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The Boat Shed Kitchen

Classic Beef Chili

This Classic Beef Chili is the ultimate cold-weather comfort dish—rich, meaty, and perfectly spiced. Loaded with beans, tomatoes, and warm seasonings, it’s hearty enough for a main dish and perfect with all your favorite chili toppings.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 6
Calories: 330
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb. ground beef 15% fat
  • ½ medium yellow onion finely diced
  • 1 tablespoon minced garlic
  • 1 15-oz can pinto beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 15-oz can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 15-oz can tomato sauce
  • 1 15-oz can diced tomatoes
  • 3 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 tablespoon maple syrup
  • 3 tablespoons chili powder
  • 2 teaspoons garlic powder
  • 2 teaspoons ground cumin
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon ground pepper
  • 1 cup beef broth or chicken broth or water

Method
 

  1. Heat a large pot over medium-high heat.
  2. Add ground beef, onion, and garlic.
  3. Sauté 7–10 minutes until beef is browned.
  4. Stir in beans, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, and maple syrup.
  5. Add chili powder, garlic powder, cumin, paprika, salt, pepper, and broth.
  6. Stir to combine.
  7. Bring to a boil, then reduce to low and simmer 10–15 minutes to thicken.
  8. See full steps with tips & photos → https://theboatshedcafe.com/classic-beef-chili/

Notes

  • For extra depth of flavor, let the chili simmer longer—up to 45 minutes—adding a splash more broth if it gets too thick.
  • Ground turkey or chicken can be substituted for beef.
  • This recipe freezes beautifully—cool completely before storing in freezer-safe containers.