Ingredients:

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 pounds ground beef, preferably chuck, 80/20 blend
  • 2 large onions, chopped
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 bell peppers (any color), chopped
  • 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and minced (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons chili powder
  • 2 teaspoons ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
  • 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
  • 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
  • 1 (15 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
  • 1 cup beef broth
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon brown sugar
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • 2 (15 ounce) cans kidney beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 (15 ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed
  • Shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
  • Sour cream or Greek yogurt (optional)
  • Chopped green onions (optional)
  • Diced red onion (optional)
  • Avocado slices (optional)
  • Tortilla chips (optional)
  • Hot sauce (optional)

Instructions:

  1. Brown the ground beef in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Drain off any excess grease.
  2. Add the chopped onions, garlic, bell peppers, and jalapeño (if using) to the pot with the beef. Sauté until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
  3. Stir in the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, and cayenne pepper (if using). Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly, to bloom the spices.
  4. Add the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, beef broth, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, and brown sugar to the pot. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  5. Bring the chili to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for at least 2 hours, or up to 3 hours, stirring occasionally.
  6. Stir in the kidney beans and black beans during the last 30 minutes of simmering.
  7. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Add more salt, pepper, chili powder, or cayenne pepper to your preference.
  8. Ladle the chili into bowls and top with your favorite toppings.