Beef chili is the perfect comfort food for any day. With tender ground beef, flavorful chili powder, and hearty beans, this recipe is sure to satisfy your cravings. It’s easy to make, and you can adjust the spice level to fit your taste. Whether for a family meal or a cozy night in, this beef chili is a dish everyone will love.
Why We Love This Beef Chili Recipe
There’s something truly satisfying about a bowl of homemade beef chili. It’s a dish that brings warmth, comfort, and bold flavors all in one. Here’s why we can’t get enough of this recipe:
- Hearty and Filling: The combination of ground beef, beans, and chili powder creates a rich, hearty meal that’s perfect for any time of the year, whether you’re craving something comforting on a cold evening or making it for a weekend gathering.
- Simple Ingredients: You don’t need a long list of hard-to-find ingredients. This recipe uses easy-to-get items like tomatoes, onions, and garlic, making it a convenient go-to meal for busy weeknights.
- Customizable: One of the best parts of chili is its versatility. Want it spicier? Add extra chili powder or some jalapeños. Prefer a milder version? Skip the heat or use mild chili powder. You can adjust this recipe to fit everyone’s preferences.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Chili actually tastes even better the next day! It’s a great dish to make in advance and store for busy days. You can also freeze it for future meals, making it a perfect prep meal for your busy schedule.
- Feeds a Crowd: Whether you’re hosting a casual get-together or feeding your family, this recipe is scalable and perfect for feeding a group without much extra effort.
This beef chili recipe is more than just a meal; it’s a crowd-pleaser, a comfort food staple, and a dish that’s just as flexible as it is flavorful. Plus, it’s so easy to make, you’ll find yourself coming back to it again and again.
Ingredients for Beef Chili
Ground Beef – Adds a hearty base to the chili. Use lean beef for less grease.
Onion – Brings savory flavor to the dish.
Garlic – Adds aromatic richness to the chili.
Diced Tomatoes – Provides a tangy and slightly sweet base.
Kidney Beans – Adds texture and heartiness.
Black Beans – Complements the kidney beans with extra protein.
Chili Powder – Key spice for flavor and heat.
Cumin – Adds a smoky, earthy flavor.
Paprika – Adds sweetness and color.
Salt – Enhances all the flavors.
Black Pepper – Adds mild heat.
Beef Broth – The liquid base that brings everything together.
Optional Toppings (Sour Cream, Shredded Cheese, Green Onions) – For added richness and freshness.
Instructions for Beef Chili
Making this beef chili is easier than you might think! Just follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a delicious meal ready in no time.
Cook the Beef: Heat oil in a pot over medium-high heat. Add ground beef, cook until browned (about 5-7 minutes), and drain any excess fat.
Sauté Onion and Garlic: Add chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook for 2-3 minutes until softened.
Add Tomatoes and Beans: Stir in diced tomatoes, kidney beans, and black beans. Mix well.
Season the Chili: Add chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir to combine.
Simmer: Add beef broth, bring to a boil, then lower the heat and simmer for at least 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Taste and Adjust: Taste and add more chili powder or broth as needed.
Serve: Ladle into bowls and top with sour cream, shredded cheese, or green onions. Enjoy with cornbread or crusty bread!
Pro Tips for Perfect Beef Chili
To take your beef chili to the next level, here are a few pro tips to ensure it’s rich, flavorful, and perfectly cooked every time:
Use Lean Ground Beef:
For a less greasy chili, opt for lean ground beef. If you prefer a leaner option, ground turkey or chicken can be great substitutes, though the flavor may be milder.
Let It Simmer:
The longer you let your chili simmer, the better the flavor. Aim for at least 30 minutes, but if you have time, letting it cook for 1-2 hours will really allow the spices to develop a deeper richness. The flavors will only improve as it rests!
Layer the Spices:
If you want to get really deep flavors, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or a couple of chopped jalapeños to give your chili a nice kick. Don’t be afraid to play with the spices until it’s exactly how you like it.
Add a Touch of Sweetness:
A small spoonful of brown sugar or a drizzle of honey can help balance out the spiciness, especially if you like a sweet and spicy combination. Start with a little, then adjust to taste.
Beans Make It Hearty:
Don’t skimp on the beans! They add heartiness and texture to the chili, making it more filling and satisfying. Mix up the types of beans if you’d like—pinto beans, black beans, or even chickpeas can bring a fun twist.
Taste as You Go:
Always taste your chili as it simmers. If it needs more depth, add extra chili powder, cumin, or paprika. If it’s too spicy, a splash of tomato sauce or a dollop of sour cream can help tone it down.
Serve with Toppings:
Toppings are key to elevating your chili. Sour cream, shredded cheese, chopped green onions, and even a sprinkle of cilantro or lime juice can add freshness and richness that make each bite even better.
Make It Ahead:
Chili actually gets better the next day, so if you have time, make it ahead and let it rest in the fridge overnight. The flavors will meld together and intensify, making it even more delicious the second time around.
Variations of Beef Chili
While the classic beef chili recipe is always a hit, sometimes it’s fun to mix things up a bit! Here are some delicious variations you can try to suit your mood or dietary preferences:
Vegetarian Chili:
Swap the ground beef for lentils, tofu, or a mix of vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and mushrooms. Add an extra can of beans to keep the chili hearty and satisfying. You can still use all the same spices for that classic chili flavor, and it’s a great option for a vegetarian or plant-based meal.
Spicy Chili:
If you love heat, amp up the spice level with jalapeños, serrano peppers, or even a dash of cayenne pepper. Adding a bit of hot sauce or using a spicier chili powder can really take your chili to the next level of heat.
Slow Cooker Chili:
For an even more hands-off approach, make your chili in the slow cooker! Brown the ground beef first, then add all your ingredients to the slow cooker. Set it on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. This method allows the flavors to develop even further, and it’s perfect for busy days.
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FAQs for Beef Chili Recipe
Here are some common questions about making beef chili that can help you get the most out of this hearty dish:
How can I make my beef chili thicker?
If you prefer a thicker chili, there are a few simple tricks you can use:
Simmer longer: Let your chili simmer uncovered for an additional 15-30 minutes to allow the liquid to reduce and thicken.
Add beans: Mashing a portion of your beans or adding more can naturally thicken the chili while keeping the flavor balanced.
Cornstarch or flour: Mix a tablespoon of cornstarch or flour with a little water to make a slurry, then stir it into the chili for a quick thickening option.
What cut of beef is best for chili?
For the perfect beef chili, lean cuts of beef like ground beef or chuck roast are ideal. Ground beef is quick and easy, while chuck roast offers more depth of flavor when slow-cooked and shredded. Both cuts provide the right texture and richness for a satisfying chili.
Can I make beef chili without beans?
Yes, you can make a beanless chili by simply omitting the beans. This variation is especially popular with those following low-carb or keto diets. You can still achieve a hearty chili by adding extra vegetables or using ground pork for additional texture and flavor.
How do I store leftover beef chili?
Leftover beef chili can be stored in the fridge for up to 4 days. Make sure it’s in an airtight container to preserve freshness. You can also freeze it for later, as mentioned earlier, for a convenient meal down the line.
beef chili recipe
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 onion chopped
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 can 15 oz diced tomatoes
- 1 can 15 oz kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can 15 oz black beans, drained and rinsed
- 2 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 cup beef broth
- Optional toppings: Sour cream shredded cheese, chopped green onions
Instructions
Cook the Ground Beef:
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat a little oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Once the beef is fully cooked, drain any excess fat.
Sauté the Aromatics:
- Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot with the beef. Stir and cook for another 2-3 minutes, until the onion softens and becomes translucent. This step really brings out the savory flavors!
Add the Tomatoes and Beans:
- Stir in the diced tomatoes, kidney beans, and black beans. Mix everything well to combine. The tomatoes add a nice tangy base, and the beans give the chili that hearty texture.
Season the Chili:
- Sprinkle in the chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together so that the spices are well distributed. These spices are what give your chili that signature rich flavor!
Simmer:
- Pour in the beef broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for at least 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. This simmering time allows the flavors to meld together and deepen. For an even more intense flavor, you can let it simmer longer.
Taste and Adjust:
- Taste your chili before serving. If you like it spicier, you can add more chili powder or a dash of hot sauce. If it’s too thick, add a little more broth to reach your desired consistency.
Serve and Enjoy:
- Ladle the hot chili into bowls and top with your favorite toppings like sour cream, shredded cheese, or chopped green onions. Serve it with some crusty bread or cornbread for a perfect meal!