This is Grandma’s Secret Chili Recipe, the perfect, hearty comfort food for a cold winter day. Follow our tested steps to create a rich, satisfying chili.
Author:Amelia Carmichael
Prep Time:15 minutes
Cook Time:1 hour 15 minutes
Total Time:1 hour 30 minutes
Yield:6-8 servings
Category:Main Dish
Method:Stovetop Simmer
Cuisine:American
Diet:None
Ingredients
Scale
2 pounds ground beef (80/20 recommended)
1 large yellow onion, chopped
1 green bell pepper, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 (15 ounce) cans kidney beans, rinsed and drained
1 (15 ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
1 cup beef broth
2 tablespoons chili powder
1 tablespoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to your heat preference)
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
Brown the ground beef in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Drain off excess fat.
Add the chopped onion and bell pepper to the pot. Cook until softened, about 5 to 7 minutes.
Stir in the minced garlic, chili powder, cumin, oregano, and cayenne pepper. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Pour in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and beef broth. Stir well to combine all ingredients.
Add the rinsed and drained kidney beans and black beans to the pot.
Season with salt and pepper.
Bring the chili to a simmer. Reduce heat to low, cover the pot partially, and let it cook for at least 1 hour, stirring occasionally. For deeper flavor, simmer for 2 hours.
Taste and adjust seasonings before serving.
Notes
Serving suggestions include shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, or chopped green onions.
For a richer flavor, brown the meat with 1 tablespoon of bacon grease before adding vegetables.
If you prefer a thicker chili, remove the lid during the last 30 minutes of simmering.