Ingredients
Method
Cooking the base
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat until shimmering.
- Add the diced onion and ¾ teaspoon of kosher salt, stirring occasionally until the onion begins to soften, about 3 minutes.
Adding beef and spices
- Add the minced garlic and the lean ground beef to the pot. Season with an additional ¾ teaspoon of kosher salt.
- Use a wooden spoon to break apart the beef as it cooks, about 4 minutes, until it’s nearly cooked through.
- Incorporate the ¼ cup of chili powder, 1½ tablespoons of dried oregano, and 1 tablespoon of sugar.
- Continue to cook for 2 minutes, allowing the spices to meld beautifully with the meat.
Simmering the chili
- Add in the fire-roasted tomatoes with their juices, beef broth, chopped roasted red bell peppers, and 1 to 2 cans of diced green chiles.
- Stir everything together and increase the heat until the mixture comes to a boil.
- Once boiling, reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 5 minutes.
Final touches
- Stir in the drained kidney beans and bring the chili back to a simmer.
- Cook for an additional 5 minutes. Taste and adjust salt as necessary before serving.
- Serve hot with optional toppings like sour cream, shredded cheese, fresh cilantro, or crushed tortilla chips for added flavor and texture.
Notes
For an extra kick, consider adding some cayenne pepper or jalapeños. Allow the chili to sit for a few hours or overnight to deepen the flavors. To thicken the chili, mash some of the beans before stirring them in.
