Hearty Chili Bowl Base (Print Version)

Hearty chili with beef, beans, and vegetables served over rice or grains with customizable toppings.

# What You Need:

→ Chili Base

01 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
02 - 1 medium onion, diced
03 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
04 - 1 red bell pepper, diced
05 - 1 green bell pepper, diced
06 - 1 pound ground beef
07 - 2 tablespoons tomato paste
08 - 1 can (15 ounces) diced tomatoes
09 - 1 can (15 ounces) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
10 - 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, drained and rinsed
11 - 1 cup corn kernels
12 - 1 tablespoon chili powder
13 - 1 teaspoon ground cumin
14 - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
15 - 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
16 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
17 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
18 - 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
19 - 1 cup beef or vegetable broth

→ Serving

20 - 2 cups cooked rice or grains

→ Toppings

21 - Shredded cheddar cheese
22 - Sour cream or Greek yogurt
23 - Sliced green onions
24 - Chopped cilantro
25 - Diced avocado
26 - Jalapeño slices
27 - Lime wedges

# Steps:

01 - Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onion and sauté for 2 to 3 minutes until softened.
02 - Add minced garlic and diced bell peppers. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes until peppers begin to soften.
03 - Add ground beef to the pot and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned and no longer pink.
04 - Stir in tomato paste and cook for 1 minute to caramelize and deepen the flavor.
05 - Add diced tomatoes, kidney beans, black beans, corn, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, pepper, and cayenne. Mix thoroughly to combine all ingredients.
06 - Pour in broth and bring to a simmer. Reduce heat to low, cover the pot, and cook for 25 to 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
07 - While chili simmers, prepare rice or grains according to package instructions.
08 - Spoon cooked grains into serving bowls and ladle chili over the top. Arrange desired toppings on each bowl.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It comes together in just over an hour, which means weeknight dinners don't have to feel rushed or stressful.
  • The layered toppings bar turns a simple bowl into something personal, where everyone builds their own perfect bite.
  • It's naturally flexible, bending to whatever dietary needs show up at your table without losing its soul.
02 -
  • Rinsing your canned beans removes excess sodium and starch, which means your chili stays silky instead of becoming gluey as it cools.
  • Don't skip the tomato paste step or cook it longer than a minute, as cooking it too much can actually turn it bitter and work against you.
03 -
  • Taste as you go and don't be afraid to adjust seasonings near the end, because your palate and your spices are unique to your kitchen.
  • If your chili seems too thin after simmering, leave the lid off for the last 10 minutes to let excess liquid evaporate and flavors concentrate.
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