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Seasoning is an essential step in preparing your Spicy Comfort Beef & Bean Chili, as it significantly impacts the final dish's flavor profile. At this stage, you will introduce spices and herbs that will elevate the taste of your chili, transforming it from a simple stew into a complex, flavorful experience.

Easy Beef and Bean Chili in a Bowl

Warm up your winter nights with the ultimate comfort food: Spicy Comfort Beef & Bean Chili. This hearty dish blends tender ground beef, creamy beans, and a medley of fresh vegetables, all simmered to perfection with a robust blend of spices. Ideal for cozy family gatherings or casual get-togethers, this chili is customizable to suit any palate. With its rich flavors and satisfying textures, it's a nourishing bowl that warms both the body and soul. Discover the joy of making it at home!
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Ingredients
  

1 lb ground beef (preferably lean)

1 medium onion, finely diced

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 bell pepper (choose red for sweetness or green for a sharper taste), diced

1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and thoroughly rinsed

1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and thoroughly rinsed

1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, including their juices

2 tbsp tomato paste

2 cups beef stock (homemade or low sodium)

2 tsp chili powder (adjust for spice preference)

1 tsp ground cumin

1 tsp smoked paprika

½ tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)

Salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste

2 tbsp olive oil (or any cooking oil of your choice)

Optional toppings: shredded cheese (cheddar or pepper jack), sour cream, finely chopped green onions, fresh cilantro leaves

Instructions
 

Sauté the Vegetables: In a large, heavy-bottomed pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the diced onion and bell pepper. Sauté for approximately 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they start to soften and the onion becomes translucent. Add the minced garlic and continue cooking for an additional minute, until fragrant.

    Brown the Beef: Increase the heat to medium-high and introduce the ground beef into the pot. Using a wooden spoon or spatula, break the beef apart as it cooks. Sauté until the meat is browned and no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes. Once cooked, carefully drain any excess fat from the pot.

      Incorporate Beans and Tomatoes: Add the rinsed kidney beans, black beans, diced tomatoes (including all their juices), and tomato paste into the pot. Stir everything together well to ensure all ingredients are well combined.

        Season the Chili: Pour in the beef stock, then sprinkle in the chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and freshly cracked black pepper. Stir thoroughly to distribute the spices evenly throughout the chili mixture.

          Simmer to Perfection: Bring the chili to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and allow the chili to simmer for 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. This simmering time is key to allowing the flavors to develop and meld together beautifully.

            Taste and Adjust: After simmering, taste the chili for seasoning, adjusting as necessary. If you prefer a spicier kick, feel free to add more cayenne pepper or chili powder according to your taste.

              Serve Warm: Ladle generous portions of the chili into wide, comforting bowls. Top each bowl with your choice of shredded cheese, a dollop of sour cream, finely chopped green onions, and fresh cilantro for an added layer of flavor and color.

                Enjoy Your Comfort Food: Serve the chili hot, savoring the rich and hearty flavors that make this dish a perfect comfort food for any occasion!

                  Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 minutes | 1 hour | 6 servings