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Close-up of a white bowl filled with rich Classic Beef and Bean Chili, topped with fresh green onions.

Classic Beef and Bean Chili

This recipe recreates a classic beef and bean chili, perfect for cold weather dinners or game day gatherings. It offers a hearty, traditional flavor profile that brings people together.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 6 bowls
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 395
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 pounds lean ground beef
  • 1 onion, diced
  • 1 jalapeño, seeded and finely diced
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2.5 tablespoons chili powder divided
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 green bell pepper, seeded and diced
  • 14.5 ounces crushed tomatoes 1 can
  • 19 ounces red kidney beans, drained and rinsed
  • 14.5 ounces diced tomatoes with juices
  • 1.5 cups beef broth
  • 1 cup beer
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar optional
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Equipment

  • Large pot

Method
 

  1. Combine the ground beef with 1.5 tablespoons of chili powder.
  2. In a large pot, brown the ground beef mixture with the onion, jalapeno, and garlic. Drain any fat from the pot.
  3. Add the remaining ingredients to the pot and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer uncovered for 45 to 60 minutes, or until the chili reaches your desired thickness.
  4. Top the chili with cheddar cheese, green onions, cilantro, or other toppings you prefer before serving.

Nutrition

Calories: 395kcalCarbohydrates: 27gProtein: 29gFat: 17gSaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 77mgSodium: 283mgPotassium: 1066mgFiber: 7gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 870IUVitamin C: 26.2mgCalcium: 86mgIron: 6.2mg

Notes

The serving size for this recipe is 1.5 cups.
You can replace the beer with extra beef broth if you prefer not to use alcohol.
This recipe works well with any type of ground meat.
Optional toppings include sour cream, red or green onion, cheese, jalapenos, cilantro, avocado and lime wedges, and tortilla chips.

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