Cheesy Beef and Bean Chili for a Cozy Dinner

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Looking for a dish that warms you from the inside out? This Cheesy Beef and Bean Chili is the perfect hearty meal for a cozy dinner. Packed with flavorful ground beef, hearty black beans, and topped with gooey melted cheese, this recipe is not only easy to make but also satisfying enough to please the whole family. Serve it up with tortilla chips for the ultimate comfort food experience!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Cheesy Beef and Bean Chili is a weeknight winner. It’s simple to prepare, full of flavor, and perfect for chilly evenings.

• Quick Prep: Whip this up in about 30 minutes.
• One-Pot Wonder: Less cleanup means more time to relax.
• Customizable: Adjust the spice level to suit your taste.
• Meal Prep Friendly: Make a big batch and enjoy leftovers!

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro, for garnish
• Tortilla chips, for serving

How to Make Cheesy Beef and Bean Chili

1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Break it apart with a spatula as it cooks.
2. Once the beef is browned, drain excess fat if necessary, and add the diced onion and minced garlic. Cook until the onion is translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Stir in the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well and cook for another minute to toast the spices.
4. Add the black beans, diced tomatoes (with their juices), and beef broth to the pot. Stir everything together and bring to a simmer.
5. Reduce the heat to low and let the chili cook for about 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally. This allows the flavors to meld.
6. Once ready, remove from heat and stir in half of the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and creamy.
7. Serve hot, topped with the remaining cheese and fresh cilantro, alongside tortilla chips for dipping.

Tips for the Best Results

• For a thicker chili, let it simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes.
• Adjust the spices according to your heat preference; add cayenne for extra kick.
• Use lean ground beef for a lighter option, or substitute with turkey or plant-based meat.

Easy Variations

• Add diced bell peppers or corn for extra texture and sweetness.
• Swap black beans for kidney beans or pinto beans based on your preference.
• Experiment with different cheeses, like pepper jack for a spicy twist.

What to Serve With It

• Crusty bread or cornbread for sopping up the chili.
• A side salad for a fresh contrast.
• Additional toppings like sour cream, avocado, or jalapeños for extra flavor.

Storage and Reheating

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Store any leftover chili in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply warm it up on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a splash of broth if it’s too thick. This chili also freezes beautifully! Just make sure to cool it completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers.

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