Big, beefy, and packed with bold flavor—no beans required. This hearty chili combines ground beef, tomatoes, peppers, warm spices, and Pool Boy Rubs All-Purpose BBQ Rub for a rich pot of chili that’s perfect for game day, cool weather, or whenever you want serious comfort food.
Ingredients
Protein
- 2 lbs ground beef (85/15)
- 1 tbsp neutral cooking oil, if needed
- Optional: Add some ground pork if it feels right
Aromatics
- 1 large yellow onion, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Tomato & Liquid
- 1 can (28 oz) diced tomatoes — fire-roasted if available
- 1 can (6 oz) tomato paste
- 2 cups beef broth
Seasonings
- 2 tbsp Pool Boy Rubs All-Purpose BBQ Rub, divided
- 1 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp dried oregano
- ¼–½ tsp cayenne or chipotle powder, optional
- 1–1½ tsp kosher salt, or to taste
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp sugar, optional
Optional Toppings
- Shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack
- Sour cream
- Diced red onion
- Sliced jalapeños
- Tortilla chips or cornbread
Instructions
1. Brown the Beef
Heat a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the oil if needed, followed by the ground beef.
Season the beef with 1 tablespoon Pool Boy Rubs All-Purpose BBQ Rub and break it into crumbles as it cooks.
Let the beef develop some good browned, crispy bits for extra flavor. Drain excess fat if necessary.
2. Build the Flavor Base
Add the diced onion and green bell pepper. Cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened.
Add the garlic and cook for another 30–60 seconds, just until fragrant.
3. Toast the Seasonings
Add the chili powder, cinnamon, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, cayenne or chipotle powder, black pepper, remaining 1 tablespoon Pool Boy Rubs All-Purpose BBQ Rub, and tomato paste.
Cook for 1–2 minutes, stirring constantly. Let the tomato paste darken slightly and the spices become fragrant without letting them burn.
4. Let It Simmer
Pour in the diced tomatoes with their juice and the beef broth. Add the sugar, if using, and a small pinch of salt.
Stir well, scraping all those browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low. Simmer uncovered for 30–45 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chili is thick and hearty.
If it gets thicker than you want, add a splash of beef broth or water.
5. Taste & Adjust
Give it a taste. Add more Pool Boy Rubs All-Purpose for a bigger savory punch, cayenne for more heat, or salt as needed.
Pool Boy Tip: For an extra-rich finish, stir in 1–2 tablespoons of butter right before serving.
6. Load It Up
Ladle into bowls and pile on your favorite toppings—cheese, sour cream, diced red onion, sliced jalapeños, or whatever makes you happy.
Serve with tortilla chips or a big piece of cornbread.
