Easy Chili

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• 1 tablespoon olive oil
  Ingredient note

  Source: 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 each large yellow onion (finely diced about 1.5 cups)
  Ingredient note

  Source: 1 large yellow onion (finely diced about 1.5 cups)
• 1.5 pounds lean ground beef
  Ingredient note

  Source: 1.5 pounds lean ground beef
• As Needed salt
  Ingredient note

  Source seasoning: salt & pepper (to taste)
• As Needed Black pepper
  Ingredient note

  Source seasoning: salt & pepper (to taste)
• 1 each medium red bell pepper (diced small about 3/4 cup)
  Ingredient note

  Source: 1 medium red bell pepper (diced small about 3/4 cup)
• 4 cloves garlic (minced about 1 tablespoon)
  Ingredient note

  Source: 3-4 cloves garlic (minced about 1 tablespoon); upper source range endpoint used for shopping.
• 3 tablespoons tomato paste
  Ingredient note

  Source: 3 tablespoons tomato paste
• 3 tablespoons chili powder (OR replace with ground paprika for a mild chili)
  Ingredient note

  Source: 3 tablespoons chili powder (OR replace with ground paprika for a mild chili)
• 2 teaspoons ground cumin
  Ingredient note

  Source: 2 teaspoons ground cumin
• 2 teaspoons dried oregano
  Ingredient note

  Source: 2 teaspoons dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  Ingredient note

  Source: 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 2 teaspoons unsweetened cocoa powder (optional for more depth)
  Ingredient note

  Source: 2 teaspoons unsweetened cocoa powder (optional for more depth)
• 30 oz red kidney beans (rinsed and drained)
  Ingredient note

  Source: 2 (15-oz) cans red kidney beans (rinsed and drained)
• 15 oz tomato sauce
  Ingredient note

  Source: 1 (15-oz) can tomato sauce
• 14.5 oz diced tomatoes (undrained)
  Ingredient note

  Source: 1 (14.5-oz) can diced tomatoes (undrained)
• 1½ cups beef broth
  Ingredient note

  Source: 1½ cups beef broth
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  Ingredient note

  Source: 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon light brown sugar (or to taste)
  Ingredient note

  Source: 1 teaspoon light brown sugar (or to taste)

1. Sauté onion: Heat a large pot over medium heat. Add the oil, then add the onion and cook until softened - about 6 minutes.
2. Brown beef: Increase the heat to medium-high. Add the ground beef, season lightly with salt and pepper and cook until browned and crumbled, breaking up the meat as it cooks. Once browned, drain grease if desired and stir in red bell pepper and garlic.
3. Add aromatics: Reduce the heat to medium/medium-low. Make a little space in the middle of the ground beef mixture and add the tomato paste and all seasonings. Stir to toast and caramelize until fragrant, about 1 minute. Stir in the cocoa powder, if using.
4. Add the remaining ingredients to the pot and bring to a good simmer. Stir well, reduce the heat to a gentle simmer and cook, uncovered, for 45-60 minutes or until the chili is thick and flavorful. Check the seasoning and adjust to taste, then serve with your favorite toppings!