Ingredients
- Lean Ground Beef: 1.5 lbs extra-lean ground beef (or ground turkey)
- Beans: 2 cans (15 oz each) mixed beans (kidney beans, black beans, or pinto beans, rinsed and drained)
- Tomatoes: 1 can (28 oz) crushed or diced tomatoes, plus 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
- Aromatics & Vegetables: 1 medium yellow onion (diced), 1 green bell pepper (diced), and 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- Seasoning: 2 tbsp chili powder, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp smoked paprika, ½ tsp salt, and ¼ tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Brown the Meat: Heat a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the lean ground beef, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon, and cook until completely browned. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
- Sauté Aromatics: Add the diced onion, green bell pepper, and minced garlic directly to the beef in the skillet. Cook for 4 to 5 minutes until the vegetables have softened and become fragrant.
- Combine Ingredients: Stir in the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper, coating the meat and vegetables evenly. Pour in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and rinsed beans. Stir well to combine.
- Simmer: Bring the chili to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pan and let it simmer for 20 to 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, to allow the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken.
- Serve: Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Ladle warm into bowls and serve with your favorite optional toppings like shredded cheese or Greek yogurt.