Nothing beats a warm bowl of chili on a cold day—this version uses a secret ingredient to keep the beef tender and juicy.
Have you heard about our Young Chefs’ Club? Members get a themed (and kid-tested) box delivered each month!
In medium bowl, combine beef, water, and baking soda. Use rubber spatula to mix until well combined. Set aside.
Set colander in sink. Pour beans into colander. Rinse beans with cold water and shake colander to drain well.
In Dutch oven, heat oil over medium heat for 1 minute (oil should be hot but not smoking). Add onion, bell pepper, and salt and cook, stirring occasionally with wooden spoon, until vegetables are softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in garlic, chili powder, cumin, and oregano and cook for 1 minute.
Add beef mixture and cook, breaking up meat into small pieces with wooden spoon, until no longer pink, about 5 minutes.
Carefully stir in broth, tomatoes, and drained beans. Use wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits on bottom of Dutch oven. Bring to simmer. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and cook for 20 minutes, stirring once halfway through (use oven mitts to handle hot lid).