If you are craving a comforting, flavorful bowl of chili that hits all the right notes, you have to try this Hearty Beef Chili with Kidney Beans Recipe. It’s a classic that warmly fills the soul, bringing together perfectly browned ground beef, tender kidney beans, and a blend of spices that create a rich, robust taste. Every spoonful promises a delightful balance of smoky, spicy, and savory flavors, making it an instant favorite for family dinners, game days, or any time you want to cozy up with something truly satisfying.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, wholesome ingredients is the key to creating this delicious chili. Each element plays an essential role—from building deep flavors to adding satisfying textures and vibrant color that make the dish as visually inviting as it tastes.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Helps sauté the vegetables and adds a hint of fruity richness to start the base flavors.
- 1 medium onion, diced: Adds sweetness and depth once softened, forming the aromatic backbone of the chili.
- 1 green bell pepper, diced: Brings a fresh crunch along with a subtle peppery note that lifts the dish.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses a punchy, fragrant essence that enhances the overall savoriness.
- 1 ½ pounds ground beef: The hearty protein star that provides richness and satisfying texture.
- 2 tablespoons chili powder: Adds a bold, warm spiciness that defines classic chili flavor.
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin: Brings earthiness and a hint of smokiness that complements the beef beautifully.
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika: Adds a subtle smoky aroma without overpowering the other ingredients.
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano: Offers a slight herbal fragrance and complexity to the spice mix.
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional): For those who love a little extra heat, it adds a lively kick.
- Salt and black pepper to taste: Essential for balancing and enhancing all the other flavors.
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste: Concentrates the tomato flavor with sweetness and thickness to the chili.
- 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes: Provides a luscious, saucy base that ties everything together.
- 1 can (15 ounces) kidney beans, drained and rinsed: Adds creaminess, fiber, and protein, making the dish both hearty and nutritious.
- 1 cup beef broth: Deepens the savory elements and helps simmer the chili to the perfect consistency.
- 1 teaspoon sugar (optional): Balances acidity from the tomatoes and rounds out the flavor.
How to Make Hearty Beef Chili with Kidney Beans Recipe
Step 1: Sauté Your Aromatics
Start by heating your olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Toss in the diced onion and green bell pepper, cooking them gently until they’re soft and fragrant, about 5 to 6 minutes. This step builds the flavor foundation with sweetness and fresh peppery notes that harmonize beautifully in the final chili.
Step 2: Add Garlic and Brown the Beef
Stir in the minced garlic and let it cook for just 30 seconds until you can smell its inviting aroma—it’s the secret weapon for deep flavor here. Then add the ground beef, breaking it up with your spoon as it browns evenly. Once fully cooked, drain any excess fat to keep the chili from feeling greasy but retain its satisfying richness.
Step 3: Layer In the Spices
Sprinkle in the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, and cayenne pepper if you’re using it. Season with salt and black pepper. Stir everything together so the meat absorbs all those delicious spices. Adding the tomato paste next, cook it for about a minute to concentrate its flavors and deepen the base’s richness.
Step 4: Add Tomatoes, Beans, and Broth
Pour in the crushed tomatoes, kidney beans, and beef broth, stirring everything to combine thoughtfully. If you choose to use sugar, add it now to help mellow out the acidity of the tomatoes and produce a more balanced taste. Bring the pot to a gentle boil to start melding all the flavors.
Step 5: Simmer to Perfection
Lower the heat and let your chili simmer uncovered for 30 to 40 minutes, stirring occasionally. This leisurely cooking time thickens the chili and deepens its taste, helping all the ingredients come together into a harmonious, hearty bowl ready to warm you up.
How to Serve Hearty Beef Chili with Kidney Beans Recipe
Garnishes
Elevate your chili by topping it with shredded cheese, a dollop of cool sour cream, or some freshly chopped green onions. These simple additions add layers of texture and bursts of fresh, creamy flavor that contrast wonderfully with the rich, spicy chili.
Side Dishes
Classic sides like warm cornbread or crispy tortilla chips are perfect for scooping or soaking up every last bit. A fresh green salad can also provide a crisp, refreshing balance to the chili’s heartiness if you’re looking to lighten the meal a bit.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to impress guests, try serving your chili in hollowed-out bread bowls or over a bed of fluffy rice. You can also turn it into a chili dog topping or layer it into a Tex-Mex casserole for exciting twists on this beloved Hearty Beef Chili with Kidney Beans Recipe.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover chili stores beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. The flavors even deepen and develop more complexity overnight, making it a terrific make-ahead meal.
Freezing
This chili freezes perfectly. Portion it into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, leaving room for expansion. It will keep well for up to three months, allowing you a quick, delicious meal anytime you want.
Reheating
When it’s time to enjoy the leftovers, reheat your chili gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. Alternatively, microwave in short bursts, stirring in between to heat evenly without drying it out.
FAQs
Can I use beans other than kidney beans in this chili?
Absolutely! While kidney beans are traditional, black beans or pinto beans also work wonderfully, adding their own texture and flavor twists to the dish.
How spicy is this Hearty Beef Chili with Kidney Beans Recipe?
The chili has a moderate kick thanks to chili powder and a touch of cayenne pepper, but you can easily adjust the heat up or down based on your personal preference by adding more or less cayenne.
Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker?
Yes! Follow the initial browning steps for the veggies and beef, then transfer everything to your slow cooker and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or high for 3 to 4 hours for perfectly melded flavors.
Is this chili gluten-free?
Yes, all the ingredients listed are naturally gluten-free, making this recipe a great option for those avoiding gluten. Just be sure to check your broth and canned ingredients for any added gluten-containing additives.
What’s the best way to thicken the chili if it’s too watery?
Simply simmer it uncovered for a longer period to reduce the liquid. You can also stir in a small amount of masa harina or cornmeal to thicken with a subtle corn flavor.
Final Thoughts
If comfort food had a champion, this Hearty Beef Chili with Kidney Beans Recipe would be it. It’s fuss-free to make, packed with incredible flavor, and perfect for gathering loved ones around the table. I encourage you to try this recipe soon—you’ll find it’s the kind of bowl that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day, every time.
Print
Hearty Beef Chili with Kidney Beans Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Hearty Beef Chili with Kidney Beans is a comforting and flavorful classic American dish perfect for cozy meals. It features ground beef simmered with a blend of spices, kidney beans, and crushed tomatoes, creating a rich and satisfying chili that is ideal for family dinners or game-day gatherings.
Ingredients
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Meat and Protein
- 1 and 1/2 pounds ground beef
- 1 can (15 ounces) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
Spices and Seasonings
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon sugar (optional)
Other Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup beef broth
Instructions
- Prepare the Vegetables: Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the diced onion and green bell pepper, cooking for 5 to 6 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds, ensuring it becomes fragrant but does not burn.
- Brown the Beef: Add the ground beef to the pot, cooking until fully browned. Break up the meat with a spoon as it cooks. Drain excess fat if necessary to reduce greasiness.
- Season the Meat: Mix in chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, dried oregano, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and black pepper. Stir to coat the beef evenly with the spices.
- Add Tomato Paste: Incorporate the tomato paste and cook for 1 minute to deepen its flavor and meld it with the spices and meat.
- Add Liquids and Beans: Pour in the crushed tomatoes, kidney beans, beef broth, and sugar if using. Stir everything together thoroughly.
- Simmer the Chili: Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer uncovered for 30 to 40 minutes, stirring occasionally until it thickens and flavors meld beautifully.
- Final Taste and Adjust: Taste the chili and adjust seasoning with additional salt or pepper if needed before serving.
Notes
- This chili tastes even better the next day, allowing the flavors to develop fully.
- Serve with shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped green onions, or alongside cornbread for a complete meal.
- For a thicker consistency, continue to simmer the chili uncovered for a longer time.
