LAZY HAZY BEEF CHILI

Lazy Hazy Beef Chili is a comforting, no-fuss dish perfect for those days when you want a hearty meal without spending hours in the kitchen. This chili is packed with robust flavors from ground beef, tomatoes, beans, and a blend of spices, all simmered together to create a rich, savory dish that warms you from the inside out. The “lazy” part comes from the simplicity of the preparation—just brown the beef, toss in the ingredients, and let the pot do the work. Whether you’re serving it on a chilly evening or at a casual gathering, this beef chili is sure to be a crowd-pleaser with its deep, satisfying flavors.

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 bell pepper, chopped (any color)
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
• 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup beef broth or water
• Shredded cheese, sour cream, and chopped green onions for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. Brown the beef: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
2. Sauté the vegetables: Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, and bell pepper to the pot with the beef. Sauté for 5 minutes, until the vegetables are softened and the onion is translucent.
3. Add the tomatoes and beans: Stir in the diced tomatoes (with their juice), tomato sauce, kidney beans, and black beans. Mix well to combine.
4. Season the chili: Add the chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and pepper. Stir to coat the beef and vegetables with the spices.
5. Simmer: Pour in the beef broth or water and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let the chili simmer for 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the flavors have melded together and the chili has thickened to your desired consistency.
6. Serve: Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. Ladle the chili into bowls and garnish with shredded cheese, sour cream, and chopped green onions if desired. Serve hot with cornbread, tortilla chips, or crusty bread on the side.

Lazy Hazy Beef Chili is a deliciously simple and hearty meal that’s perfect for any occasion. With its rich, comforting flavors and minimal prep time, this chili is an easy go-to recipe that’s sure to satisfy your cravings for a warm, home-cooked meal.