There’s nothing quite like a piping-hot bowl of Beef Chili on a chilly evening or a lazy weekend, filling your home with irresistible aromas and promising a comforting meal that satisfies everyone at the table. Each spoonful of this classic dish delivers tender beef, wholesome beans, a rich tomato base, and a medley of warming spices. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or meal prepping for busy days ahead, Beef Chili is a flavor-packed favorite that’s always a hit!
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Beef Chili recipe is delightfully straightforward, using ingredients you probably already have stocked in your kitchen. Each element is chosen to add depth, texture, or a pop of color, ensuring a chili that’s hearty and rich with every single bite.
- Olive oil: Helps brown the onions and garlic, giving the base of your chili a silky texture and extra flavor.
- Onion: Diced onion refines the chili’s savory depth and adds a lovely sweetness after sautéing.
- Garlic: Brings essential aromatic warmth that works beautifully with the beef and spices.
- Ground beef: The star protein, delivering a satisfying, meaty bite in every spoonful.
- Tomato paste: Boosts the richness and gives the dish that gorgeous, deep-red color.
- Diced tomatoes: Adds a touch of juiciness and acidity to balance the chili’s robust flavors.
- Kidney beans: Classic in any Beef Chili, these beans add creaminess and hearty texture.
- Black beans: Complement the kidney beans with an earthy depth that rounds out each bite.
- Beef broth: Provides a savory backbone and keeps the chili luxuriously saucy.
- Chili powder: The signature spice mix that brings warmth without overwhelming heat.
- Ground cumin: Infuses every bowl with smoky, earthy undertones—utterly critical for real chili flavor.
- Smoked paprika: Offers sweet smokiness, adding another layer of flavor complexity.
- Cayenne pepper (optional): For those who like a little fire, this is your ticket (adjust to your taste!).
- Salt: Makes the rich flavors really shine throughout.
- Black pepper: Adds just enough subtle spice to balance the whole pot.
How to Make Beef Chili
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Start by heating your olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Once the oil shimmers, add the diced onion and cook for 4 to 5 minutes until it’s wonderfully soft and fragrant. Stir in the garlic and let it cook for another minute—this step builds the irresistible flavor foundation that makes Beef Chili shine from the very beginning.
Step 2: Brown the Beef
Add your ground beef straight into the pot. Break it up gently with a wooden spoon, making sure it’s browned evenly on all sides. Let it cook through completely, then drain away any excess fat if you like, to keep your chili from being too greasy but still perfectly flavorful.
Step 3: Mix in Tomato Paste
Now, stir in the tomato paste, letting it cook for 1 to 2 minutes. This little extra step caramelizes the paste slightly, amping up the deep, rich tomato notes that will run throughout your Beef Chili.
Step 4: Add Remaining Ingredients
Pour in the diced tomatoes, kidney beans, black beans, and beef broth. Sprinkle in your chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, cayenne (if you’re using it), salt, and black pepper. Give everything a robust stir, ensuring the flavors are evenly distributed for a bold, consistent taste in every bite.
Step 5: Simmer to Perfection
Bring your chunky, colorful chili to a gentle boil, then immediately reduce the heat to let it simmer. Let it bubble away, uncovered, for 30 to 40 minutes. Stir occasionally while the mixture thickens and all the components get cozy together, developing that signature, deep Beef Chili flavor.
Step 6: Taste and Serve
Before ladling up your hearty chili, give it a taste. Now’s your chance to adjust the seasoning—maybe you want a pinch more salt, or an extra sprinkle of chili powder. Once you’re happy, serve your Beef Chili hot and don’t forget the toppings!
How to Serve Beef Chili
Garnishes
Top your steaming bowls with a generous flurry of shredded cheese, a dollop of cool sour cream, sliced green onions for crunch, or a handful of crushed tortilla chips to add texture and flair. These classic garnishes take Beef Chili to the next level and let everyone customize their own bowl just the way they love it.
Side Dishes
Beef Chili is a meal on its own, but it pairs beautifully with warm cornbread, fluffy white rice, or even a crisp green salad for a bit of freshness. Add a side of buttery garlic bread for an indulgent touch—there’s no wrong move when you have chili this good.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to impress your family or guests, serve Beef Chili in hollowed-out bread bowls, stuff it inside baked potatoes, or spoon it over nachos for a decadent game-day feast. Little touches like fresh herbs or a sprinkle of smoked paprika right before serving make for a truly memorable meal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Chili was practically made to taste even better the next day! Store leftover Beef Chili in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors will continue to meld and deepen overnight, making your next meal even more delicious.
Freezing
For longer storage, freeze individual portions or an entire batch of Beef Chili in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Let the chili cool completely before sealing and freezing to prevent ice crystals and maintain the best texture.
Reheating
To reheat, simply warm Beef Chili in a saucepan on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. If reheating from frozen, let it thaw in the fridge overnight first for best results. You can also microwave it in short bursts, stirring in between to ensure even warming.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?
Absolutely! Substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter take. The flavors will still shine, and you’ll end up with a delicious, hearty chili that’s just as satisfying as the original Beef Chili.
How do I make this chili spicier?
If you love extra heat, just add more cayenne pepper or toss in a diced jalapeño along with your onions. You can always serve hot sauce on the side to let each person adjust the spice to their liking.
What’s the best way to thicken my Beef Chili?
If your chili is looking a little too runny after simmering, just keep it uncovered on the stove for a bit longer, stirring occasionally. As it simmers, the excess liquid will evaporate, leaving you with a rich, hearty stew.
Can I make Beef Chili ahead for a party?
Definitely! In fact, Beef Chili tastes even better when made a day in advance. Let it cool, store it in the fridge, and reheat just before serving. It’s the perfect make-ahead dish for game day or family gatherings.
Are there gluten or dairy ingredients in this chili?
Nope! This Beef Chili is naturally gluten-free and doesn’t use any dairy unless you add cheese or sour cream as toppings, making it ideal for those with dietary restrictions.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a meal that’s as satisfying to cook as it is to eat, it’s time to simmer a pot of Beef Chili. There’s no better way to gather friends and family than over a delicious, steaming bowl, each bite bursting with robust flavor and love. Try this recipe soon—you’re going to want to make it your new go-to comfort food!
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Beef Chili Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
A hearty and flavorful beef chili recipe that is perfect for a cozy night in. This classic dish is packed with savory ground beef, beans, and aromatic spices, creating a comforting and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
For the Beef Chili:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound ground beef
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil: In a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
- Add onion and garlic: Cook until softened. Add ground beef and cook until browned.
- Stir in tomato paste: Cook for 1–2 minutes.
- Add remaining ingredients: Diced tomatoes, beans, broth, spices, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 30–40 minutes.
- Adjust seasoning: Taste and adjust if needed. Serve hot with toppings.
Notes
- Top with shredded cheese, sour cream, green onions, or tortilla chips.
- Substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
- Leftovers freeze well for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 390
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
