The Hearty Beef Chili Recipe That Warms Your Soul

Crafting a hearty beef chili recipe brings comfort and warmth to any gathering.

Meat lovers understand the magic of a perfectly balanced spicy stew.

Cold evenings call for something robust and satisfying.

Robust flavors mingle with tender chunks of beef, creating a mouth-watering experience.

Aromatic spices dance through each delicious bite, promising pure culinary excitement.

Home cooks can easily master this classic dish with simple ingredients.

Savor every spoonful and let the rich, bold flavors transport you to a cozy kitchen celebration.

Serving Ideas for Beef Chili

• Game Night Feast: Pair this hearty chili with crispy tortilla chips or cornbread for a casual gathering that keeps friends munching and talking.
• Cozy Comfort Bowl: Top the chili with a dollop of sour cream, fresh cilantro, and a sprinkle of sharp cheddar cheese to create a warm, satisfying meal perfect for cold evenings.
• Football Sunday Spread: Serve in individual bread bowls or alongside slider buns, making it an ideal crowd-pleasing dish for sports watching parties with minimal cleanup.
• Weekend Family Meal: Create a build-your-own chili bar with various toppings like diced avocado, jalapeños, crushed tortilla chips, and different cheese options to let everyone customize their perfect bowl.

How to Store Beef Chili

• Store leftover chili in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Seal tightly and keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Transfer cooled chili to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove excess air, label with the date, and freeze for up to 3 months.
• Place chili in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap. Heat on medium power, stirring every 30 seconds until thoroughly warmed.
• Pour chili into a pot, add a splash of broth or water to prevent sticking. Warm over medium-low heat, stirring frequently until heated through and reaching 165°F.

FAQs

• What are the key spices that give this beef chili its unique flavor?

The key spices are chili powder, garlic powder, cumin, and smoked paprika. These spices work together to create a deep, rich flavor profile that makes the chili taste authentic and delicious.

• Can I make this chili recipe spicier?

Yes, you can easily adjust the heat level by adding more chili powder, including some cayenne pepper, or incorporating diced jalapeños during the cooking process. Start with small amounts and taste as you go to control the spice level.

• Is this chili recipe suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! This beef chili keeps well in the refrigerator for 3-4 days and actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to meld together. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months for convenient future meals.

What Makes Beef Chili So Hearty

• Quick and Simple Cooking: Dive into a hassle-free recipe that comes together with minimal prep work and basic ingredients everyone loves.
• Packed with Protein Power: Ground beef and two types of beans create a hearty, nutritious meal that keeps you full and satisfied all evening.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort Food: Perfect for game days, potlucks, or family dinners where you want to impress without spending hours in the kitchen, this chili delivers bold flavors everyone craves.
• Customizable Toppings: Jazz up your bowl with endless topping options like cheese, corn chips, or green onions, making each serving uniquely delicious and fun for picky eaters.

Ingredients for Beef Chili

• Ground Beef: A hearty meat that provides rich flavor and substantial texture to the chili.

• Onion, Garlic: These ingredients create a deep, savory flavor foundation for the chili.
• Chili Powder, Garlic Powder, Cumin, Smoked Paprika, Salt, Pepper: A blend of spices that adds complexity and warmth to the dish.

• Tomato Paste: Concentrates and intensifies the tomato flavor in the chili.
• Tomato Sauce, Diced Tomatoes: Provide moisture and a tangy base for the recipe.
• Pinto Beans, Kidney Beans: Add protein, texture, and traditional chili character.
• Broth: Helps create the right consistency and enhances overall flavor.

• Shredded Cheddar Cheese, Fritos, Green Onions: Garnishes that add extra flavor and crunch to the finished chili.

How to Cook Beef Chili

Step 1: Sizzle The Beef

Heat a large pot over medium temperature.

Add ground beef and break it into small crumbles while cooking until the meat turns completely brown and develops a nice crispy texture.

Step 2: Enhance With Aromatics

Toss in diced onions and minced garlic.

Sauté the ingredients until they become soft and release their fragrant essence, which will create a delicious base for the chili.

Step 3: Build Flavor Layers

• Tomato paste
• Chili powder
• Garlic powder
• Cumin
• Smoked paprika
• Salt
• Black pepper

Stir and cook the spices for 2-3 minutes to activate their deep, rich flavors.

Step 4: Create The Chili Base

• Tomato sauce
• Diced tomatoes
• Pinto beans
• Kidney beans
• Beef broth

Mix everything thoroughly to combine all components.

Step 5: Simmer And Develop Taste

Bring the chili to a boil, then reduce heat to low.

Let the mixture simmer for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.

This slow cooking process allows flavors to meld and intensify.

Step 6: Garnish And Serve

Ladle the hot chili into serving bowls.

Pro Tips for Beef Chili

• Brown ground beef thoroughly to develop deep, rich taste and prevent watery chili.
• Adjust chili powder and spices according to personal heat preference, starting with less and adding gradually.
• Mix different beans like pinto and kidney for varied texture and nutritional complexity.
• Allow chili to cook low and slow, which helps meld flavors and tenderize meat completely.
• Chili tastes even better the next day after flavors have melded overnight in the refrigerator.

Variations on Beef Chili

• Vegetarian Chili: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or diced mushrooms for a meat-free version packed with protein and earthy flavors.
• Turkey Chili Lean Option: Swap ground beef with ground turkey for a lower-fat alternative that maintains the classic chili taste and texture.
• Slow Cooker Adaptation: Transfer all ingredients to a slow cooker after browning meat and sautéing vegetables, cook on low for 6-8 hours for deeper flavor infusion.
• Spicy Southwest Chili: Add diced green chilies, jalapeños, and increase chili powder for a fiery version that brings extra heat and zesty southwestern flair.

Beef Chili Recipe

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4.8 from 31 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty Mexican-style beef chili brings robust flavors dancing across your palate with tender meat and rich spices. Warm comfort and bold southwestern spirit combine in this satisfying meal perfect for hungry souls seeking delicious home-cooked goodness.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 lb ground beef (15% fat)

Vegetables:

• 1/2 medium yellow onion, finely diced
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic

Beans and Tomato Products:

• 1 (15-ounce) can pinto beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 (15-ounce) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
• 1 (15-ounce) can diced tomatoes
• 3 tablespoons tomato paste

Seasonings and Liquids:

• 1 tablespoon maple syrup
• 3 tablespoons chili powder
• 2 teaspoons garlic powder
• 2 teaspoons ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon ground pepper
• 1 cup beef broth (or chicken broth/water)

Optional Toppings:

• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Fritos
• Green onion

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Instructions

1. Heat a large pot over medium-high temperature, searing ground beef until it develops a rich, caramelized exterior and breaks into crumbly pieces.
2. Incorporate finely chopped onions and crushed garlic, sautéing until vegetables become translucent and aromatic.
3. Introduce tomato paste and classic chili seasonings, toasting spices for 2-3 minutes to enhance their depth and complexity.
4. Pour in tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, pinto and kidney beans, and savory broth, stirring to create a harmonious blend of ingredients.
5. Allow the chili to reach a vigorous boil, then reduce heat to low, creating a gentle simmer that allows flavors to meld and intensify for approximately 30 minutes.
6. Carefully monitor the liquid consistency, stirring periodically to prevent scorching and ensure even cooking.
7. Once thickened and richly seasoned, ladle the hearty chili into serving bowls and garnish with optional toppings like sharp cheddar cheese, crunchy corn chips, or freshly sliced green onions.

Notes

• Drain excess fat from beef after browning to reduce overall greasiness and create a cleaner, healthier chili base.
• Consider using lean ground beef (90/10) or ground turkey for a lower-fat alternative that maintains rich flavor and protein content.
• Enhance depth of taste by toasting spices briefly before adding liquid ingredients, which releases more complex aromatic compounds.
• For gluten-free adaptation, verify all canned ingredients are certified gluten-free and replace traditional Fritos with corn chips specifically labeled gluten-free.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 238 kcal
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 480 mg
• Fat: 11 g
• Saturated Fat: 4.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0.3 g
• Carbohydrates: 18 g
• Fiber: 6 g
• Protein: 18 g
• Cholesterol: 55 mg