Go Back
Paula Deen Beef Chili Recipe

Paula Deen Beef Chili Recipe

Emily Carter
Are you looking for a warm, hearty meal that feels like a big hug? This Paula Deen Beef Chili Recipe is exactly what you need. It is the perfect comfort food for a chilly night or a big game.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 7
Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 lbs Ground beef lean
  • 1 large Onion chopped
  • 1 Green bell pepper seeded and chopped
  • 2 cloves Garlic minced
  • 2 cans 15 oz each Kidney beans, drained and rinsed
  • 2 cans 14.5 oz each Diced tomatoes
  • 1 can 15 oz Tomato sauce
  • 1 cup Beef broth
  • 2 tbsp Chili powder
  • 1 tsp Ground cumin
  • 1 tsp Dried oregano
  • 1 tsp Salt
  • 1/2 tsp Black pepper
  • 1/4 tsp Cayenne pepper optional for extra heat
  • 1 tbsp Brown sugar

Instructions
 

Brown the Ground Beef

  • Place your large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef to the pot. Cook until the meat is no longer pink. Break the beef into small crumbles as it cooks. Drain the excess fat carefully.

Sauté the Vegetables

  • Add the chopped onion and green bell pepper to the beef. Stir them well. Cook for about 5 to 7 minutes. The vegetables should become soft and translucent. Add the minced garlic during the last minute of cooking.

Add the Spices

  • Stir in the chili powder, cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mixing the spices with the meat first helps release their oils. This makes the flavor much stronger and deeper. Stir for one minute until it smells amazing.

Combine the Tomato Base

  • Pour in the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and beef broth. Stir everything together until well combined. The liquid will look thin now. Do not worry. It will thicken as it simmers on the stove later.

Stir in the Beans and Sugar

  • Add the drained kidney beans to the pot. Stir in the tablespoon of brown sugar. The sugar cuts the acidity of the tomatoes. It gives the chili that classic Southern Paula Deen touch.

Simmer to Perfection

  • Reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot with a lid. Let the chili simmer for at least 30 to 45 minutes. Stir it occasionally to prevent sticking. Simmering allows all the wonderful flavors to marry together.

Taste and Adjust

  • Before serving, take a small spoonful to taste. Add more salt or chili powder if you like. If you want it spicier, add a pinch of cayenne. Your Paula Deen Beef Chili Recipe is now ready!

Notes

  • Use High-Quality Meat: Lean ground beef is best to avoid a greasy chili. You can also try ground turkey for a lighter version.
  • Let it Rest: Chili always tastes better the next day. The flavors continue to develop in the fridge.
  • Add More Texture: If you like chunky chili, add extra bell peppers or even some corn.
  • Switch the Beans: You can use black beans or pinto beans instead of kidney beans.
  • Beer for Depth: Replace half of the beef broth with a light beer. It adds a wonderful malty flavor to the base.
Keyword Paula Deen Beef Chili Recipe