or flat, add a small splash of vinegar.
Serve with grated cheddar, sour cream, chopped cilantro/coriander or sliced jalapenos.

Classic Beef and Bean Chili

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Ingredients

Instructions

Notes

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