There’s nothing quite like a steaming bowl of The Best Ground Beef Chili to warm your soul and satisfy your appetite. Richly spiced, loaded with tender beef and hearty beans, this classic chili is a tried-and-true favorite that brings big, bold flavor without any fussy ingredients. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd, meal prepping for the week, or just craving serious comfort food, this chili hits every note—deeply savory, perfectly spiced, and oh-so satisfying. Trust me, you’ll want to make this recipe again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Pulling together The Best Ground Beef Chili is so much easier than you’d think! Every ingredient matters, building layers of flavor and creating a deep, rich color and crave-worthy texture. Here’s everything you’ll need, along with a handy tip for each.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Helps soften the veggies and brown the beef for the best flavor base.
- 1 medium yellow onion (diced): Gives sweetness and depth to the chili, rounding out the spices.
- 1 green bell pepper (diced): Adds a pop of freshness and color, plus a mild crunch.
- 3 cloves garlic (minced): Infuses the chili with aromatic, punchy flavor—don’t skip it!
- 2 pounds lean ground beef (80–85% lean): The star of the show; pick good-quality beef for the richest, juiciest chili.
- 3 tablespoons chili powder: Delivers iconic chili warmth and that signature red hue.
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin: Balances the heat with earthy, savory notes.
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika: Brings subtle smokiness—secret weapon for depth.
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano: Adds a herbaceous layer that complements all the spices.
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional): For those who love a little kick, this brings gentle heat. Use more or less to taste.
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste: Concentrates tomato flavor and adds natural thickness.
- 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce: Provides a smooth, tangy base to marry the flavors together.
- 1 (15-ounce) can diced tomatoes: Offers texture and bursts of tomato goodness.
- 1 (15-ounce) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed: Classic chili bean that bulks up the dish and brings extra protein.
- 1 (15-ounce) can pinto beans, drained and rinsed: Adds creaminess and subtle nuttiness for a hearty touch.
- 1 cup beef broth or water: Loosens everything up so the chili can simmer and flavors meld—beef broth gives extra savoriness!
- 1 teaspoon salt (more to taste): Essential for highlighting every ingredient.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Just the right amount of gentle background heat.
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar: Perks up all the flavors with a pop of tang right at the end.
- Optional toppings: shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped green onions, jalapeño slices, tortilla chips: Customizes each bowl and makes every serving special!
How to Make The Best Ground Beef Chili
Step 1: Sauté the Veggies
Grab your biggest heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven and set it over medium heat. Once the olive oil shimmers, toss in the diced onion and green bell pepper. Let them cook, stirring often, for about 5 to 7 minutes until they’re perfectly softened and turning fragrant—this forms the sweet base for The Best Ground Beef Chili.
Step 2: Add the Garlic
Now sprinkle in your minced garlic and let it cook for 30 seconds. You’ll smell that unmistakable garlicky aroma. This quick way of blooming the garlic brings out all its flavor, so don’t let it burn!
Step 3: Brown the Beef
Add the ground beef right into the pot. Use a wooden spoon or spatula to break it apart as it cooks; you want crumbles rather than big chunks. Let it cook until browned and cooked through. If it releases a lot of grease, go ahead and drain the extra fat before moving on—this keeps your finished chili rich but not heavy.
Step 4: Bloom the Spices and Tomato Paste
Make a little well in the center of the pot, then stir in chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, cayenne (if you’re using it), and the tomato paste. Cook everything together for 1 to 2 minutes. This helps the spices “bloom,” releasing all their essential oils for the best possible flavor in The Best Ground Beef Chili.
Step 5: Add Tomatoes, Beans, and Broth
Pour in the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, kidney beans, pinto beans, and your beef broth or water. Sprinkle in the salt and black pepper. Give everything a good, hearty stir to ensure it’s all beautifully combined. This is the moment where the chili comes together!
Step 6: Simmer and Thicken
Bring the chili to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer uncovered for 30 to 45 minutes. Stir it occasionally and watch as it thickens and bubbles—the aroma will have everyone in your house craving a bowl. Simmering uncovered is the trick behind The Best Ground Beef Chili’s irresistible, spoon-coating texture.
Step 7: Finish and Serve
Stir in the apple cider vinegar just before serving. It lifts all those deep, hearty flavors right at the end. Give your chili a final taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. Then, ladle into bowls and pile on your favorite toppings!
How to Serve The Best Ground Beef Chili
Garnishes
The fun really begins when you get creative with toppings! Shredded cheese melts into creamy streaks while a dollop of sour cream adds rich coolness. Sprinkle over scallions or green onions for color and zing, add jalapeño slices for extra spice, or crush a handful of tortilla chips on top for crunch. This is where every bowl of The Best Ground Beef Chili becomes your own custom creation.
Side Dishes
This chili stands tall on its own, but I love serving it with sides that soak up that amazing sauce. Fresh cornbread or warm, crusty bread makes the ultimate chili companion. A simple green salad or buttery rice can round out a satisfying meal effortlessly. Whichever sides you pick, they’ll let The Best Ground Beef Chili shine as the star.
Creative Ways to Present
There’s no rule that chili has to go in a traditional bowl! Spoon it over baked potatoes, serve it nacho-style atop tortilla chips, or even tuck it into tortillas for impromptu chili burritos. Try using The Best Ground Beef Chili as a topping for fries or layered inside a cheesy quesadilla—the options are only as limited as your imagination.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once your chili is cooled to room temperature, transfer leftovers to airtight containers. Properly stored in the fridge, The Best Ground Beef Chili keeps beautifully for up to 4 days. In fact, the flavors only deepen and get better after a night of rest, making tomorrow’s lunch even more irresistible.
Freezing
If you want to stash some away for a rainy day, chili is perfect for freezing. Portion cooled chili into freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags, leaving a bit of room for expansion. Label them and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to reheat, just thaw overnight in the refrigerator before bringing it back to piping hot perfection.
Reheating
For best results, reheat The Best Ground Beef Chili gently over medium-low heat on the stove, stirring occasionally until it’s hot all the way through. If it thickens up a little too much, splash in a bit of water or broth to loosen. The microwave works in a pinch—just cover loosely and stir halfway through to avoid hot spots.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?
Absolutely! While ground beef delivers that classic chili richness, ground turkey or chicken offer a lighter alternative. Just note that leaner meats may need a little extra oil to stay juicy and flavorful. Adjust the seasonings as needed, but the basic steps for The Best Ground Beef Chili remain the same.
How spicy is this chili, and can I control the heat?
The spice level is totally customizable. The half teaspoon of cayenne pepper gives a gentle warmth, but you can skip it or add more to match your spice tolerance. For an extra mild version, leave out the jalapeños and serve the heat on the side.
What’s the secret to making chili taste even better?
Time! Flavors really intensify after a night in the fridge, so don’t hesitate to make The Best Ground Beef Chili a day ahead. Adding a pinch of unsweetened cocoa powder or a splash of beer during the simmer also brings an extra layer of richness that sets your chili apart.
Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Definitely. Just brown the beef and sauté the veggies as directed, then transfer everything to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6–8 hours or high for 3–4 hours, adding the apple cider vinegar at the end. It’s a fuss-free way to make a big batch of The Best Ground Beef Chili.
Is The Best Ground Beef Chili gluten-free?
Yes, as long as you use gluten-free broth and double-check your seasonings and toppings, this chili fits a gluten-free diet. It’s naturally hearty and satisfying without any flour or thickeners.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re feeding friends for game day or cozying up on a chilly night, The Best Ground Beef Chili is here to delight. Each bowl is guaranteed to deliver deep flavors, hearty textures, and plenty of opportunities for creative twists. Give it a try—and don’t forget all your favorite toppings! I’m sure this chili will become a regular in your recipe rotation.
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The Best Ground Beef Chili Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 6–8 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This hearty and flavorful Ground Beef Chili is the perfect comfort food for chilly days. Packed with savory beef, beans, and a blend of spices, this classic chili recipe is sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion (diced)
- 1 green bell pepper (diced)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 pounds lean ground beef (80–85% lean)
Spices and Seasonings:
- 3 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
Canned Ingredients:
- 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
- 1 (15-ounce) can diced tomatoes
- 1 (15-ounce) can kidney beans (drained and rinsed)
- 1 (15-ounce) can pinto beans (drained and rinsed)
- 1 cup beef broth or water
Seasonings:
- 1 teaspoon salt (more to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
Optional Toppings:
- shredded cheese
- sour cream
- chopped green onions
- jalapeño slices
- tortilla chips
Instructions
- Prepare the Base: Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Sauté onion and bell pepper until softened. Add garlic and cook until fragrant.
- Cook the Beef: Brown the ground beef, breaking it apart. Drain excess grease if needed.
- Season and Simmer: Stir in spices and tomato paste. Add canned ingredients and broth. Season with salt and pepper. Simmer until thickened.
- Finish and Serve: Stir in apple cider vinegar. Adjust seasonings. Serve with toppings of choice.
Notes
- Use high-quality ground beef for best results.
- Simmer uncovered for concentrated flavors.
- Chili tastes better the next day.
- Experiment with cocoa powder or beer for added depth.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 720 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 8 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg
