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The Ultimate Award-Winning Stovetop Chili: Hearty Three-Bean Beef Chili

Close-up of a white bowl filled with rich, thick chili featuring ground meat and kidney beans.
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Create a thick, hearty, and flavorful classic American chili on your stovetop. This easy, one-pot recipe uses ground beef and three types of beans, delivering award-winning taste perfect for a simple weeknight dinner or game day.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 pounds ground beef (80/20 recommended)
  • 1 large yellow onion, chopped
  • 1 green bell pepper, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
  • 1 (15 ounce) can kidney beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 (15 ounce) can pinto beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 (15 ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 (8 ounce) can tomato sauce
  • 1 cup beef broth
  • 3 tablespoons chili powder
  • 1 tablespoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
  • 1 teaspoon sugar (secret ingredient for depth)

Instructions

  1. Brown the ground beef in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Drain off excess fat.
  2. Add the chopped onion and green bell pepper to the pot with the beef. Cook until the vegetables soften, about 5 to 7 minutes.
  3. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  4. Add the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and beef broth to the pot. Stir to combine.
  5. Add the chili powder, cumin, oregano, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, cayenne pepper (if using), and sugar. Stir well to incorporate the spices.
  6. Bring the mixture to a simmer. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot partially, and let it simmer for at least 45 minutes, stirring occasionally. Longer simmering deepens the flavor.
  7. Stir in the rinsed and drained kidney beans, pinto beans, and black beans. Cook for an additional 15 minutes, allowing the beans to heat through and absorb the flavors.
  8. Taste the chili and adjust salt or spice levels as needed before serving hot.

Notes

  • For an even thicker chili, remove the lid during the last 20 minutes of simmering.
  • Serve this hearty chili with your favorite toppings like shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, chopped green onions, or crushed tortilla chips.
  • This chili tastes better the next day; plan to make it ahead for the best flavor.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://cookerycommand.com/best-award-winning-stovetop-chili-recipe/