Spicy Ground Beef Chili: A Hearty American Dinner Classic

Best Damn Chili: Hearty American Dinner

Kick off your next family gathering with this unforgettable chili, a spicy ground beef masterpiece loaded with sweet and fiery peppers that’ll warm everyone’s hearts and bellies.

Prep Time: 30 minutes

Cook Time: 2 hours 15 minutes

Total Time: 2 hours 45 minutes

Servings: 12 servings

Category: Dinner

Cuisine: American

Ingredients for Flavor-Packed Chili

• 4 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 pounds lean ground beef
• 2 large yellow onions, diced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 red bell peppers, chopped
• 2 jalapeño peppers, seeds removed and chopped
• 2 (15-ounce) cans kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 2 (14.5-ounce) cans diced tomatoes
• 1 (8-ounce) can tomato sauce
• 3 tablespoons chili powder
• 2 teaspoons ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• Optional toppings: shredded cheddar, sour cream, chopped cilantro

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Heat the olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
2. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking up any large chunks. Tip: Drain excess fat for a leaner chili.
3. Stir in onions, garlic, bell peppers, and jalapeños. Sauté until vegetables soften, about 5 minutes.
4. Sprinkle chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and oregano. Stir constantly to toast the spices for 1 minute.
5. Pour in diced tomatoes and tomato sauce. Add beans, then season with salt and pepper. Stir to combine.
6. Bring mixture to a gentle boil. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 2 hours, stirring occasionally.
7. Uncover and cook another 15 minutes to thicken. Adjust seasoning if needed.
8. Serve hot with your favorite toppings—shredded cheese, sour cream, or fresh cilantro.

Expert Tips & Tricks for the Ultimate Chili

• Layer your flavors: Toast spices before adding liquids to unlock deeper taste.
• Customize the heat: Swap jalapeños for poblanos for milder notes, or add a pinch of cayenne for extra kick.
• Overnight magic: Chili often tastes better the next day—make ahead and refrigerate overnight.
• Slow cooker option: Follow steps 2–4, then transfer to slow cooker and cook on low for 6–8 hours.

Gather around the table and dive into this crowd-pleasing chili that’s sure to be the star of any dinner party.

Find the original inspiration here.