This recipe is not spicy because I made it for my kids. My daughter said it was her favorite meal I ever cooked! Can add/cook jalapeno and cayenne pepper to add spice. Alternatively, I eat my chili with sliced jalapeno.

Ingredients

• Ground beef — 1 pound (use leaner meat if possible)
• Onion — 1, chopped
• Garlic — 4 cloves, minced
• Carrots — 1/2 pound, peeled and diced
• Peppers — seeded and diced (1 red bell pepper plus extra sweet mini peppers)
• Crushed tomatoes — 1 can (14.5 oz)
• Diced tomatoes with juices — 1 can (14.5 oz)
• Canned beans — 1 can (15 oz) (mix of kidney, pinto and black beans)
• Beef broth — 1.5 cup / 12 oz (use bone broth when possible)
• Tomato paste — 1 tablespoon
• Brown sugar — 1 tablespoon
• Salt and pepper — to taste

Dried seasoning:

• Cumin — 1 teaspoon
• Chili powder — 2.5 tablespoons

Or substitute this combo if no chili powder:

• Paprika — 1.25 tablespoon
• Cumin — 1.5 teaspoon
• Garlic powder — 1 teaspoon
• Onion powder — 1 teaspoon
• Cayenne pepper — 1/4 teaspoon
• Dried oregano — 1/2 teaspoon
• Smoked paprika (optional) — 1/4 teaspoon

Optional toppings: jalapeno, shredded cheese (Mexican cheese preferred), scallion, cilantro, avocado, lime wedges

Instructions

1. Sauté onion, garlic, peppers, carrots in pan.
2. Add beef and half of dried seasoning to pan. Brown the beef.
3. Add in all remaining ingredients and cook until desired thickness, at least 45-60 minutes.

Enjoy!