Mean Chef Chili

Dive into a bowl of hearty comfort with this Mean Chef Chili, a bold and flavorful take on a classic favorite. Packed with tender ground beef, a medley of kidney and black beans, and a robust blend of spices like chili powder, smoked paprika, and cayenne, this recipe delivers the perfect balance of smoky heat and savory richness. Simmered to perfection with tomatoes, bell peppers, and a hint of brown sugar, it’s a deeply satisfying dish that’s ideal for game day, family dinners, or a cozy night in. Top it off with fresh cilantro, shredded cheddar cheese, or a dollop of sour cream for the ultimate chili experience. With just 15 minutes of prep and a slow simmer to let the flavors meld, this recipe is as easy as it is delicious. Perfect for chili lovers searching for bold, homemade flavor!

Nutriscore Rating: 78/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:90 mins

Total Time:105 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 1 large red bell pepper, diced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1.5 pounds ground beef (80% lean)
• 1.5 teaspoons kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 2 tablespoons chili powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 0.25 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1 can crushed tomatoes (28 oz can)
• 1 can diced tomatoes (14.5 oz can)
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 cup beef or chicken broth
• 1 can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1 leaf bay leaf
• 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped (optional, for garnish)
• 0.5 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional, for serving)
• 0.25 cup 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 red bell pepper to the pot. Sauté for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened.

Step 3

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

Step 4

Add the ground beef to the pot and cook, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, for 6-8 minutes or until browned. Drain excess fat if needed.

Step 5

Season the beef mixture with kosher salt, ground black pepper, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper. Stir well to coat the beef and vegetables in the spices.

Step 6

Stir in the crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, and beef or chicken broth.

Step 7

Add the drained kidney beans and black beans to the pot, along with the brown sugar and bay leaf.

Step 8

Bring the chili to a simmer over medium-high heat. Once it starts to bubble, reduce the heat to low.

Step 9

Cover the pot and let the chili simmer for 60-75 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Remove the bay leaf before serving.

Step 10

Taste the chili and adjust seasoning with additional salt or spices as needed.

Step 11

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

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2708.2g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	3405.1

Total Fat 200.6g	0%
Saturated Fat 77.7g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g
Cholesterol 559.6mg	0%
Sodium 3560.8mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 211.4g	0%
Dietary Fiber 62.3g	0%
Total Sugars 45.0g
Protein 188.8g	0%

Vitamin D 54.1IU	0%
Calcium 1026.8mg	0%
Iron 36.5mg	0%
Potassium 6073.7mg	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: 53.0%

Protein: 22.2%

Carbs: 24.8%