1. Cook the Ground Beef

Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the ground beef to the pot. Use a wooden spoon to break the beef into smaller pieces as it cooks. Stir occasionally, cooking for about 5-7 minutes, or until the beef is browned and fully cooked through. Drain any excess fat from the beef if needed.

2. Sauté the Vegetables

Add the diced onion and bell pepper to the pot with the browned beef. Sauté the vegetables for 5-7 minutes, or until they have softened and become fragrant. Stir occasionally to ensure the vegetables don’t burn. Once the vegetables are tender, add the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes, until the garlic becomes fragrant.

3. Add the Tomato Products and Broth

Once the garlic is cooked, stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, and beef broth. The tomato paste adds richness and depth to the chili, while the broth provides the necessary liquid for cooking the beans and spices. Stir to combine all the ingredients and bring the mixture to a simmer.

4. Add the Beans and Spices

Add the drained and rinsed kidney beans and black beans to the pot. These beans will add both texture and fiber to the chili. Stir well to combine with the beef and vegetables.

Now, it’s time to add the spices. Stir in the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper (if using), oregano, black pepper, and salt. These spices create the signature bold and savory flavor of chili. If you like your chili on the sweeter side, add the optional tablespoon of brown sugar. For a tangier taste, add the apple cider vinegar. Stir everything together until the spices are evenly distributed.

5. Simmer the Chili

Bring the chili to a gentle simmer over medium-low heat. Let it cook uncovered for 45 minutes to 1 hour, stirring occasionally. This simmering time allows the flavors to meld together and the chili to thicken. The longer you let it simmer, the more intense the flavors will be, so feel free to adjust the cooking time depending on how rich and concentrated you want the chili.

If you find that the chili is getting too thick, you can add a little more beef broth or water to loosen it up. Taste the chili and adjust the seasonings as necessary. You can add more salt, pepper, or chili powder if you prefer a stronger flavor.

6. Check for Doneness

Once the chili has thickened and the flavors have melded, check for doneness. The chili should have a rich, thick consistency, with the beans and beef tender and well-incorporated. If you like your chili a little thinner, add more broth until you reach your desired consistency.

7. Garnish and Serve

Once the chili is ready, remove the pot from the heat. Ladle the chili into bowls and top with your favorite toppings. Shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped cilantro, green onions, and a few slices of avocado are all great options. For added texture, you can serve the chili with tortilla chips or crusty bread on the side.

Serve hot and enjoy the comforting flavors of this homemade chili with ground beef and beans!