Nothing says comfort food quite like a steaming bowl of Beef Chili. This classic recipe marries savory ground beef, two kinds of beans, and a warm blend of spices, all simmered in a rich tomato base. It’s easy to prepare but incredibly satisfying, filled with hearty flavor and the kind of home-cooked goodness that tastes like a hug in a bowl. Whether you’re feeding a crowd on game day or just looking to cozy up on a chilly evening, a pot of Beef Chili never disappoints.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The secret to the best Beef Chili is using simple, quality ingredients that each bring something special to the table. From the sweetness of onion to the boldness of chili powder, every item lends something unique to the flavor, texture, or color of this dish.
- Olive oil: A tablespoon starts everything off with the perfect foundation for sautéing your aromatics.
- Yellow onion, chopped: Gives mellow sweetness and a touch of bite to the chili base.
- Garlic, minced: Adds an aromatic, irresistible depth that lifts all the flavors.
- Ground beef: The star of the show, bringing heartiness and rich flavor to every bite.
- Kidney beans, drained and rinsed: Their creamy texture and classic chili flavor are a must-have.
- Black beans, drained and rinsed: Offer extra substance and an earthy note to the mix.
- Diced tomatoes: Juicy and bright, they form the backbone of the chili’s sauce.
- Tomato sauce: Intensifies the tomato goodness and helps thicken the chili.
- Tomato paste: Concentrated umami and depth, building layers of flavor.
- Chili powder: Essential for that quintessential chili kick and vibrant color.
- Ground cumin: Adds warmth and a little smokiness, balancing all the flavors.
- Smoked paprika: Just a hint transforms the base with subtle smokiness.
- Cayenne pepper (optional): For those who love a little heat!
- Salt: Enhances and brings together all the savory notes.
- Black pepper: A pinch wakes up the spices with just the right bite.
- Water or beef broth: A splash of liquid to get that perfect chili consistency and deepen the flavor.
How to Make Beef Chili
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Start by heating olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Toss in the chopped onion and let it cook, stirring every so often, until it’s soft and a little translucent—about 4 to 5 minutes will do the trick. Once the onion has mellowed out and become fragrant, stir in the garlic. The sizzle and the instant aroma tell you the magic’s underway, but don’t let the garlic cook for more than 30 seconds to avoid any bitterness.
Step 2: Brown the Beef
Add the ground beef right into your pot with the onion and garlic. Use your spoon to break the meat apart as it cooks—those little crumbles are chili gold! Let it brown up for about 6 to 8 minutes. If a lot of fat has rendered out, feel free to drain off the excess before moving on, so your Beef Chili isn’t greasy but stays juicy and flavorful.
Step 3: Bloom the Spices
Now is when flavor really starts to build. Add the tomato paste along with chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper (if you like heat), salt, and black pepper. Let this cook for just about a minute—this quick sizzle helps bloom the spices and intensifies their flavors, filling your kitchen with that signature chili aroma.
Step 4: Add Beans, Tomatoes, and Liquid
Pour in the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, both kinds of beans, and your choice of water or beef broth. Stir everything together thoroughly. This mix is what transforms into that iconic, scoopable Beef Chili after a lovely simmer, creating a harmony of taste and texture with every ingredient.
Step 5: Simmer and Finish
Turn the heat down to maintain a gentle simmer, and let your Beef Chili cook uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes. This reduces the sauce just enough for a thick, hearty consistency—stir it occasionally so nothing sticks. Give it a taste at the end and adjust the salt or heat to your liking. Now, you’re ready to serve up bowls of comfort!
How to Serve Beef Chili
Garnishes
A good Beef Chili deserves great toppings. Set out shredded cheddar cheese for a classic melty finish, a dollop of cool sour cream to balance the spice, and a handful of freshly sliced green onions or cilantro for a fresh pop. Chopped jalapeños, avocado, or crunchy tortilla strips also make every bite memorable—feel free to mix and match!
Side Dishes
Nothing pairs better with a ladle of Beef Chili than warm, buttery cornbread or fluffy rice. Tortilla chips on the side offer a satisfying crunch for scooping, while a simple green salad dressed in a tangy vinaigrette helps cut through the chili’s richness. If you crave something even heartier, serve it atop a baked potato—trust me, that combo is a game changer.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re hosting, consider serving your Beef Chili in mini bread bowls or sturdy tortilla cups for a fun twist. Try topping nachos or even hot dogs with ladles of chili for a party spread that always gets compliments. Leftovers also make killer stuffed peppers or a saucy base for chili mac—there are so many delicious directions to take this classic!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
One of the best things about Beef Chili is how well it keeps—some say it’s even better the next day! Once cooled, transfer leftovers into airtight containers and refrigerate. Stored this way, your chili will stay fresh and flavorful for up to four days, making it perfect for ready-to-go lunches or quick weeknight dinners.
Freezing
Beef Chili freezes beautifully, so don’t hesitate to make a big batch. Simply portion cooled chili into freezer-safe containers or zippered bags, leave a little room for expansion, and freeze for up to three months. Label and date your containers for a no-guesswork dinner option that’s as easy to defrost as it is delicious.
Reheating
To reheat, you can warm your Beef Chili gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water or broth if it’s extra thick. If you’re reheating just a single serving, the microwave does the trick—cover the bowl to avoid splatters and stop to stir halfway through to ensure even heating. Either way, you’re minutes away from hot, hearty comfort in a bowl.
FAQs
Can I use a different kind of meat in this Beef Chili?
Absolutely! While ground beef gives the classic flavor and hearty texture, you can substitute ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based crumbles with great results. Just keep an eye on cooking time as leaner meats may cook a bit quicker.
Is this recipe spicy?
As written, this Beef Chili has a mild to moderate heat, thanks to the optional cayenne pepper. If you prefer things on the milder or spicier side, just adjust the amount of cayenne or leave it out entirely to customize the warmth to your taste.
Can I make this Beef Chili in a slow cooker?
You sure can! Brown your meat and sauté the onions and garlic first on the stovetop, then add everything to your slow cooker and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or high for 3 to 4 hours. This hands-off method makes dinner almost effortless.
What should I do if my chili is too thick or too thin?
If your Beef Chili is thicker than you like, add a splash more broth or water until it’s just right; if it’s too thin, let it simmer uncovered for a few more minutes, stirring occasionally, to thicken up. Chili is very forgiving, so you can tweak as you go!
Can I add vegetables to this recipe?
Definitely! Bell peppers, corn, zucchini, or chopped carrots all blend seamlessly into Beef Chili, adding color, sweetness, and even more nutrition. Stir them in when you add the tomatoes and beans, and let them cook until tender.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving a dish that’s as cozy as it is crowd-pleasing, give this Beef Chili a try. It’s endlessly adaptable, full of robust flavors, and guaranteed to bring warmth to any table. Don’t be surprised if it becomes your new go-to comfort food!
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Beef Chili Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Warm up with a hearty bowl of Beef Chili, a classic comfort food favorite. This recipe is loaded with savory flavors and satisfying ingredients that come together to create a delicious meal that’s perfect for any day of the week.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound ground beef
Additional Ingredients:
- 1 (15-ounce) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (15-ounce) can diced tomatoes
- 1 (8-ounce) can tomato sauce
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup water or beef broth
Instructions
- Sauté Aromatics: In a large pot, sauté onion in olive oil until softened. Add garlic and cook briefly.
- Brown Beef: Add ground beef, cook until browned.
- Add Seasonings: Stir in tomato paste, chili powder, cumin, paprika, cayenne, salt, and pepper.
- Simmer: Add tomatoes, beans, and liquid. Simmer for 25-30 minutes.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste and adjust seasoning. Serve hot with desired toppings.
Notes
- For extra depth, consider adding Worcestershire sauce or cocoa powder.
- This chili tastes even better when made ahead and reheated the next day.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 640mg
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 7g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
