Ingredients
Meat and Seasoning
- 2 1/2 pounds lean ground beef (93%)
- 1 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Vegetables and Flavorings
- 1 cup finely diced onion
- 1 tablespoon chopped garlic
Oils and Sauces
- 1/4 cup olive oil, divided
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
Thickening and Broth
- 1/4 cup tomato paste
- 1/4 cup flour
- 1 cup beef broth
Spices
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
Instructions
- Brown the beef: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the ground beef along with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Cook, breaking the beef into small crumbles until browned.
- Drain and set aside: Remove any excess grease from the pot, then transfer the browned beef to a bowl and set aside.
- Sauté the onions: Reduce the heat to low, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil and the finely diced onions. Cook for 7-8 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent burning, until the onions are softened.
- Add garlic and seasonings: Stir in the chopped garlic, tomato paste, ground cumin, chili powder, and Worcestershire sauce. Then sprinkle in the flour and cook the mixture for 1 minute to remove the raw flour taste.
- Combine and simmer: Return the browned beef to the pot and pour in the beef broth. Stir well to combine and bring the mixture to a boil. Lower the heat to a simmer and cook gently for 1 1/2 hours, allowing the chili to thicken and develop flavor.
- Final seasoning and serving: Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve the chili as is or use it as a delicious topping for hot dogs, hamburgers, or french fries.
Notes
- Use lean ground beef (93%) to keep the chili flavorful yet lower in fat.
- Simmering for 1 1/2 hours is essential for deep flavor and thick texture.
- Drain excess grease after browning the beef to avoid a greasy chili.
- Adjust chili powder to taste if you prefer more or less heat.
- This chili can be made ahead and refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Category: Sauce/Topping
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American