Best and Easy Beef Chili Recipe
This Best and Easy Beef Chili recipe is hearty, flavorful, and packed with protein. It’s the ultimate comfort food, featuring tender ground beef, kidney beans, and a robust tomato base seasoned with aromatic spices. Whether you’re prepping for a cozy night in or a game-day gathering, this chili will warm you up and leave everyone asking for seconds!
A bowl of this chili promises bold, savory flavors with just the right amount of spice. The tender ground beef and beans soak up the smoky, spicy seasonings, creating a rich and satisfying dish that’s perfect with a side of cornbread or tortilla chips.
Tools to Use
- Large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Ladle for serving
- Measuring spoons and cups
Ingredients
For the Chili:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 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 (6 oz) can tomato paste
- 2 cups beef broth
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for extra heat)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Optional Toppings:
- Shredded cheddar cheese
- Sour cream
- Sliced green onions
- Fresh cilantro
Instructions
- Prepare the Base:
- Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the diced onion and bell peppers, cooking until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
- Brown the Beef:
- Push the vegetables to the side and add the ground beef to the pot. Cook, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon, until browned and fully cooked. Drain any excess fat if needed.
- Add the Spices:
- Stir in chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to coat the beef and vegetables with the spices, cooking for 1-2 minutes to enhance the flavors.
- Combine the Ingredients:
- Add the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, and beef broth to the pot. Stir well to combine. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low.
- Simmer:
- Cover the pot and let the chili simmer for 25-30 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add the kidney beans and black beans during the last 10 minutes of cooking.
- Adjust Seasoning and Serve:
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Ladle the chili into bowls and top with your favorite garnishes, like shredded cheese, sour cream, or green onions.
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Best and Easy Beef Chili Recipe
Equipment
- Large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Ladle for serving
- Measuring spoons and cups
Ingredients
- For the Chili:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 medium onion diced
- 3 garlic cloves minced
- 1 red bell pepper diced
- 1 green bell pepper diced
- 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 6 oz can tomato paste
- 2 cups beef broth
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper optional for extra heat
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Optional Toppings:
- Shredded cheddar cheese
- Sour cream
- Sliced green onions
- Fresh cilantro
Instructions
- Prepare the Base:
- Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the diced onion and bell peppers, cooking until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
- Brown the Beef:
- Push the vegetables to the side and add the ground beef to the pot. Cook, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon, until browned and fully cooked. Drain any excess fat if needed.
- Add the Spices:
- Stir in chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to coat the beef and vegetables with the spices, cooking for 1-2 minutes to enhance the flavors.
- Combine the Ingredients:
- Add the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, and beef broth to the pot. Stir well to combine. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low.
- Simmer:
- Cover the pot and let the chili simmer for 25-30 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add the kidney beans and black beans during the last 10 minutes of cooking.
- Adjust Seasoning and Serve:
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Ladle the chili into bowls and top with your favorite garnishes, like shredded cheese, sour cream, or green onions.
Tips for Cooking
- Customize the Heat: Add or reduce the cayenne pepper based on your spice preference.
- Bean Variations: Substitute kidney or black beans with pinto beans or chickpeas for a twist.
- Make Ahead: This chili tastes even better the next day, so consider making it ahead of time for meal prep.
Why You Should Try This Recipe
This Best and Easy Beef Chili recipe is a versatile and crowd-pleasing dish that’s simple to prepare and bursting with flavor. It’s perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or feeding a hungry group. Plus, it’s easy to customize with your favorite toppings or side dishes.
When you’re looking for a hearty, flavorful dish, this beef chili recipe is your go-to. Serve it hot with cornbread or over rice, and enjoy the cozy, comforting taste that makes this chili a timeless favorite!
