If you’re craving something hearty, comforting, and packed with rich flavors, look no further than The Best Ground Beef Chili Recipe. This dish delivers that perfect blend of tender ground beef, bold spices, and satisfying beans that warm you from the inside out. It’s a bowl of goodness that’s both incredibly simple to make and endlessly adaptable, making it a timeless favorite for family dinners, game days, or cozy nights at home.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of The Best Ground Beef Chili Recipe comes down to a handful of simple, yet essential ingredients. Each one plays a vital role in building layers of flavor, contributing textures that keep every bite exciting, and bringing vibrant colors to the pot.
- Olive oil: Adds a silky base for cooking and helps bring out the richness of the ground beef and vegetables.
- Large onion, diced: Provides sweetness and depth that balance the spices perfectly.
- Green bell pepper, diced: Offers a fresh crunch and slight earthiness to the chili.
- Garlic, minced: Brings aromatic warmth that enhances all the savory flavors.
- Ground beef (1 lb): The hearty protein that forms the comfort of every chili-loving heart.
- Chili powder (2 tablespoons): The star spice delivering that classic chili heat and smoky undertone.
- Ground cumin (1 teaspoon): Adds a nutty, earthy flavor that perfectly complements the chili powder.
- Paprika (1/2 teaspoon): Contributes subtle smokiness and a gentle sweetness.
- Dried oregano (1/2 teaspoon): Infuses herbal depth and balance.
- Cayenne pepper (1/4 teaspoon, optional): Offers an extra kick of heat for those who love a little fire.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential seasoning that awakens and rounds out all other flavors.
- Diced tomatoes (1 can, 15 oz): Adds bright acidity and juicy texture.
- Kidney beans (1 can, 15 oz), drained and rinsed: Brings hearty creaminess and body to the chili.
- Black beans (1 can, 15 oz), drained and rinsed: Adds an earthy note and wonderful bite.
- Tomato sauce (1 can, 8 oz): Thickens the chili and enhances its tomatoey richness.
- Beef broth (1 cup): Builds a flavorful base that keeps the chili moist and luscious.
How to Make The Best Ground Beef Chili Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Ground Beef
Start by heating olive oil over medium heat in a large pot or Dutch oven. Add the ground beef and cook it until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon to get tender crumbles. Once browned, drain any excess fat to keep the chili from feeling greasy without losing that meaty flavor.
Step 2: Sauté Vegetables
Next, toss in the diced onion, green bell pepper, and minced garlic. Let them cook for about 3 to 4 minutes or until they’re softened and fragrant. This step builds the aromatic foundation your chili needs to really sing.
Step 3: Add Spices
Sprinkle in chili powder, cumin, paprika, oregano, cayenne pepper (if you like it spicy), salt, and pepper. Stir everything well and cook for about a minute until the spices become fragrant. Toasting the spices unlocks deeper, richer flavors in the chili.
Step 4: Add Remaining Ingredients
Pour in the diced tomatoes, kidney beans, black beans, tomato sauce, and beef broth. Stir everything together to combine all those wonderful ingredients into one flavorful pot.
Step 5: Simmer
Bring the chili to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let it cook for 30 to 40 minutes, stirring occasionally. This slow simmer allows the flavors to meld beautifully and the chili to thicken into a perfect consistency. Don’t forget to taste and adjust the salt, pepper, or spice level to your liking.
Step 6: Serve
Finally, ladle the chili into bowls and get ready for cozy satisfaction. The Best Ground Beef Chili Recipe is now ready to be garnished and enjoyed!
How to Serve The Best Ground Beef Chili Recipe
Garnishes
There are so many ways to dress up your chili. Try shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese for creamy meltiness, a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt for tang, fresh chopped cilantro for herbal brightness, or diced red onions for a crunchy bite. A squeeze of lime juice and some sliced jalapeños can kick things up another notch, making every bite vibrant and exciting.
Side Dishes
Chili pairs wonderfully with classic sides like buttery cornbread, warm tortilla chips, or simple steamed rice. For lighter options, a crisp green salad or sliced avocado can balance the heartiness of the chili. These sides not only complement the flavors but also complete the meal with texture and freshness.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to get a little creative? Serve your chili over baked potatoes for a comforting twist, spoon it into hot crusty bread bowls for fun presentation, or layer it in nachos topped with all your favorite fixings. The Best Ground Beef Chili Recipe is versatile, making it easy to turn into a crowd-pleasing centerpiece for any occasion.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store your chili in airtight containers in the refrigerator. It will keep beautifully for up to 4 days, and the flavors often deepen overnight, making leftovers just as delicious if not better.
Freezing
This chili freezes like a dream! Portion it into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty bags, label with the date, and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stove over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. You can also microwave individual portions, just be sure to stir midway through so everything heats evenly. If the chili is too thick, add a splash of beef broth or water to loosen it up.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken can be swapped in for ground beef for a leaner version. Just keep an eye on cooking times as these meats tend to cook faster and might dry out if overcooked.
Is it possible to make this chili vegetarian?
Yes! Simply omit the ground beef and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth. You can increase the beans or add chopped veggies like mushrooms or zucchini to keep the chili hearty and satisfying.
How spicy is The Best Ground Beef Chili Recipe?
The recipe has a mild to medium heat level, but you can easily adjust the cayenne pepper or add diced jalapeños to suit your taste. If you prefer a milder chili, just leave out the cayenne altogether.
Can I prepare this chili in a slow cooker?
Definitely! Brown the beef and sauté the veggies first, then transfer everything to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours. It’s a fantastic, hands-off way to enjoy The Best Ground Beef Chili Recipe.
What toppings are best for chili?
Some classic favorites include cheese, sour cream, green onions, cilantro, avocado slices, and crushed tortilla chips. Feel free to get creative and add your personal favorites to enhance your chili experience.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something incredibly satisfying about a warm bowl of chili made with care…and The Best Ground Beef Chili Recipe is exactly that. Easy to make, bursting with flavor, and endlessly versatile, it’s sure to become a staple in your kitchen. I hope you give this recipe a try and enjoy every delicious bite as much as I do!
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The Best Ground Beef Chili Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This hearty ground beef chili is a flavorful and comforting dish perfect for any occasion. It combines browned ground beef, aromatic vegetables, and a medley of beans simmered with a blend of spices and tomatoes to create a rich, satisfying meal that serves six.
Ingredients
Meat and Vegetables
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large onion, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lb ground beef
Spices
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Additional Ingredients
- 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 cup beef broth
Instructions
- Cook the Ground Beef: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain any excess fat to ensure the chili is not greasy.
- Sauté Vegetables: Add the diced onion, green bell pepper, and minced garlic to the pot. Cook for 3-4 minutes until the vegetables soften and become fragrant, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Add Spices: Stir in the chili powder, ground cumin, paprika, dried oregano, cayenne pepper if using, salt, and pepper. Cook the spice mixture for about 1 minute to toast the spices and enhance their flavors.
- Add Remaining Ingredients: Pour in the diced tomatoes, kidney beans, black beans, tomato sauce, and beef broth. Stir everything to combine all the ingredients thoroughly.
- Simmer: Bring the chili to a simmer. Then reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it cook gently for 30-40 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and to blend the flavors well. Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
- Serve: Ladle the chili into bowls and serve hot. Garnish with your favorite toppings such as shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped green onions, or fresh cilantro if desired.
Notes
- For a spicier chili, increase the cayenne pepper or add diced jalapeños.
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner protein option.
- Serve chili with cornbread or over rice for a complete meal.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
- Drain and rinse beans well to reduce sodium content.
