Ground Beef Chili is the ultimate comfort dish, brimming with savory beef, hearty beans, vibrant veggies, and a warm blend of spices that come together in a perfectly cozy bowl. Every spoonful is an invitation to gather around the table and share great food and conversation. This classic recipe delivers rich, bold flavors with just the right amount of kick, making it a go-to whenever you crave something filling, easy, and full of satisfying texture. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or meal-prepping for the week, this Ground Beef Chili never fails to impress.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll be surprised how a handful of staple ingredients create such deep layers of flavor in Ground Beef Chili. Each component shines in its own way, working together to make this dish truly irresistible. Here’s what you’ll need, along with a quick tip for each:
- Olive oil: Gives a rich base for sautéeing veggies and browning beef, delivering subtle fruity notes.
- Yellow onion (diced): Lends natural sweetness and depth, anchoring the chili’s savory character.
- Green bell pepper (diced): Adds fresh crispness and a pop of color to every bowl.
- Garlic (minced): Brings aromatic zing that wakes up all the other flavors.
- Ground beef: Provides heartiness and the signature robust flavor that anchors this chili.
- Diced tomatoes: Offer juicy brightness and a tangy layer that balances the spices.
- Tomato paste: Intensifies tomato flavor and helps thicken the chili beautifully.
- Kidney beans (drained and rinsed): Add creamy texture and traditional chili substance.
- Pinto beans (drained and rinsed): Infuse a mild, earthy taste and extra fiber.
- Beef broth: Rounds out the sauce and deepens the meaty, savory notes.
- Chili powder: Supplies that essential, smoky warmth; don’t skimp!
- Ground cumin: Contributes nutty, earthy undertones that are totally classic in chili.
- Paprika: Offers subtle sweetness and brilliant, ruby color.
- Oregano: Adds a hint of herbal brightness that keeps the chili lively.
- Salt: Balances and elevates every flavor in the pot.
- Black pepper: Brings gentle heat and aromatic depth.
- Crushed red pepper flakes (optional): For those who like a noticeable kick—add to turn up the spice!
- Shredded cheese, chopped green onions, and sour cream (optional): The dream team of toppings to finish your piping-hot bowl in style.
How to Make Ground Beef Chili
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat, letting it shimmer before adding your diced onion and green bell pepper. Sauté these until they’re soft, which takes about five minutes—the vegetables should be tender and releasing their sweet aroma. Once that magic happens, stir in the minced garlic for just one minute, letting its sharp fragrance meld right into the mix.
Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef
Add the ground beef directly into the pot, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Your kitchen will fill with mouthwatering smells as the beef browns and releases its rich juices. Cook until there’s no pink left; if there’s a lot of excess fat, go ahead and drain some out so your Ground Beef Chili doesn’t get greasy, but keep a little for flavor.
Step 3: Add Beans, Tomatoes, and Broth
Now it’s time to build the luscious base of your chili. Pour in the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, kidney beans, pinto beans, and beef broth. Give it all a generous stir—this is where the chili starts to look hearty and inviting, full of chunky veggies and beans. The mixture will already be looking like a festive, rustic chili at this stage.
Step 4: Season and Simmer
This is where the true soul of Ground Beef Chili develops! Sprinkle in chili powder, ground cumin, paprika, oregano, salt, black pepper, and—if you’re feeling brave—the crushed red pepper flakes. Stir everything together so every bite will have a bit of each seasoning. Let the chili come to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and let it all simmer, uncovered, for 30 to 40 minutes. Stir occasionally as the mixture thickens and all those flavors become best friends in the pot.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Once your Ground Beef Chili has simmered to thick, savory perfection, taste and adjust for seasoning if needed. Ladle the hot chili into bowls and get ready for a warming, delicious meal. Sprinkle with your favorite toppings like shredded cheese, chopped green onions, and a dollop of sour cream to make every bowl extra cozy and flavorful.
How to Serve Ground Beef Chili
Garnishes
One of the best parts about Ground Beef Chili is customizing each bowl with fun, flavorful toppings. Try a shower of sharp cheddar, a sprinkle of green onions, and a generous spoonful of cool sour cream for the ultimate finish. For extra crunch and color, add diced jalapeños, sliced avocados, or even a handful of crushed tortilla chips! Each topping adds personality and makes your chili experience even more memorable.
Side Dishes
Serve your Ground Beef Chili with a side of freshly baked cornbread—nothing sops up the rich sauce quite like it! Warm flour tortillas or a simple green salad add balance and lightness to your table. And if you’re feeling extra generous, place a few bowls of tortilla chips or rice on the table so everyone can build their own ultimate chili feast.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist on tradition, try serving Ground Beef Chili in bread bowls or over baked potatoes. Hosting a crowd? Set up a chili bar with various toppings and sides, letting friends and family customize their meals. Another playful idea: use the chili as a filling for loaded nachos or as the hearty base in a taco salad—the possibilities are endless!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you end up with leftover Ground Beef Chili (lucky you!), store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep its robust flavors and satisfying texture for up to 4 days, perfect for easy lunches or dinners throughout the week.
Freezing
Ground Beef Chili freezes beautifully! Let the chili cool completely, then ladle it into freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags, leaving a little space at the top for expansion. Frozen chili will last up to 3 months and is an absolute lifesaver on busy days when you need a quick, hearty meal.
Reheating
To reheat refrigerated chili, simply scoop the desired amount into a saucepan and warm over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. For frozen chili, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating, or gently warm from frozen on the stovetop with a splash of broth or water to loosen the consistency as needed.
FAQs
Can I make Ground Beef Chili in advance?
Absolutely! In fact, making Ground Beef Chili a day ahead allows the flavors to deepen and meld, making leftovers taste even more incredible. Just store it covered in the fridge and reheat when you’re ready to serve.
Is this Ground Beef Chili recipe very spicy?
As written, this chili is gently spiced with just enough warmth for most palates. If you love extra heat, increase the chili powder, add additional red pepper flakes, or let guests add hot sauce at the table.
Can I use different kinds of beans?
Definitely! While kidney and pinto beans are classic, you can swap in black beans, cannellini beans, or even chickpeas. Choose your favorites to personalize your chili bowl.
How do I make Ground Beef Chili gluten-free?
Good news: This recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as all your canned ingredients are certified gluten-free. Always read labels on broths and seasoning blends to be extra safe.
What’s the best way to thicken chili if it seems too soupy?
If your Ground Beef Chili is looking a bit thin after simmering, let it cook a little longer uncovered to evaporate excess liquid. You can also mash some of the beans against the side of the pot and stir them in, or add a spoonful of masa harina or cornmeal for extra body.
Final Thoughts
If you’re in the mood for a hearty, flavor-packed meal that brings people together, this Ground Beef Chili is ready to become your next weeknight star. Give it a try, and before you know it, you’ll have found a go-to chili recipe for years of cozy dinners and good company!
Print
Ground Beef Chili Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Warm up with a hearty bowl of classic Ground Beef Chili, a comforting and flavorful dish that is perfect for a cozy night in. This recipe is easy to make and can be customized to suit your spice preference.
Ingredients
For the Chili:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 pounds ground beef
- 1 can (15 ounces) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (6 ounces) tomato paste
- 1 can (15 ounces) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 ounces) pinto beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 ½ cups beef broth
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon oregano
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
For Serving:
- Shredded cheese
- Chopped green onions
- Sour cream
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add diced onion and bell pepper and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Add minced garlic and cook for another minute.
- Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, kidney beans, pinto beans, and beef broth.
- Add chili powder, cumin, paprika, oregano, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Stir well to combine.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer uncovered for 30–40 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened.
- Serve hot with desired toppings.
Notes
- You can adjust the spice level by adding more chili powder or hot sauce.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
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