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Cozy Snow Day Beef Chili

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A warm, hearty beef chili perfect for cold snowy days, made with simple pantry staples and a rich blend of spices for comforting family meals.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 pounds ground beef (80/20), preferably grass-fed
  • 1 large yellow onion, diced
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 red bell pepper, diced
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, fire-roasted optional
  • 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 cup beef broth, low-sodium recommended
  • 2 tablespoons chili powder
  • 1 tablespoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 teaspoon instant coffee granules (optional)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional for garnish)
  • Shredded cheddar cheese (optional for serving)
  • Sour cream (optional for serving)

Instructions

  1. Dice the onion and red bell pepper, mince the garlic, and drain and rinse the beans. (About 10 minutes)
  2. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Add the onion and red bell pepper and cook until softened, about 5 minutes, stirring often.
  3. Add the minced garlic and tomato paste, cooking for 1-2 minutes until fragrant and the tomato paste darkens slightly.
  4. Increase heat to medium-high, add the ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until browned and no longer pink, about 6-8 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
  5. Sprinkle in chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, cocoa powder, salt, and pepper. Stir well to coat the meat and veggies evenly. Add coffee granules if using.
  6. Pour in diced tomatoes, kidney beans, black beans, and beef broth. Stir everything together, scraping the bottom to loosen browned bits.
  7. Bring chili to a low boil, then reduce heat to low and cover loosely. Simmer for at least 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  8. Taste and adjust salt or chili powder if needed. The chili should be thick but saucy with a rich, smoky aroma.
  9. Ladle chili into bowls and top with shredded cheddar, sour cream, and fresh cilantro if desired. Serve with cornbread or warm tortillas.

Notes

If chili is too thick during simmering, add a splash of water or broth. Toast spices briefly with meat and aromatics to enhance flavor. Longer simmering (up to 1 hour) improves flavor melding. For leftovers, store in airtight containers in fridge up to 4 days or freeze. Reheat gently adding liquid if needed.

Nutrition

Keywords: beef chili, snow day recipe, comfort food, easy chili, family meal, hearty chili, ground beef chili

Find it online: https://zoeplate.com/cozy-snow-day-beef-chili-recipe-5-easy-steps-for-family-comfort/