Hearty Beef Chili

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Hearty Beef Chili is bold, filling, and easy to prepare. It’s a no-fuss recipe that simmers to perfection, allowing the flavors to develop into something deeply satisfying. It’s also highly customizable, freezer-friendly, and great for feeding a crowd or meal prepping for the week.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

ground beef
kidney beans
black beans
diced tomatoes
tomato paste
onion
garlic
beef broth
olive oil
chili powder
ground cumin
smoked paprika
oregano
salt
pepper
optional toppings: shredded cheese, sour cream, green onions, jalapeños

Directions

1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat.
2. Add chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.
3. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
4. Add ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and fully cooked. Drain excess fat.
5. Stir in tomato paste, chili powder, cumin, paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1–2 minutes to bloom the spices.
6. Add diced tomatoes, drained beans, and beef broth. Stir to combine.
7. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 30–40 minutes, stirring occasionally.
8. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve hot with your favorite toppings.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 6 to 8 people.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 40 minutes
Total time: 50 minutes

Variations

• Spicy Version: Add cayenne pepper, hot sauce, or diced jalapeños for extra heat.
• Chunky Style: Use diced beef chuck instead of ground beef for a heartier texture.
• No Beans: Omit the beans entirely for a Texas-style chili.
• Vegetable Boost: Add bell peppers, corn, or zucchini for added nutrition and texture.
• Slow Cooker Option: Brown the meat and aromatics first, then transfer everything to a slow cooker and cook on low for 6–8 hours.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat or in the microwave in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each.
To freeze, let chili cool completely, then portion into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

FAQs

Can I make this chili in advance?

Yes, chili tastes even better the next day as the flavors have more time to develop.

What kind of beans should I use?

Kidney and black beans are classic, but you can also use pinto beans or chili beans.

Can I make this chili spicier?

Yes, add extra chili powder, cayenne, or chopped fresh chilies to increase the heat.

Is this chili gluten-free?

Yes, just make sure all your ingredients, especially the broth and spices, are certified gluten-free.

How can I thicken my chili?

Simmer uncovered for longer, or mash some of the beans in the pot to create a thicker texture.

Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes, ground turkey works well as a leaner alternative and still delivers great flavor.

Should I drain the beans?

Yes, draining and rinsing the beans helps control the sodium and thickness of the chili.

Can I add beer to the chili?

Yes, replacing some of the beef broth with a dark beer adds depth and richness to the flavor.

What’s the best pot to use for chili?

A heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven retains heat well and is perfect for slow simmering.

Can I freeze this chili?

Absolutely. It freezes very well and can be reheated without losing flavor or texture.

Conclusion

Hearty Beef Chili is the kind of satisfying, soul-warming meal that everyone loves. With bold flavors, tender meat, and a customizable heat level, it’s a versatile and dependable recipe for any time of year. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or meal prepping for busy days, this chili will quickly become a go-to favorite in your kitchen.

Hearty Beef Chili

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Hearty Beef Chili is a comforting one-pot dish packed with ground beef, beans, tomatoes, and bold spices. Perfect for cold nights, game days, or easy family dinners.

• Author: Laura
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: Serves 6 to 8
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1.5 lbs ground beef
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 2 tbsp chili powder
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 (28 oz) can diced tomatoes
• 1 cup beef broth
• Optional toppings: shredded cheese, sour cream, green onions, jalapeños

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Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes until translucent.
2. Add garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
3. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain any excess fat.
4. Stir in tomato paste, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1–2 minutes to bloom the spices.
5. Add diced tomatoes, drained kidney and black beans, and beef broth. Stir to combine.
6. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 30–40 minutes, stirring occasionally.
7. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve hot with desired toppings.

Notes

• For extra depth, replace 1/2 cup of beef broth with a dark beer.
• Simmer longer uncovered to thicken the chili if desired.
• Use ground turkey for a leaner version.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1.5 cups
• Calories: 420
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 780mg
• Fat: 22g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 8g
• Protein: 28g
• Cholesterol: 70mg