How to Make the Absolute Best Ground Beef Chili

ground beef

🥗Healthier: ground turkey

💰Cheaper: ground pork

Ground turkey is lower in fat, while ground pork is often less expensive.

cheddar cheese

🥗Healthier: reduced-fat cheese

💰Cheaper: monterey jack cheese

Reduced-fat cheese lowers calories, while monterey jack is often cheaper.

sour cream

🥗Healthier: Greek yogurt

💰Cheaper: plain yogurt

Greek yogurt provides creaminess with fewer calories, while plain yogurt is a budget-friendly option.

canned tomatoes

🥗Healthier: fresh tomatoes

💰Cheaper: crushed tomatoes

Fresh tomatoes are healthier, while crushed tomatoes are often less expensive.

Tear apart 6 ancho chilis, removing stems and seeds, and toast them over medium-high heat for 4-6 minutes until fragrant.

In a bowl, mix 2 pounds of ground beef with 2 tablespoons of water, 1.5 teaspoons of salt, and 0.75 teaspoons of baking soda; let it sit for 20 minutes.

Process toasted chilis in a food processor until finely ground, adding 1 ounce of tortilla chips, 2 tablespoons of ground cumin, 1 tablespoon of ground paprika, 1 tablespoon of garlic powder, 1 tablespoon of ground coriander, 2 teaspoons of dried oregano, 2 teaspoons of ground black pepper, and 0.5 teaspoons of dried thyme; blend until smooth.

In a pot, heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil over medium-high heat and sauté chopped onion for 4-6 minutes until softened.

Add 3 minced cloves of garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

Add the ground beef mixture to the pot, breaking it up and cooking for 12-14 minutes until browned.

Stir in the homemade chili powder mixture and 2 cups of water, along with 15 ounces of pinto beans and their liquid; mix well.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level: