Beef Chili with Beans – The Star of the Chili Bar

A chili bar with all the fixings is fun way to get your guests to play with their food. But the star of the show is the beef chili with beans. I will show how simple it is to make a flavor packed chili that your guests can pile on their favorite toppings.

=== 🍽🍸🥩 RECIPE ===
1.5 pounds (680g) ground beef (use 80% beef / 20% fat)
1 tablespoons olive oil
1 onion, diced
2 ribs celery, sliced
3 cloves garlic, sliced
1 15 ounce (411 g) can fire roasted tomatoes
2 15 ounce (425 g) red kidney beans, drained
1 tablespoon tomato paste
1 teaspoon garlic powder
2 teaspoons smoked paprika
1 teaspoon chipotle chili powder

In a large Dutch oven, heat the oil over medium high heat. Add the ground beef, and a healthy pinch of salt and pepper to brown the meat. Once cooked, remove with a slotted spoon and reserve.

In the same pan using the fat from the ground beef, add the onions and celery, along with a pinch of salt and pepper. Cook for 4 to 5 minutes, until softened. Add the garlic and cook for another 2 to 3 minutes, stirring often. Add the tomato paste, garlic powder, paprika, and chili powder and cook for another 2 to 3 minutes. Add meat, tomatoes and beans to the pan. Stir well to combine. Simmer covered for 30 minutes, tasting for seasoning throughout.

Note: if chili is too dry, add 1/4 to 1/2 cup of beef or chicken stock.

For the chili bar:
Diced onions
Diced avocados
Guacamole
Shredded cheese
Salsas
Black olives
Tortilla chips
Sour cream