Midwest Chili
A hearty and comforting one-pot meal, this classic Midwest Chili is packed with ground beef, two kinds of beans, and a savory, mildly spicy tomato base. Perfect for a cozy family dinner, it simmers to perfection and is ready for all your favorite toppings.
For 6 servings
4 steps. 75 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Brown Beef and Sauté Aromatics
- b.Heat vegetable oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat.
- c.Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon, until browned, about 8-10 minutes. Drain off all but 1 tablespoon of grease.
- d.Add the chopped onion and bell pepper to the pot. Sauté for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables have softened and the onion is translucent.
- e.Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute until fragrant.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Bloom the Spices
- b.Add the chili powder, ground cumin, dried oregano, and smoked paprika directly to the pot.
- c.Stir constantly for 60 seconds to toast the spices. This deepens their flavor and coats the meat and vegetables.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Combine Ingredients and Simmer
- b.Pour in the undrained diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and beef broth. Add the rinsed kidney beans and pinto beans.
- c.Stir in the sugar, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly to combine all ingredients.
- d.Bring the mixture to a boil, then immediately reduce the heat to low to maintain a gentle simmer.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Slow Simmer and Serve
- b.Cover the pot and let the chili simmer for at least 60 minutes, stirring every 15 minutes to prevent sticking at the bottom.
- c.After simmering, remove from heat. Taste and adjust seasonings if necessary.
- d.Ladle the chili into bowls and serve hot with your favorite toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, and crackers.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For a deeper flavor, allow the chili to simmer for up to 2 hours on low heat. The longer it cooks, the more the flavors will meld.
- 2This chili tastes even better the next day. Make it ahead of time and reheat for a quick and delicious meal.
- 3Don't skip rinsing the canned beans. This removes excess sodium and the starchy liquid from the can, resulting in a cleaner taste.
- 4Use a good quality, mild American-style chili powder blend as the base. You can always add cayenne or hot sauce later to increase the heat.
- 5For a thicker chili, you can leave the lid slightly ajar during the last 20-30 minutes of simmering to allow some liquid to evaporate.
Adapt it for your goals.
Spicier Chili
Add 1-2 minced jalapeños or a serrano pepper along with the onion and bell pepper. You can also add 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper with the other spices.
Vegetarian ChiliVegetarian Chili
Omit the ground beef and beef broth. Sauté the vegetables in oil and add an extra can of black beans and a can of corn. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.
Slow Cooker MethodSlow Cooker Method
Brown the beef and sauté the vegetables and spices on the stovetop as directed. Transfer everything to a slow cooker, add the remaining ingredients, and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
Different BeansDifferent Beans
Feel free to swap the kidney or pinto beans for black beans, cannellini beans, or great northern beans based on your preference.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Excellent Source of Protein
The ground beef and beans provide a substantial amount of high-quality protein, which is essential for building and repairing tissues, muscle maintenance, and keeping you feeling full and satisfied.
High in Dietary Fiber
With two types of beans, this chili is rich in dietary fiber. Fiber is crucial for digestive health, helps regulate blood sugar levels, and can contribute to lowering cholesterol.
Rich in Iron
Ground beef is a great source of heme iron, a type of iron that is easily absorbed by the body. Iron is vital for transporting oxygen in the blood and preventing fatigue.
Contains Lycopene
The tomato base of the chili is rich in lycopene, a powerful antioxidant linked to a reduced risk of certain chronic diseases. Cooking tomatoes, as in this chili, actually increases the bioavailability of lycopene.
Frequently asked questions
Midwest Chili can be a balanced and nutritious meal. It's high in protein from the beef and packed with fiber from the beans, which aids digestion and promotes fullness. The tomatoes provide vitamins and antioxidants. To make it healthier, use leaner ground beef (90/10 or higher), opt for low-sodium canned goods, and load up on vegetable toppings.