Winter Warming Chili Con (Printable)

A robust stew combining beef, beans, and warming spices for cozy winter comfort.

# What You Need:

→ Meats

01 - 2 lbs beef chuck, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
02 - 2 tbsp olive oil

→ Vegetables

03 - 1 large onion, finely chopped
04 - 3 cloves garlic, minced
05 - 1 red bell pepper, diced
06 - 1 green bell pepper, diced
07 - 1 jalapeño, seeded and minced (optional)

→ Canned Goods

08 - 2 (14 oz) cans diced tomatoes
09 - 1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
10 - 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
11 - 2 tbsp tomato paste

→ Spices & Seasonings

12 - 2 tbsp chili powder
13 - 2 tsp ground cumin
14 - 1 tsp smoked paprika
15 - 1 tsp dried oregano
16 - 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
17 - 1 tsp salt
18 - 1/2 tsp black pepper

→ Liquids

19 - 2 cups beef broth

# Step-by-Step Guide:

01 - Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy pot over medium-high heat. Add beef cubes and brown on all sides in batches if needed. Remove beef and set aside.
02 - In the same pot, cook chopped onions for 3 to 4 minutes until softened. Add garlic, red and green bell peppers, and jalapeño; cook for an additional 3 to 4 minutes.
03 - Stir in chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, dried oregano, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
04 - Add tomato paste and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
05 - Return browned beef to the pot. Add diced tomatoes with their juice, beef broth, kidney beans, and black beans. Stir thoroughly to combine all ingredients.
06 - Bring mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and let simmer for 1 hour, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
07 - Remove lid and continue simmering uncovered for an additional 30 minutes until chili thickens and beef is tender.
08 - Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve hot with optional toppings such as sour cream, shredded cheddar, chopped cilantro, green onions, or lime wedges.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It's a one-pot wonder that feeds a crowd without keeping you in the kitchen all evening
  • The longer it simmers, the deeper the flavors get, so make it ahead and let it work its magic
  • It's naturally gluten-free and adaptable to whatever heat level you prefer—comfort food on your terms
02 -
  • Don't skip browning the beef—those golden, crusty bits are where deep flavor lives. It takes patience, but it's absolutely worth it
  • If your chili tastes bitter, you burned your spices; next time, stir them just until fragrant and keep the heat moderate
  • The chili is better the next day or even the day after. Make it in advance and reheat gently; the flavors deepen as they sit
03 -
  • Taste your chili 10 minutes before you think it's done—the flavors evolve as it cooks, and you want to catch it at its peak
  • If you have time, make this the day before. Covering it and letting it rest overnight in the refrigerator allows the spices to settle and deepen, creating an even more complex flavor profile
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