If you’re searching for a comforting, hearty dish that fills the room with irresistible aroma and delivers a punch of bold flavors, this Beef Chili Recipe is your new best friend. Combining rich ground beef, vibrant spices, and a colorful medley of beans and veggies, it’s the perfect bowl of warmth for cozy evenings or feeding a crowd. Each spoonful offers a satisfying balance of smoky, spicy, and savory notes that will quickly make this chili a staple in your meal rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Don’t be intimidated by the list — these ingredients are simple but essential, each playing a key role in building the chili’s complex flavor, hearty texture, and beautiful color. From aromatic garlic to robust spices and creamy beans, you’ll appreciate how well these come together.
- 1 lb ground beef: The star of the dish, providing rich, savory depth and protein.
- 1 onion, diced: Adds a mild sweetness and forms the flavor base.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Gives a fragrant punch that awakens the palate.
- 1 bell pepper, diced: Offers a slight crunch and sweetness to balance the spices.
- 1 jalapeño, seeded and minced (optional): For those who crave a little extra heat and complexity.
- 2 tbsp olive oil: Helps soften the veggies and cook the beef evenly.
- 2 tbsp chili powder: The heart of the seasoning, delivering that classic chili flavor.
- 1 tsp ground cumin: Adds earthiness and warmth.
- 1 tsp smoked paprika: Brings a subtle smoky note that makes the chili unforgettable.
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (optional): Heightens heat without overwhelming.
- 1 (28-ounce) can diced tomatoes: Provides acidity and juicy texture.
- 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce: Thickens the chili and adds rich tomato flavor.
- 1 (15-ounce) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed: Adds creaminess and fiber.
- 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed: Offers variety in texture and a subtle sweetness.
- 1 cup beef broth: Deepens the flavor and keeps everything beautifully moist.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Simple seasonings that pull all the flavors together.
- Toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped green onions, and tortilla chips: For personalized finishing touches that enhance texture and flavor.
How to Make Beef Chili Recipe
Step 1: Sauté Your Aromatics
Start by heating olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Toss in your diced onion, minced garlic, bell pepper, and jalapeño if you’re feeling adventurous. Let these cook gently for about 4 to 5 minutes until they become soft and fragrant — this is the foundation where all the incredible flavors begin to build.
Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef
Next up, add your ground beef to the pot. Break it apart with a spatula as it cooks to ensure it browns evenly and develops those rich, caramelized bits that make chili truly delicious. Once the beef is fully browned, carefully drain any excess fat to keep the dish flavorful but not greasy.
Step 3: Spice It Up
Sprinkle in the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and pepper. Let everything cook together for about one minute. This brief toast releases the spices’ essential oils and elevates their flavors, transforming your chili base into something extraordinary.
Step 4: Add the Tomatoes, Beans, and Broth
Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, kidney beans, black beans, and beef broth. These ingredients add body and heartiness, turning your chili from a simple sauté into a rich, simmering stew that’s packed with flavor and texture.
Step 5: Simmer to Perfection
Bring your chili to a boil before reducing the heat to low. Cover the pot and let it simmer gently for 30 to 40 minutes, stirring occasionally. This slow simmer lets all the flavors meld beautifully while thickening the chili to a luscious consistency.
Step 6: Taste and Adjust
Finally, give your chili a taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. Maybe a pinch more salt or a dash more chili powder depending on your mood. Your perfect bowl of beef chili is ready to serve!
How to Serve Beef Chili Recipe
Garnishes
The joy of a beef chili recipe is how customizable it is after cooking. Ladle your chili into bowls and crown it with shredded cheese for gooey richness, a dollop of cool sour cream to balance the heat, chopped green onions for freshness, and crunchy tortilla chips for satisfying texture. Each garnish brings a little extra magic to the experience.
Side Dishes
This chili shines alongside classic complements like cornbread or crusty bread to soak up every bit of the sauce. A simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette is wonderful if you want to balance the meal with freshness. Or serve it over rice for a more filling, family-style supper.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to add some fun? Turn your beef chili recipe into a chili bar where everyone can pile on their favorite toppings. Or use it as a baked potato filling or over nachos for a shareable appetizer. It’s incredibly versatile, so feel free to get creative!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Your beef chili is even better the next day, making it perfect for leftovers. Store any cooled chili in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. This makes weekday lunches or quick dinners an absolute breeze.
Freezing
This beef chili recipe freezes beautifully. Portion it into freezer-safe containers or bags, label with the date, and freeze for up to 3 months. When you want a comforting meal, just thaw overnight in the fridge or reheat straight from frozen in a pot or microwave.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the chili gently over medium heat until hot, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. You can also microwave individual portions, adding a splash of beef broth or water if the chili has thickened too much. It will taste fresh and comforting, just like the first time.
FAQs
Can I make this Beef Chili Recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! Swap the ground beef for plant-based crumbles or an extra mix of beans and veggies. Adjust seasonings to keep it vibrant, and you’ll have a delicious meat-free chili.
How spicy is this chili?
This recipe offers mild to moderate heat, but you can easily dial it up by keeping the jalapeño seeds, adding more cayenne, or topping with hot sauce. Adjust to your personal heat preference.
What’s the best type of beans to use?
Kidney and black beans are ideal here for their size, texture, and flavor balance. Feel free to swap or combine with pinto beans for variation.
Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?
Yes! Ground turkey or chicken makes a lighter chili that still tastes fantastic. Just follow the same cooking instructions and watch the meat closely so it doesn’t dry out.
Can I prepare this recipe in a slow cooker?
Definitely! Brown the meat and sauté the veggies first, then combine all ingredients in the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours for tender, flavorful results.
Final Thoughts
Sharing this Beef Chili Recipe feels like giving you a warm, flavorful hug in a bowl. It’s the kind of dish you return to again and again, whether for a casual family meal, game day, or when you just crave something cozy and satisfying. Don’t hesitate to dive in, customize, and make this recipe your own—it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that tastes like home cooking at its very best.
Print
Beef Chili Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This hearty Beef Chili recipe is a comforting and flavorful dish perfect for any occasion. Ground beef is simmered with a savory blend of spices, tomatoes, beans, and aromatics to create a rich, warming chili that’s easy to prepare and delicious served with your favorite toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, and green onions.
Ingredients
Chili Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1 jalapeño, seeded and minced (optional for heat)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
- 1 (28-ounce) can diced tomatoes
- 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
- 1 (15-ounce) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup beef broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
Toppings
- Shredded cheese
- Sour cream
- Chopped green onions
- Tortilla chips
Instructions
- Sauté Vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onion, garlic, bell pepper, and jalapeño if using. Sauté for 4-5 minutes until the vegetables have softened and released their aroma.
- Brown the Beef: Add the ground beef to the pot and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Drain any excess fat from the pot to keep the chili from being too greasy.
- Add Spices: Stir in the chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and black pepper. Cook for about 1 minute to toast the spices and enhance their flavors.
- Add Liquids and Beans: Pour in the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, drained kidney beans, drained black beans, and beef broth. Stir everything to combine well.
- Simmer the Chili: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover the pot and let it simmer gently for 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and to allow flavors to meld.
- Adjust and Serve: Taste and adjust seasonings if needed. Serve hot, topped with shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped green onions, and tortilla chips for added texture and flavor.
Notes
- You can leave out the jalapeño or cayenne pepper to make the chili milder for sensitive palates or kids.
- For a thicker chili, simmer uncovered for the last 10 minutes to reduce excess liquid.
- This chili can be made ahead and often tastes better the next day as flavors deepen overnight.
- Feel free to substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner protein option.
- Serve with cornbread or over rice for a complete meal.
