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Best Classic Ground Beef Chili

Thick, beefy, and full of classic chili flavor, this ground beef chili is a timeless favorite. It comes together easily with pantry staples and delivers rich, satisfying comfort in every bowl.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 2 hours 30 minutes
Total Time 3 hours
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Ingredients Equipment Method

Ingredients
  

  • 2 lbs Ground Beef 85% Lean is Best
  • 2 tsp Baking Powder
  • 1 tsp Salt
  • 1 Medium Yellow Onion diced
  • 4 Cloves Garlic minced
  • 2 tbsp Chili Powder
  • 1 tsp Paprika
  • 2 tsp Cumin
  • 2 tsp Oregano
  • ½ tsp Pepper
  • ¼ tsp Cayenne Pepper if desired for spice (not needed)
  • ¼ cup Tomato Paste
  • 2 cups Beef Broth
  • 1 can Diced Tomatoes
  • ½ tsp Light Brown Sugar
Optional
  • 1 can Beans if adding, drained and rinsed

Equipment

  • Dutch Oven or Heavy Pot with Tight Fitting Lid

Method
 

  1. Prep the meat. Mix baking powder, salt, and warm water. Drizzle over ground beef and let rest 20 minutes.
  2. Prep other ingredients. Dice onion, mince garlic, measure spices, tomato paste, and broth.
  3. Brown the meat: Medium heat. Cook beef, breaking into small pieces. Leave the fat in the pot. Remove meat and set aside.
  4. Cook aromatics: Sauté onion until translucent. Add garlic, then spices. Cook 1 minute until fragrant.
  5. Add tomato paste: Stir in and cook 1 minute, stirring constantly.
  6. Add broth & deglaze pot: Pour in beef broth, scrape up browned bits.
  7. Combine: Add meat and diced tomatoes. Stir.
  8. Simmer, Covered: Bring to boil, lower to gentle simmer. Cover and cook 1.5 hours, stirring every 30 minutes.
  9. Add brown sugar & Uncover: Uncover, stir in brown sugar (and beans if using). Simmer uncovered 20–30 minutes until chili reaches desired thickness.
  10. Serve: Hot, with your choice of toppings.