Here it is: one beef chili recipe to rule them all (and to take home those cook-off prizes). We like to top ours off with a little chopped green onion, a generous layer of cheddar cheese, and a big dollop of sour scream. 

Level
Beginner
Prep Time
20 minutes
Cook Time
75 minutes
Serves
8-10

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 pounds ground beef (lean)
  • 1 large yellow onion, diced
  • 2 red bell peppers, diced
  • 6 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 3 tablespoons chili powder
  • 1 tablespoon cumin
  • 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon oregano
  • 1 teaspoon coriander
  • ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 can crushed tomatoes (28 ounce)
  • 1 can fire roasted tomatoes (14 ounce)
  • 2 cups beef broth
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 2 cans kidney beans, drained and rinsed (15 ounce)
  • 1 can pinto beans, drained and rinsed

Directions

  1. Heat dutch oven with 2 tablespoons olive oil over medium heat for 3 to 4 minutes. Add ground beef and 1 teaspoon of salt. Brown for 2-3 minutes before stirring. Using a wooden spoon, break up the beef and cook until uniformly browned. Transfer to a bowl.
  2. Add onion and bell pepper to the dutch oven. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes until soft and lightly browned. Stir in the garlic.
  3. Lower the heat to medium low, add chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, coriander, and cayenne. Stir until fragrant, about 1 minute.  
  4. Return the beef to the dutch oven and add the canned tomatoes, broth, and Worcestershire. Stir well, scraping the bottom of the pot to remove cooked on bits.
  5. Bring to a simmer, reduce to low, and cover with the lid slightly ajar. Cook for about 45 minutes, stirring infrequently.
  6. Stir in apple cider vinegar. Taste and adjust seasonings. 
  7. Add beans and cook for 15 minutes more. If the chili feels too thick, stir in a little more beef broth. If it’s too loose, simmer uncovered until it has reached its desired consistency. Serve with your favorite toppings.
lodge_logo_pan_a8a88d6c-13e0-4340-842a-a76f1bb65e4b

We hope you enjoy our stories and recipes! Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and Threads. Tag your food photos with @lodgecastiron for a chance to be featured on our Instagram story! Want a chance to win free Lodge products? Join our private Facebook community and participate in our monthly cooking challenges.