Beef and Black Bean Chili

beef chuck

🥗Healthier: lean ground beef

💰Cheaper: pork shoulder

Ground beef reduces fat while pork shoulder can be more affordable.

black beans

🥗Healthier: lentils

💰Cheaper: canned kidney beans

Lentils are lower in calories and cook faster.

canned tomatoes

🥗Healthier: fresh tomatoes

💰Cheaper: tomato paste

Fresh tomatoes provide a vibrant flavor while paste is often less expensive.

beef broth

🥗Healthier: vegetable broth

💰Cheaper: water with bouillon cubes

Vegetable broth is lower in calories and can be made from pantry staples.

Preheat the oven to 325°F.

Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium heat.

Sear the beef chuck until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes.

Remove the beef and set aside; add onion, garlic, bell pepper, carrot, and celery to the pot.

Sauté the vegetables until softened, about 5 minutes.

Stir in chili powder, cumin, oregano, salt, and black pepper; cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

Add the beef back to the pot along with black beans, canned tomatoes, beef broth, and bay leaves.

Bring the mixture to a simmer, then cover and transfer to the oven.

Bake for 2-2.5 hours until the beef is tender and flavors meld.

Remove from the oven and discard bay leaves.

Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary before serving.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Allergens