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easy hearty dollar store chili - featured image

Easy Hearty Dollar Store Chili Recipe with Ground Beef and Beans for Cozy Meals

  • Author: neuriox
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x

Description

A simple, budget-friendly chili made with ground beef, beans, and pantry staples, perfect for cozy meals and busy weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb ground beef (80/20)
  • 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes (fire-roasted optional)
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tbsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika (optional)
  • Salt to taste (start with 1 tsp)
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • 1 cup beef broth or water
  • 1 tbsp olive oil

Instructions

  1. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat in a large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven until shimmering but not smoking (about 2 minutes).
  2. Add chopped onion and cook for 5 minutes until softened and translucent. Add minced garlic and sauté for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
  3. Increase heat to medium-high and add ground beef. Break it apart with a spoon and cook for 7-8 minutes until browned and no pink remains. Drain excess fat if needed.
  4. Sprinkle chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper over the meat. Stir to coat evenly and let spices bloom in the fat.
  5. Stir in tomato paste and canned diced tomatoes with their juices.
  6. Add drained kidney beans, black beans, and 1 cup of beef broth or water. Stir to combine.
  7. Reduce heat to low and partially cover the pot. Let chili simmer gently for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and to meld flavors.
  8. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or chili powder if needed. If chili is too thick, add a splash of water or broth.
  9. Serve warm with your favorite toppings such as shredded cheddar, sour cream, or chopped green onions.

Notes

For a leaner version, substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken. Use vegetable broth and plant-based meat crumbles for a vegetarian version. To enhance creaminess, mash some beans gently during simmering. Leftovers taste better the next day as flavors meld. Adjust spices gradually to avoid overpowering heat.

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: About 1.5 cups (350
  • Calories: 320
  • Sodium: 700
  • Fat: 12
  • Carbohydrates: 30
  • Fiber: 8
  • Protein: 25

Keywords: chili, ground beef chili, easy chili recipe, dollar store chili, hearty chili, budget-friendly meals, weeknight dinner, comfort food

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Find it online: https://neurioxdesign.com/easy-hearty-dollar-store-chili-recipe-with-ground-beef-and-beans-for-cozy-meals/