The Best Beef Chili Recipe for Cozy Comfort Food Nights

Warm, hearty beef chili offers a comforting embrace on chilly evenings.

Spices dance through each savory bite, creating layers of rich flavor.

Tender chunks of meat mingle with robust beans and vibrant vegetables.

Home cooks adore this classic dish for its simplicity and depth.

Each ingredient tells a story of comfort and tradition.

Fragrant aromas will fill your kitchen, promising a meal that satisfies both body and soul.

You won’t be able to resist seconds of this irresistible, soul-warming classic.

Storage Advice for Beef Chili

• Transfer cooled chili to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Seal tightly to prevent moisture and odors from affecting the flavor.
• Pack chili in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, removing excess air. Label with the date and freeze for up to 3 months for best quality.
• Place chili in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap with a small vent. Heat on medium power, stirring every 30 seconds until thoroughly warm.
• Pour chili into a saucepan, add a splash of beef broth to prevent sticking. Warm over medium-low heat, stirring frequently until heated completely and reaching desired temperature.

FAQs

• What type of ground beef works best for chili?

Choose ground beef with 80/20 or 85/15 lean-to-fat ratio for the most flavorful and juicy chili. The fat content helps enhance the overall taste and keeps the meat tender during cooking.

• Can I make this chili spicier?

Yes, increase the chili powder or add diced jalapeños, red pepper flakes, or hot sauce to boost the heat level. Start with small amounts and taste as you go to control the spiciness.

• Is this recipe good for meal prep?

Absolutely! This chili freezes wonderfully for up to 3 months. Store in airtight containers and reheat when you want a quick, delicious meal. The flavors actually improve after sitting for a day or two.

Classic Beef Chili Recipe Everyone Loves

• Boost Family Dinner Excitement: A hearty, crowd-pleasing meal that brings everyone together with rich, bold flavors and satisfying protein-packed goodness.
• Customize with Ease: Flexible recipe allows quick toppings like cheese, sour cream, or chopped cilantro, making each serving personalized and fun.
• Meal Prep Champion: One-pot wonder that delivers delicious leftovers, freezes beautifully, and saves precious cooking time during busy weeks.
• Beginner Cook's Delight: Simple step-by-step instructions ensure success for novice cooks, with no complicated techniques or hard-to-find ingredients required.

Ingredients for Delicious Beef Chili

• Ground Beef: Hearty meat that provides the rich, savory base of the chili.

• Onions, Garlic: Foundational ingredients that build deep flavor and aromatic base.
• Bell Peppers: Add sweetness and fresh vegetable texture to the chili.

• Kidney Beans, Black Beans: Provide protein, texture, and classic chili authenticity.
• Canned Diced Tomatoes, Tomato Paste: Create a thick, rich sauce with bright tomato flavor.

• Beef Broth: Adds depth and enhances the overall meaty flavor of the chili.

• Chili Powder, Cumin, Paprika, Oregano: Classic spice blend that gives traditional chili warmth and complexity.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and enhance other flavors.
• Bay Leaves: Provide subtle herbal background note.
• Brown Sugar: Adds a hint of sweetness to balance the spices.

• Olive Oil: Used for sautéing vegetables and meat, adding a smooth cooking base.

How to Make Beef Chili Step-by-Step

Step 1: Warm Up the Cooking Vessel

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.

Toss in diced onions and cook until they become soft and translucent.

Step 2: Awaken the Garlic

Add minced garlic and let it sizzle until its aroma fills the kitchen.

Step 3: Brown the Beef

Introduce ground beef to the pot, breaking it down and cooking until it’s completely browned and crumbly.

Step 4: Bring in the Peppers

Fold in diced bell peppers and cook until they begin to soften and release their sweet flavors.

Step 5: Spice Things Up

• Chili powder
• Cumin
• Paprika
• Oregano
• Salt
• Pepper

Cook the spices for 2 minutes to intensify their taste.

Step 6: Build the Chili Base

• Canned diced tomatoes
• Tomato paste
• Beef broth
• Kidney beans
• Black beans
• Bay leaves
• Brown sugar

Stir everything together thoroughly.

Step 7: Let the Magic Happen

Bring the mixture to a boil, then lower the heat.

Allow the chili to simmer for 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

Step 8: Final Touches

Remove the bay leaves.

Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.

Step 9: Serve and Enjoy

Ladle the hot chili into bowls.

Top with your favorite garnishes like shredded cheese, sour cream, or chopped cilantro.

Tips for Perfecting Your Beef Chili

• Brown ground beef in batches to ensure deep caramelization and prevent steaming, which enhances overall taste.
• Adjust chili powder and pepper quantities to suit personal heat preferences, allowing customization for mild or spicy lovers.
• Let chili simmer uncovered during the last 10 minutes to reduce liquid and create a richer, more concentrated texture.
• Garnish with fresh ingredients like chopped cilantro, green onions, shredded cheese, or sour cream to add freshness and complexity.
• Chili tastes even better the next day as flavors continue to develop, making it perfect for making ahead and reheating.

Variations to Personalize Beef Chili

• Vegetarian Chili: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or diced mushrooms for a hearty, meat-free version. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth for added flavor.
• Turkey Chili Lean: Swap ground beef with ground turkey for a lower-fat alternative. Keep the same spices and cooking method for a healthier protein option.
• Slow Cooker Method: Transfer all ingredients to a slow cooker after browning meat. Cook on low for 6-8 hours for deeper flavor development and tender texture.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Ensure all canned ingredients are certified gluten-free. Replace regular tomato paste with gluten-free version and check spice blends for potential gluten contamination.

Serving Suggestions for Beef Chili

• Cozy Game Night Companion: Serve this hearty chili during board game sessions with friends, creating a warm and comforting meal that keeps everyone satisfied between rounds.
• Tex-Mex Feast Finale: Top the chili with shredded cheddar cheese, fresh cilantro, diced green onions, and a dollop of sour cream for an authentic southwestern dining experience.
• Comfort Bowl Transformation: Pair the chili with cornbread, crispy tortilla chips, or over fluffy white rice to create a complete and filling meal that satisfies deep hunger cravings.
• Leftover Magic Maker: Store remaining chili in airtight containers for quick lunches or freeze in portions for future easy weeknight dinners that taste even better the next day.

Beef Chili Recipe

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4.5 from 25 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Mexican-inspired beef chili delivers hearty comfort with rich spices and tender meat. Home cooks savor this classic dish that brings warmth and satisfaction to family meals.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat:

• 1.5 pounds (680 grams) ground beef

Vegetables:

• 1 large onion, diced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 green bell pepper, diced
• 2 bay leaves

Pantry and Spice Ingredients:

• 2 cans (14.5 ounces / 411 grams each) diced tomatoes
• 1 can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 cup beef broth
• 3 tablespoons chili powder
• 1 tablespoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon oregano
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• Salt and pepper to taste

Optional Toppings:

• Sour cream
• Shredded cheese
• Sliced jalapenos
• Chopped cilantro
• Diced onions
• Avocado slices
• Lime wedges

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Instructions

1. Warm olive oil in a spacious Dutch oven at medium temperature, gently sautéing chopped onions until translucent and tender.
2. Incorporate minced garlic and allow aromatics to release their fragrant essence for approximately 30 seconds.
3. Introduce ground beef into the pot, methodically breaking and browning the meat until no pink remains and a rich caramelization develops.
4. Fold in diced bell peppers, cooking until they become slightly tender and retain a gentle crispness.
5. Sprinkle chili powder, cumin, paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper across the mixture, toasting the spices for 1-2 minutes to enhance their deep, complex flavors.
6. Pour in diced tomatoes, tomato paste, beef broth, kidney beans, black beans, bay leaves, and brown sugar, stirring thoroughly to create a harmonious blend.
7. Elevate heat to trigger a robust boil, then immediately reduce to a gentle simmer. Allow the chili to slowly develop its flavors for 35-45 minutes, occasionally stirring to prevent scorching.
8. Extract bay leaves and taste, adjusting seasonings to achieve a perfectly balanced profile.
9. Ladle into warm bowls and embellish with preferred garnishes like shredded cheese, sour cream, or chopped cilantro.

Notes

• Use high-quality ground beef with 80/20 fat content for maximum flavor and richness in the chili.
• Toast whole spices before grinding to enhance their depth and complexity, creating a more robust taste profile.
• For a thicker consistency, let the chili simmer uncovered during the last 10 minutes to reduce liquid and concentrate flavors.
• Swap ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a lighter, healthier alternative that maintains the classic chili texture.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 332 kcal
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 420 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 20 g
• Fiber: 7 g
• Protein: 26 g
• Cholesterol: 75 mg