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Classic Crowd Pleasing Beef Chili

Hearty Ground Beef Chili Recipe

A comforting, crowd-pleasing main dish, made with ground beef, canned tomatoes, kidney beans, and chipotle spice. Best served loaded up with sour cream, cilantro, corn chips, and cheddar cheese.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Course Lunch, Main Dish
Cuisine Mexican
Servings 10 people

Ingredients
  

  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 3.5 lbs lean ground beef a little more or a little less is fine!
  • 3 medium yellow onions finely chopped
  • 5 large cloves of garlic minced
  • 3 tbsp chili powder
  • 2 tbsp cumin
  • 1 tbsp oregano
  • 1/2 tsp chipotle powder - skip if you're not a chipotle fan
  • 1/2 tsp cayenne powder
  • 2 tsp kosher salt
  • 4 green onions ~ 1/2 cup - washed and finely chopped
  • 1 red bell pepper chopped
  • 1 can tomato paste 156 ml
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 1 fresh or dried bay leaf
  • 2 cans whole tomatoes 2 x 796 ml - gently purée tomatoes and their liquid in a blender or food processor on a low setting
  • 1 tbsp fresh basil chopped
  • the juice of 1 lime
  • 1 can black beans 540 ml
  • 1 can kidney beans 540 ml

Instructions
 

  • In a blender or food processor, gently purée tomatoes and the fresh basil on a low setting, just until smooth. I do this in two batches. Set aside.
  • In a large stove top pot on medium high heat add olive oil and ground beef. Brown, stirring frequently — about 10 minutes. I use lean ground beef, so there's not much fat to drain. Drain if there is an excessive amount of liquid.
  • Stir in onions and garlic. Cook for 3-5 minutes.
  • Add spices, salt, green onions, and bell pepper. Stir well.
  • Add the remaining ingredients (tomato paste, broth, puréed tomatoes and basil, bay leaf, lime juice, and beans). Sir and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 45 minutes (stirring occasionally).
  • Remove bay leaf and serve with your favorite fixings!
Keyword beef, beef chili