Oh, chili. Is there anything more comforting on a chilly evening? Seriously! For me, a big bowl of chili is like a warm hug from the inside out. This Smoky Beef & Black Bean Chili? It’s not just any chili, trust me. We’re talking deep, smoky flavors mingling with hearty beef and creamy black beans. It’s what I crave when the leaves start to turn.
I remember the first time I tried making chili. Total disaster! I was so impatient, I didn’t let it simmer long enough, and the flavors were all… separate. Yuck! But I learned my lesson. Now, I know the secret is all in that slow simmer, letting everything meld together into something magical. And that little bit of smoked paprika? Oh, it makes ALL the difference in this Smoky Beef & Black Bean Chili. I’m telling you, you HAVE to try it!
Why You’ll Love This Smoky Beef & Black Bean Chili
Okay, so why *this* chili? Let me tell you, it’s not just ’cause it tastes amazing (though, duh, it does!). It’s also super easy, which is a HUGE win in my book. Plus, it’s naturally gluten-free and you can totally tweak it to be as spicy (or not!) as you like. It’s a bowl full of awesome, basically!
Quick and Easy Smoky Beef & Black Bean Chili
Seriously, this chili is FAST. Weeknight dinner? Sorted! Most of the time is just letting it simmer and get all happy together. Brown the beef, toss in the other goodies, and boom! Dinner’s almost ready. You can’t beat that, right?
Hearty and Flavorful Smoky Beef & Black Bean Chili
This isn’t some wimpy chili, folks. We’re talking BIG flavor here! The smoky paprika, the hearty beef, the creamy black beans… it’s a party in your mouth! Every spoonful is packed with goodness and it’ll keep you full for hours. Perfect for those cold evenings!
Customizable Smoky Beef & Black Bean Chili
Spice lover? Add more cayenne! Not so much? Leave it out! Wanna load it up with cheese and sour cream? Go for it! This Smoky Beef & Black Bean Chili is YOUR chili. Make it exactly how you like it. That’s the beauty of cooking, right?
Smoky Beef & Black Bean Chili Ingredients
Alright, let’s talk ingredients! Nothing too fancy here, promise. You’ll need: 1 lb of ground beef (I usually go for 80/20 ’cause, flavor!), 1 large onion (chopped, of course!), 2 cloves of garlic (minced – and don’t skimp!), 1 green bell pepper (chopped again!), 1 tbsp chili powder, 1 tsp cumin, ½ tsp smoked paprika (THIS is key!), and ¼ tsp cayenne pepper (or more, if you’re brave!).
Also, grab a (28 oz) can of crushed tomatoes, a (15 oz) can of black beans (rinsed and drained, super important!), 1 cup of beef broth, and salt and pepper to taste. Oh! And don’t forget the optional toppings! I LOVE shredded cheddar, sour cream, and chopped green onions. Yum!
How to Make Smoky Beef & Black Bean Chili
Okay, ready to get cooking? This Smoky Beef & Black Bean Chili is seriously easy, I promise! Just follow these steps and you’ll have a pot of deliciousness in no time. Don’t overthink it – chili is supposed to be fun!
Preparing the Beef Base for the Smoky Beef & Black Bean Chili
First things first, grab your biggest pot! Put it on the stove over medium-high heat and toss in that ground beef. You’ll want to brown it up real good, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Once it’s browned, carefully drain off any extra grease. Nobody wants greasy chili, yuck!
Adding Aromatics and Spices to the Smoky Beef & Black Bean Chili
Now, add in your chopped onion and bell pepper to the pot with the beef. Cook ’em until they get nice and soft, about 5 minutes or so. Then, stir in your minced garlic, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper. Cook for just a minute more – this helps the spices really wake up and release their flavor. Careful not to burn the garlic!
Simmering the Smoky Beef & Black Bean Chili to Perfection
Alright, almost there! Pour in your crushed tomatoes, rinsed and drained black beans, and beef broth. Season with salt and pepper to taste – don’t be shy! Bring the chili to a simmer, then turn the heat down low, cover it, and let it cook for at least 30 minutes. But honestly? The longer it simmers, the better it gets! I usually go for a couple of hours, stirring it every now and then. That’s the secret to AMAZING chili, trust me!
Tips for the Best Smoky Beef & Black Bean Chili
Okay, so you’ve got the basics down, but wanna take your Smoky Beef & Black Bean Chili to the *next level*? I’ve got a few tricks up my sleeve that’ll make it truly unforgettable. First off, don’t skimp on the beef! Good quality ground beef really makes a difference. Also, don’t be afraid to experiment with different types of beans! Pinto beans are also a great addition to this recipe. But the best tip? Taste as you go! That way, you can adjust the seasonings to your liking and make it PERFECT!
Controlling the Spiciness of Your Smoky Beef & Black Bean Chili
Spice is a personal thing, right? If you’re sensitive to heat, start with just a pinch of cayenne pepper. You can always add more later! Or, if you’re a total fire-breather like me, go ahead and add a whole half teaspoon! You can even toss in a chopped jalapeño for an extra kick. Just be careful – it’s easier to add spice than to take it away!
Achieving the Perfect Consistency for Your Smoky Beef & Black Bean Chili
Want a thicker chili? Easy peasy! Just simmer it uncovered for the last 15-20 minutes. This lets some of the liquid evaporate and concentrates the flavors. Just keep an eye on it and stir it occasionally so it doesn’t stick to the bottom of the pot. You can also mash some of the black beans with a fork for extra creaminess!
Serving Suggestions for Smoky Beef & Black Bean Chili
Okay, so you’ve got this amazing Smoky Beef & Black Bean Chili… now what? Well, you can just grab a spoon and dig in (totally acceptable!), but I like to make it a *whole thing*. A big dollop of sour cream is a MUST in my book! Also, some shredded cheddar cheese and chopped green onions? YES, PLEASE! And don’t forget the sides! Cornbread is a classic, of course. Or, if you’re feeling lazy (like me, most of the time!), just grab a bag of tortilla chips for dipping. So good!
Storing and Reheating Your Smoky Beef & Black Bean Chili
Got leftovers? Lucky you! This Smoky Beef & Black Bean Chili is even better the next day. Just let it cool down completely, then pop it in an airtight container and stick it in the fridge. It’ll keep for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to reheat, just microwave it or warm it up on the stovetop. Easy peasy!
Smoky Beef & Black Bean Chili FAQs
Got questions about this Smoky Beef & Black Bean Chili? I’ve got answers! Here are a few of the most common questions I get asked about this recipe.
Can I make Smoky Beef & Black Bean Chili in a slow cooker?
Absolutely! Slow cookers are PERFECT for chili. Just brown the beef and sauté the veggies like normal, then toss everything into your slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4. Easy peasy! It’s seriously the BEST way to get super tender beef.
Can I freeze Smoky Beef & Black Bean Chili?
You bet! Chili freezes like a DREAM. Just let it cool completely, then portion it into freezer-safe bags or containers. It’ll keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat, just thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat. Dinner = sorted!
What are some good toppings for Smoky Beef & Black Bean Chili?
Ooh, toppings are the best part! I’m a big fan of shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, chopped green onions, and a dollop of guacamole (if I’m feeling fancy!). But really, anything goes! Crushed tortilla chips, a squeeze of lime juice, or even a fried egg are all delicious choices!
Nutritional Information for Smoky Beef & Black Bean Chili
Okay, so everyone always asks about the nutritional info. Here’s the deal: I’m not a nutritionist, and honestly, it’s tough to give super accurate numbers because it all depends on the exact brands and ingredients you use. But, just so you have *some* idea, I’ve included an estimate below. Keep in mind, though, that this is just a rough guide! You know, take it with a grain of salt (or maybe a dollop of sour cream!).
Enjoy Your Smoky Beef & Black Bean Chili!
Alright, there you have it! My Smoky Beef & Black Bean Chili recipe! I really hope you love it as much as I do. If you try it out, please, PLEASE leave a comment and let me know what you think! And if you’re feeling extra awesome, give it a rating and share it on social media! Happy cooking!
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Unleash Insane Smoky Beef & Black Bean Chili in Just 30
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Hearty and flavorful chili featuring smoky beef, black beans, and a blend of spices.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 1 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
- 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (15 oz) can black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 cup beef broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional toppings: shredded cheese, sour cream, green onions
Instructions
- Brown ground beef in a large pot over medium-high heat. Drain excess grease.
- Add onion and bell pepper to the pot and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in garlic, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper. Cook for 1 minute more.
- Pour in crushed tomatoes, black beans, and beef broth. Season with salt and pepper.
- Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat and cook for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours, stirring occasionally.
- Serve hot with your favorite toppings.
Notes
- Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper to control the spiciness.
- For a thicker chili, simmer uncovered for the last 15-20 minutes.
- Chili can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
