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Comfort food holds a special place in many hearts, often evoking memories of family gatherings, cozy evenings by the fireplace, and the simple joy of a home-cooked meal. This genre of cooking transcends mere sustenance; it brings warmth and satisfaction to our lives. Among the myriad of comfort food options, chili stands out as a quintessential dish that embodies everything comforting and hearty.

Easy Beef and Bean Chili in a Bowl

Discover the heartwarming charm of Spicy Comfort Beef & Bean Chili, the ultimate comfort food that warms both body and soul. Made with lean ground beef, nutritious beans, and a blend of aromatic spices, this dish is perfect for family dinners or gatherings. Easy to prepare and highly adaptable to individual tastes, it's a meal that fosters connection and creates lasting memories. Serve it up with your favorite toppings and sides for a truly delightful experience!
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Ingredients
  

1 lb ground beef, preferably lean

1 medium onion, finely diced

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 bell pepper (choose either red or green), diced

1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed thoroughly

1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed thoroughly

1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, including their juices

2 tbsp tomato paste

2 cups beef stock (or broth)

2 tsp chili powder

1 tsp ground cumin

1 tsp smoked paprika

½ tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to your heat preference)

Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

2 tbsp olive oil

Optional toppings: shredded cheese (cheddar or Monterey Jack), dollops of sour cream, chopped green onions, and freshly chopped cilantro

Instructions
 

Sauté the Vegetables: In a large, heavy-bottomed pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and bell pepper to the pot. Sauté for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables begin to soften and the onions become translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant and slightly golden.

    Brown the Beef: Increase the heat to medium-high. Add the ground beef to the pot, using a wooden spoon to break it apart as it cooks. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes, or until the meat is well-browned and no longer pink. If there is excess fat, carefully drain it from the pot.

      Incorporate Beans and Tomatoes: Stir in the drained kidney beans, black beans, and diced tomatoes (with their juices) along with the tomato paste. Mix the ingredients thoroughly to ensure they are well combined.

        Season the Chili: Pour in the beef stock and add the chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir well to blend the spices evenly throughout the chili mixture.

          Simmer for Flavor: Bring the chili to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and allow it to simmer for 30-40 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking, enabling the flavors to meld beautifully and create a hearty chili.

            Taste and Adjust Seasoning: After the simmering time, taste your chili and adjust the seasoning as needed. If you prefer a spicier chili, feel free to add a bit more cayenne pepper or chili powder, stirring it in well.

              Serving: Once the chili is ready, ladle it into warm serving bowls. Enhance each bowl with your favorite toppings such as shredded cheese, a spoonful of sour cream, a sprinkle of chopped green onions, and fresh cilantro for added freshness and flavor.

                Enjoy Your Comfort Food: Serve hot, and savor the comforting and satisfying flavors of this delightful Spicy Beef and Bean Chili!

                  Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 minutes | 1 hour | 6 servings