Lennie's Chili Finally Written Down

Get ready to savor the bold, comforting flavors of "Lennie's Chili Finally Written Down," a hearty and perfectly spiced chili recipe that's been lovingly perfected over time. Made with tender ground beef, a vibrant medley of red and green bell peppers, and robust seasonings like smoked paprika and cumin, this classic dish is simmered to perfection in a rich tomato base with kidney and black beans for added texture and nourishment. Whether you like your chili mild or with a kick of heat from optional cayenne pepper, this versatile recipe is perfect for cozy family dinners, game-day gatherings, or meal prepping. Garnish with fresh cilantro, a dollop of sour cream, and gooey shredded cheddar to take it to the next level. Ready in under two hours and serving six, this soul-warming chili is destined to become your new go-to comfort food.

Nutriscore Rating: 78/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:90 mins

Total Time:105 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 2 pounds ground beef
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large yellow onion, diced
• 4 cloves garlic cloves, minced
• 1 medium red bell pepper, diced
• 1 medium green bell pepper, diced
• 28 ounces diced tomatoes (with juice)
• 6 ounces tomato paste
• 1.5 cups beef stock
• 15 ounces kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 15 ounces black beans, drained and rinsed
• 3 tablespoons chili powder
• 2 tablespoons ground cumin
• 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon oregano
• 0.5 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 0.25 cup fresh cilantro, chopped (optional, for garnish)
• 0 n/a sour cream (optional, for serving)
• 0 n/a shredded cheddar cheese (optional, for serving)

Directions

Step 1

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

Step 2

Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat and set the cooked beef aside.

Step 3

In the same pot, add diced onions and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened.

Step 4

Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 5

Add the diced red and green bell peppers and sauté for another 4-5 minutes until slightly softened.

Step 6

Return the cooked ground beef to the pot and stir to combine.

Step 7

Add the diced tomatoes (with their juice), tomato paste, and beef stock, stirring to incorporate.

Step 8

Add the kidney beans and black beans to the pot and mix well.

Step 9

Stir in chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, black pepper, and sugar. Mix thoroughly to distribute the spices evenly.

Step 10

Bring the chili to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer uncovered for 60-75 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and allow the flavors to meld.

Step 11

Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed, adding more salt, pepper, or spices, if desired.

Step 12

Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro, sour cream, and shredded cheddar cheese, if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(3700.6g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	3865.5

Total Fat 214.6g	0%
Saturated Fat 79.5g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g
Cholesterol 647.1mg	0%
Sodium 5128.0mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 280.1g	0%
Dietary Fiber 83.8g	0%
Total Sugars 78.6g
Protein 237.4g	0%

Vitamin D 6IU	0%
Calcium 1033.1mg	0%
Iron 54.2mg	0%
Potassium 9333.5mg	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: 48.3%

Protein: 23.7%

Carbs: 28.0%