If you’re craving something hearty, flavorful, and downright comforting, look no further than The Best Ground Beef Chili Recipe. This chili combines perfectly browned ground beef with a vibrant blend of spices and a medley of beans and tomatoes, creating a dish that’s rich, warming, and packed with soul-satisfying goodness. Whether it’s for a cozy weeknight dinner or a game day gathering, this recipe hits all the right notes with its perfect balance of smoky, spicy, and savory flavors.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe keeps it wonderfully simple but every ingredient plays an essential role in building layers of flavor, texture, and color. From the tender ground beef to the aromatic spices, everything comes together to create a chili that’s both comforting and exciting.
- Olive oil: Used to brown the beef and sauté the veggies, adding a subtle fruity richness.
- Large onion, diced: Brings sweetness and depth while softening during cooking.
- Green bell pepper, diced: Adds a pop of fresh crunch and a touch of brightness.
- Garlic cloves, minced: Infuses the dish with warm, aromatic flavor.
- Ground beef: The hearty protein base that makes this chili so satisfying.
- Chili powder: The star spice that delivers that signature chili kick.
- Ground cumin: Adds earthiness and a smoky undertone.
- Paprika: Contributes mild heat and a beautiful red color.
- Dried oregano: Gives a subtle herbaceous note that lifts the overall flavor.
- Cayenne pepper (optional): For those who love a fiery punch, this adds just the right amount of heat.
- Salt and pepper: Essential to enhance and balance all the flavors.
- Diced tomatoes (canned): Bring acidity and sweetness, helping to create a luscious sauce.
- Kidney beans, drained and rinsed: Provide hearty texture and protein.
- Black beans, drained and rinsed: Offer a creamy contrast and extra depth.
- Tomato sauce: Thickens the chili and adds concentrated tomato richness.
- Beef broth: Adds savory umami and keeps everything from drying out.
How to Make The Best Ground Beef Chili Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Beef
Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until it’s nicely browned, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Browning the meat well is key to developing deep flavor, so don’t rush this step. Once browned, drain any excess fat to keep the chili from getting greasy.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
Next, add the diced onion, green bell pepper, and minced garlic to the beef. Sauté everything together for about 3 to 4 minutes until the vegetables soften and release their fragrant goodness. This step lays the foundation of flavor by getting those natural sugars and aromas popping.
Step 3: Spice It Up
Sprinkle in chili powder, ground cumin, paprika, dried oregano, cayenne pepper if you like some heat, plus salt and pepper. Stir everything together and cook for another minute to toast the spices. This helps bring out their full flavor potential and gives the chili its defining character.
Step 4: Add the Tomatoes and Beans
Pour in the diced tomatoes, kidney beans, black beans, tomato sauce, and beef broth. These ingredients combine to create that luscious chili base, bringing acidity, creaminess, and savory depth. Give it all a good stir to mix everything evenly before the slow simmer.
Step 5: Simmer Low and Slow
Bring the chili to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let it cook undisturbed for 30 to 40 minutes, stirring occasionally. This slow simmer lets the flavors meld beautifully while tenderizing the ingredients to perfection. Taste and adjust the seasoning before serving.
Step 6: Serve Up Your Masterpiece
Ladle the chili into bowls and get ready to top it off with your favorite garnishes. This is where you can get creative and make every bowl uniquely delicious.
How to Serve The Best Ground Beef Chili Recipe
Garnishes
A bowl of chili is only as good as its toppings. Fresh diced onions, shredded cheddar, sliced jalapeños, a dollop of sour cream, or a sprinkle of fresh cilantro all make fantastic choices. These garnishes add pops of flavor, creaminess, or crunch that complement the hearty chili perfectly.
Side Dishes
Serve this chili with warm, crusty bread or soft cornbread to soak up all that rich sauce. A simple side salad or crispy tortilla chips work well for contrast, adding either freshness or crunch to your meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Think outside the bowl! Serve The Best Ground Beef Chili Recipe over rice for a filling twostep meal or stuff it inside baked potatoes for a fun twist. You can also turn it into a chili cheese dip by layering with melted cheese and tortilla chips for parties and get-togethers.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This chili tastes even better the next day as the flavors have more time to develop. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days, making it a perfect quick meal for busy days.
Freezing
Freeze any extra chili in freezer-safe containers or bags for up to 3 months. Make sure to leave room at the top as the chili will expand slightly when frozen. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat chili over medium heat on the stove, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. You can add a splash of water or broth if it has thickened too much. Alternatively, microwave in a covered dish, stirring halfway through to heat evenly.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a leaner option and works well in this chili recipe. Just be sure to cook it thoroughly and consider adding a bit more seasoning to punch up the flavor.
What beans work best in this chili?
Kidney beans and black beans are classic and provide a great texture and taste balance. You can also experiment with pinto beans or even omit beans for a low-carb version.
How spicy is this chili?
The spice level is mild to moderate, but adding cayenne pepper is completely optional, so you can adjust it to your heat preference. Feel free to spice it up or tone it down as you like.
Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker?
Yes! Brown the beef and sauté the veggies first, then transfer everything into a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6–8 hours or on high for 3–4 hours, stirring before serving.
What are some good chili toppings?
Classic toppings include shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped green onions, sliced jalapeños, avocado, or fresh cilantro. Each adds a delicious layer of flavor and texture.
Final Thoughts
There’s truly nothing like The Best Ground Beef Chili Recipe to bring warmth and joy to your table. Its simple yet bold blend of flavors makes it a dish you’ll want to keep coming back to again and again. So grab your pot, gather your ingredients, and dive into this delicious, heartwarming chili experience. Your taste buds will thank you!
Print
The Best Ground Beef Chili Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This hearty ground beef chili is packed with bold flavors and tender beans, simmered to perfection with a blend of spices, tomatoes, and beef broth. Perfect for a comforting meal, it’s easy to prepare in just under an hour and yields a satisfying dish ideal for gatherings or weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 large onion, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Spices and Seasonings
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Canned Goods and Liquids
- 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 cup beef broth
Instructions
- Brown the Meat: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain any excess fat to keep the chili from becoming greasy.
- Sauté Vegetables: Add the diced onion, green bell pepper, and minced garlic to the pot. Cook for 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are softened and fragrant, which builds the base flavor.
- Add Spices: Stir in chili powder, ground cumin, paprika, dried oregano, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and pepper. Cook for 1 minute to toast the spices and deepen their flavors.
- Combine Canned Ingredients: Add diced tomatoes, rinsed kidney beans, black beans, tomato sauce, and beef broth to the pot. Stir well to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Simmer the Chili: Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and cook for 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally. This allows the flavors to meld and the chili to thicken.
- Serve: Taste and adjust seasonings if needed. Ladle the chili into bowls and serve with your favorite toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, or chopped green onions.
Notes
- For a spicier chili, increase the cayenne pepper or add some chopped jalapeños with the vegetables.
- For a thicker chili, simmer uncovered for an additional 10-15 minutes to reduce liquid.
- This chili can be made ahead and tastes even better the next day.
- Leftovers freeze well for up to 3 months in an airtight container.
- To make it gluten-free, ensure all canned ingredients are labeled gluten-free.
