Ingredients
- 2 pounds ground beef
- 1 tablespoon olive oil, if needed
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper, optional
- 1 can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can black beans or pinto beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can diced tomatoes with juice
- 1 can crushed tomatoes
- 1 can tomato sauce
- ½ cup beef broth, optional
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon brown sugar, optional
Instructions
- Brown ground beef in a skillet over medium-high heat. Break it apart as it cooks.
- Drain excess grease if needed.
- Add onion and green bell pepper. Cook for 3–4 minutes.
- Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
- Add tomato paste, chili powder, cumin, paprika, oregano, salt, black pepper, and cayenne. Stir for 1 minute.
- Transfer the beef mixture to the crockpot.
- Add beans, diced tomatoes, crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, and beef broth if using.
- Stir everything together.
- Cover and cook on low for 6–8 hours or high for 3–4 hours.
- Taste and adjust seasoning.
- Serve hot with cheese, sour cream, green onions, tortilla chips, or cornbread.
Notes
For thicker chili, skip the broth or cook uncovered for the last 15–20 minutes.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6–8 hours
- Category: Dinner, Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American