Dad's Chili

Hearty, flavorful, and packed with wholesome ingredients, "Dad's Chili" is the ultimate comfort food for any occasion. This classic chili recipe combines tender ground beef, a medley of vibrant bell peppers, and a rich blend of spices like chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika, creating layers of bold, smoky flavor. Simmered to perfection with juicy tomatoes, hearty beans, and a touch of brown sugar for balance, this one-pot wonder is both easy to prepare and deeply satisfying. Perfect for family dinners, game days, or chilly evenings, it’s customizable with optional toppings like shredded cheddar, sour cream, and fresh cilantro. Serve with cornbread or crusty bread for a cozy, crowd-pleasing meal that’s sure to be a hit.

Nutriscore Rating: 76/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:60 mins

Total Time:80 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 2 pounds ground beef
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large yellow onion, diced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 medium red bell pepper, diced
• 1 medium green bell pepper, diced
• 28 ounces canned diced tomatoes (with juice)
• 15 ounces canned tomato sauce
• 15 ounces canned kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 15 ounces canned black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 cup beef broth
• 2 tablespoons chili powder
• 1 tablespoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 0.5 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper (optional)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish; optional)
• 0.5 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional, for serving)
• 4 tablespoons sour cream (optional, for serving)

Directions

Step 1

Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.

Step 2

Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the pot, sautéing for 3-4 minutes until softened and fragrant.

Step 3

Stir in the diced red and green bell peppers, cooking for 3-4 more minutes until slightly tender.

Step 4

Push the vegetables to the side of the pot and add the ground beef. Cook until browned, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon as it cooks, about 6-8 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.

Step 5

Add the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and black pepper. Stir well to coat the meat and vegetables with the spices.

Step 6

Pour in the diced tomatoes (with juice), tomato sauce, beef broth, and brown sugar. Stir everything together to combine.

Step 7

Add the kidney beans and black beans. Stir to distribute them evenly in the chili.

Step 8

Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then lower the heat. Cover and cook for 45-50 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 9

Taste and adjust the seasonings as necessary, adding more salt, pepper, or spices to your preference.

Step 10

Serve hot, garnishing with fresh cilantro, shredded cheddar cheese, and a dollop of sour cream if desired.

Step 11

Enjoy with warm cornbread or crusty bread on the side.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(3808.1g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	3866.4

Total Fat 225.5g	0%
Saturated Fat 88.4g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g
Cholesterol 732.3mg	0%
Sodium 8019.8mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 248.4g	0%
Dietary Fiber 73.7g	0%
Total Sugars 61.5g
Protein 234.4g	0%

Vitamin D 12IU	0%
Calcium 1273.6mg	0%
Iron 48.5mg	0%
Potassium 8376.2mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 51.2%

Protein: 23.7%

Carbs: 25.1%