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Classic Diner-Style Chili with Kidney Beans

Classic Diner-Style Chili with Kidney Beans - featured image
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A hearty, thick, and flavorful diner-style chili featuring ground beef and kidney beans. This recipe focuses on blooming spices and slow simmering to create a deep, savory flavor that is perfect for meal prep and cold nights.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 pounds ground beef (80/20 blend)
  • 2 large yellow onions, finely diced
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 cans (15 oz each) kidney beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce (no-salt-added preferred)
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 cup beef broth (low-sodium)
  • 2 tablespoons chili powder
  • 1 tablespoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil

Instructions

  1. Prep ingredients: Dice onions, mince garlic, and rinse kidney beans until water runs clear. Pat ground beef dry.
  2. Sauté aromatics: Heat vegetable oil in a Dutch oven over medium heat. Add onions and cook until soft and translucent (about 5 minutes). Add garlic in the last minute.
  3. Brown the beef: Increase heat to medium-high. Add ground beef and break into small crumbles. Cook until no longer pink and brown bits form on the bottom. Do not drain excess fat.
  4. Bloom the spices: Reduce heat to medium. Add chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne. Stir into the meat mixture and cook for 1-2 minutes to release oils.
  5. Add liquids: Stir in tomato paste and cook for 1 minute. Pour in tomato sauce and beef broth. Scrape the bottom of the pot to deglaze and bring to a simmer.
  6. Add beans: Stir in the rinsed kidney beans. Taste and add salt and black pepper to taste.
  7. Simmer: Reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 45-60 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and flavors meld.
  8. Final adjustments: Taste again and adjust seasoning if needed. Remove from heat and serve.

Notes

Do not drain the fat from the beef as it carries flavor. Bloom spices in oil before adding liquid for deeper flavor. Simmer gently; do not boil. Chili tastes better the next day. Can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: chili recipe, diner chili, kidney bean chili, ground beef chili, comfort food, meal prep, slow simmered chili, spicy beef stew

Find it online: https://gleefulfork.com/classic-diner-style-chili-with-kidney-beans/