Easy Ground Beef Chili (Hearty, Homemade & Full of Flavor)

Recipe Overview

• ⭐ Rating: 4.9/5
• ⏱️ Prep Time: 15 minutes
• 🔥 Cook Time: 45 minutes
• 🍲 Total Time: 1 hour
• 👥 Servings: 6 servings
• 🌶️ Spice Level: Mild–Medium (adjustable)

This ground beef chili is rich, thick, and packed with bold spices, tender beans, and juicy beef. It’s the ultimate comfort food for chilly evenings, meal prep, game days, or cozy family dinners. Made with simple pantry ingredients, this homemade chili tastes even better the next day!

Why You’ll Love This Ground Beef Chili

• Easy one-pot recipe
• Made with simple pantry ingredients
• Perfect for meal prep
• Freezer-friendly
• Customizable spice level
• Hearty, high-protein meal

About This Classic Chili Recipe

Chili is a beloved comfort dish across the United States, especially popular in the Southwest. Traditional versions vary—some use only meat, while others include beans and tomatoes.

This version balances bold chili spices, savory ground beef, tomatoes, and beans to create a thick, satisfying texture. The slow simmering process allows the flavors to deepen, creating that rich, slightly smoky taste chili is known for.

Ingredients for Ground Beef Chili

(Use ingredients in this order for best results)

• Ground beef (1½ lbs) – Use 80/20 for best flavor, or lean beef for less fat
• Olive oil (1 tbsp) – Helps sauté aromatics
• Onion (1 large, diced) – Adds sweetness and depth
• Garlic (3 cloves, minced) – Fresh garlic gives stronger flavor
• Tomato paste (2 tbsp) – Thickens and intensifies tomato flavor
• Crushed tomatoes (1 can, 28 oz) – Base of the chili
• Diced tomatoes (1 can, 14 oz) – Adds texture
• Kidney beans (1 can, drained & rinsed) – Classic chili bean
• Black beans (1 can, drained & rinsed) – Adds heartiness
• Beef broth (1 cup) – Enhances savory flavor
• Chili powder (2 tbsp) – Main spice blend
• Ground cumin (1 tsp) – Earthy depth
• Paprika (1 tsp) – Adds warmth
• Oregano (½ tsp) – Slight herbal note
• Salt & black pepper (to taste)
• Optional: Cayenne pepper for extra heat

Kitchen Tools Needed

• Large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot – Distributes heat evenly and prevents burning while simmering. Essential for thick chili.
• Wooden spoon or spatula – For breaking up the ground beef and stirring without scratching your pot.
• Sharp knife – Makes chopping onions and garlic quicker and safer.
• Cutting board – Provides a stable surface for prep work.
• Measuring spoons & cups – Ensures balanced seasoning and proper liquid ratio.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until softened. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef

Add ground beef to the pot. Break it apart with a wooden spoon and cook until browned (about 6–8 minutes). Drain excess grease if needed.

Step 3: Add Tomato Paste

Stir in tomato paste and cook for 1–2 minutes. This deepens the tomato flavor and slightly caramelizes it.

Step 4: Add Tomatoes & Beans

Pour in crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, kidney beans, and black beans. Stir well to combine.

Step 5: Season the Chili

Add chili powder, cumin, paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir to evenly distribute the spices.

Step 6: Add Broth & Simmer

Pour in beef broth. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low. Simmer uncovered for 30–40 minutes, stirring occasionally.

The chili will thicken as it cooks.

Step 7: Taste & Adjust

Adjust seasoning as needed. Add cayenne if you prefer extra heat.

Pro Tips for the Best Chili

• Don’t rush the simmering process—flavor develops over time.
• Use slightly higher-fat beef for richer taste.
• Fresh garlic tastes much better than garlic powder.
• Add a small pinch of sugar if tomatoes taste too acidic.
• Chili tastes even better the next day!

Variations & Substitutions

• Spicy Chili: Add jalapeños or extra cayenne.
• Low-Carb Version: Omit beans and add diced bell peppers instead.
• Turkey Chili: Swap ground beef for ground turkey.
• Vegetarian Option: Replace beef with lentils or plant-based crumbles.
• Smoky Version: Add smoked paprika or a dash of liquid smoke.

What to Serve With Ground Beef Chili

• Cornbread
• White or brown rice
• Baked potatoes
• Tortilla chips
• Garlic bread
• Side salad

Toppings ideas: Shredded cheese, sour cream, avocado, green onions, fresh cilantro.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator:
Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

Freezer:
Freeze for up to 3 months. Let cool completely before freezing.

Reheating:
Reheat on stovetop over medium-low heat, adding a splash of broth if too thick. Microwave in 1-minute intervals, stirring between.

Nutrition Benefits

• High in protein from ground beef
• Fiber-rich from beans
• Packed with antioxidants from tomatoes
• Provides iron and essential minerals

This chili is filling, balanced, and satisfying—making it ideal for family dinners or meal prep.

Learn More:

• Peri Peri Chicken and Rice (Easy One-Pot Recipe)
• Chicken and Bell Pepper Stir-Fry with Rice and Crispy Potatoes (Easy 30-Minute Meal)
• CREAMY Smoked Mac and Cheese (Ultra Creamy, Smoky & Crowd-Pleaser)

Recipe Card – Quick Summary

Ground Beef Chili

Ingredients:

• 1½ lbs ground beef
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 can crushed tomatoes (28 oz)
• 1 can diced tomatoes (14 oz)
• 1 can kidney beans
• 1 can black beans
• 1 cup beef broth
• 2 tbsp chili powder
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp paprika
• ½ tsp oregano
• Salt & pepper

Instructions:

1. Sauté onion and garlic.
2. Brown ground beef.
3. Stir in tomato paste.
4. Add tomatoes and beans.
5. Season well.
6. Add broth and simmer 30–40 minutes.
7. Adjust seasoning and serve.

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