If you’re craving comfort in a bowl that warms you from the inside out, look no further than The Best Ground Beef Chili Recipe. This hearty chili combines perfectly seasoned ground beef with vibrant bell peppers, savory beans, and a rich blend of spices that create a symphony of bold flavors. Ready in under an hour, it’s the kind of recipe you’ll want to keep in your repertoire for cozy nights or feeding a hungry crowd. Simple yet packed with texture and color, this chili feels like a warm hug on a chilly day and never fails to impress.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, quality ingredients is the first step to nailing The Best Ground Beef Chili Recipe. Each one plays a crucial role, whether it’s adding depth, heat, or texture, ensuring your chili is balanced and satisfying.
- Olive oil: Perfect for sautéing and infusing a subtle, fruity flavor during browning the beef and veggies.
- Large onion, diced: Adds sweetness and a foundational layer of flavor that mellows as it cooks.
- Green bell pepper, diced: Brings a fresh, slightly crunchy texture that brightens the chili.
- Garlic cloves, minced: A punch of robust aroma and depth that enhances the overall savory profile.
- Ground beef (1 lb): The hearty star of the dish, providing richness and protein.
- Chili powder: The soul of the chili’s spice mix, delivering warmth and earthiness.
- Ground cumin: Adds a smoky, nutty undertone that complements the chili powder beautifully.
- Paprika: Contributes a sweet pepper tone and subtle color.
- Dried oregano: Lends a hint of herbal complexity that lifts the flavors.
- Cayenne pepper (optional): For those who like it spicy, a dash amps up the heat without overpowering.
- Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings to balance and enhance every bite.
- Diced tomatoes (1 can, 15 oz): Provide a fresh, tangy acidity and juiciness.
- Kidney beans (1 can, drained and rinsed): Offer a meaty texture and hearty fiber boost.
- Black beans (1 can, drained and rinsed): Add color contrast and creamy richness.
- Tomato sauce (1 can, 8 oz): Thickens the chili and enriches the tomato flavor.
- Beef broth (1 cup): Infuses savory depth and the perfect amount of liquid to simmer everything together.
How to Make The Best Ground Beef Chili Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Beef and Drain
Start by heating olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add your ground beef and cook until it’s nicely browned, breaking it apart as you go. Browning is key because it develops those rich, savory notes that make chili irresistible. Don’t forget to drain off excess fat so your chili doesn’t end up greasy.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
Next, toss in your diced onion, green bell pepper, and minced garlic. Cook these together until they soften and become fragrant, about 3 to 4 minutes. This step mellows the raw sharpness and brings out their natural sweetness, building layers of flavor that will marry beautifully with the spices.
Step 3: Spice It Up
Now the magic begins: sprinkle in chili powder, ground cumin, paprika, oregano, cayenne pepper if you’re using it, plus salt and pepper. Stir and cook for just a minute to toast the spices slightly. This quick step wakes up their fragrance and intensifies their taste, making your chili even more aromatic and inviting.
Step 4: Combine the Tomatoes, Beans, Sauce, and Broth
Pour in the diced tomatoes, kidney beans, black beans, tomato sauce, and the beef broth. This combination creates a complex, hearty base that balances acidity, richness, and a bit of liquid to meld everything together.
Step 5: Simmer to Perfection
Bring your chili mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let it slowly cook for 30 to 40 minutes, stirring occasionally. The slow simmer allows flavors to develop fully while thickening the chili to a luscious state. Taste along the way and adjust seasonings as desired.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Ladle your gorgeous chili into bowls and prepare for the best part: garnishing and eating. This is comfort in a bowl done right!
How to Serve The Best Ground Beef Chili Recipe
Garnishes
Chili is so much fun because it’s versatile with toppings! Think shredded cheddar, a dollop of sour cream, chopped green onions, fresh cilantro, or even crunchy tortilla chips for texture contrast. These garnishes not only add flavor but also brighten and personalize every bowl.
Side Dishes
Classic cornbread is the ultimate companion, soaking up every last bit of chili goodness. A crisp green salad or simple steamed rice can balance out the boldness of the chili, making your meal complete and satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
Why not turn your chili into a fun party dish? Serve it over baked potatoes, spoon it into crispy taco shells, or layer it in a hearty chili cheese dip for sharing. The Best Ground Beef Chili Recipe lends itself perfectly to your creative culinary whims.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover chili is a gift that keeps on giving. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors only get better as they sit, so don’t hesitate to make a big batch.
Freezing
This chili freezes beautifully. Portion it into freezer-safe containers or bags and freeze for up to 3 months. When you need a quick meal, just thaw overnight and reheat—comfort food at your fingertips.
Reheating
Reheat your chili gently on the stove over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. You can also microwave it in short bursts, stirring in between, until hot. Add a splash of broth if it’s too thick after chilling.
FAQs
Can I make The Best Ground Beef Chili Recipe vegan or vegetarian?
Absolutely! Swap the ground beef for plant-based crumbles or extra beans and vegetables. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth, and you’ll still enjoy a hearty, flavorful chili.
What can I do if I don’t like spicy food?
Simply omit or reduce the cayenne pepper and chili powder. The other spices still provide plenty of warmth and complexity without overwhelming heat.
Is it possible to use canned beans without rinsing?
Rinsing canned beans is recommended to remove excess sodium and preserve the chili’s clear, fresh flavors. It’s a small step that makes a noticeable difference.
Can I prepare The Best Ground Beef Chili Recipe in a slow cooker?
Yes! Brown your beef and saute veggies first, then transfer all ingredients to your slow cooker. Cook on low for 6 to 8 hours for a deeply developed flavor.
What sides besides cornbread go well with chili?
Rice, tortilla chips, baked potatoes, or crusty bread are excellent choices to round out your meal and soak up delicious chili sauce.
Final Thoughts
Giving The Best Ground Beef Chili Recipe a spot in your cooking lineup means you’ll always have a cozy, crowd-pleasing dinner ready anytime. Its simplicity, rich flavors, and comforting texture make it a favorite you’ll return to again and again. So grab your pot, roll up your sleeves, and get ready to enjoy one of the most satisfying bowls of chili you’ll ever taste!
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
A hearty and flavorful ground beef chili featuring a blend of spices, beans, and tomatoes simmered to perfection. Perfect for a comforting dinner that serves six.
Ingredients
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 large onion, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Spices
- 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
Liquids and Canned Goods
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 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 Ground Beef: 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 reduce greasiness.
- Sauté Vegetables: Add the diced onion, bell pepper, and garlic to the pot. Cook for 3-4 minutes until the vegetables soften and become fragrant, enhancing the chili’s depth of flavor.
- Add Spices: Stir in chili powder, cumin, paprika, oregano, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and pepper. Cook for about 1 minute to toast the spices and release their aroma.
- Add Tomatoes and Beans: Stir in the diced tomatoes, kidney beans, black beans, tomato sauce, and beef broth, combining all ingredients thoroughly.
- Simmer the Chili: Bring the mixture to a simmer. Reduce heat to low, cover the pot, and cook for 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and to allow flavors to meld. Adjust seasoning as needed.
- Serve: Ladle the chili into bowls and top with your favorite toppings such as shredded cheese, sour cream, or chopped green onions.
Notes
- For a spicier chili, increase the cayenne pepper or add chopped jalapeños.
- Drain excess fat after browning the beef to keep the chili less greasy.
- Simmering covered allows the flavors to deepen and beans to soften properly.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days and freeze easily for up to 3 months.
- Feel free to substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
