The Best Ground Beef Chili Recipe
If you’re searching for the ultimate comfort food that’s equal parts hearty, bold, and irresistibly delicious, look no further than The Best Ground Beef Chili. Packed with tender beef, vibrant veggies, and a perfect medley of spices, this chili has just the right amount of heat and rich, slow-cooked flavor in every bite. Whether you’re cozying up for a weeknight dinner or feeding a crowd at game day, this chili delivers the kind of soul-warming satisfaction that lingers long after the bowl is empty.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The building blocks for The Best Ground Beef Chili couldn’t be simpler, but each one plays a starring role in the final showstopping flavor. From the robust ground beef all the way to that bright pop of apple cider vinegar, every ingredient helps layer depth, color, or creaminess in every spoonful.
- Olive oil (2 tablespoons): Helps the veggies caramelize and adds a touch of flavor right from the start.
- Yellow onion (1 medium, diced): Delivers a subtle sweetness and foundation of flavor.
- Green bell pepper (1, diced): Adds a fresh, slightly tangy crunch and beautiful color.
- Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Lends a deep, savory aroma that brings the chili to life.
- Lean ground beef (2 pounds, 80–85% lean): The heart of the chili—choose a good quality for the richest taste and ideal texture.
- Chili powder (3 tablespoons): The soul of the dish, giving warmth and classic chili flavor.
- Ground cumin (1 tablespoon): Adds earthy depth and just the right smokiness.
- Smoked paprika (1 teaspoon): Smolders ever so slightly, making each bite a bit more complex.
- Dried oregano (1 teaspoon): Delivers a subtle herbal freshness that balances the richness.
- Cayenne pepper (1/2 teaspoon, optional): For those who love a bit of a kick—add more or less to suit your heat preference.
- Tomato paste (1 tablespoon): Intensifies the tomato base and thickens the chili beautifully.
- Tomato sauce (1 can, 15 ounces): Forms the saucy backbone and melds all the flavors together.
- Diced tomatoes (1 can, 15 ounces): Adds juicy bursts of texture and a bright tomato punch.
- Kidney beans (1 can, 15 ounces, drained & rinsed): Hearty and classic, these beans bring substance and soak up the spices.
- Pinto beans (1 can, 15 ounces, drained & rinsed): Creamy and mild, pinto beans balance out the texture.
- Beef broth or water (1 cup): Provides the right consistency and deepens the savory richness—go broth for extra flavor.
- Salt (1 teaspoon, more to taste): Draws out all the best in those bold flavors.
- Black pepper (1/2 teaspoon): Lends a mild bite and balances the spice profile.
- Apple cider vinegar (1 tablespoon): A splash at the end brightens everything and brings the chili together.
- Optional toppings: Shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped green onions, jalapeño slices, and tortilla chips for all the finishing touches.
How to Make The Best Ground Beef Chili
Step 1: Sauté Onions and Bell Pepper
Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the diced onion and green bell pepper, and sauté them for 5 to 7 minutes. You’re looking for them to soften up and turn slightly golden, which builds a sweet and savory flavor base for your chili.
Step 2: Add the Garlic
Once your onions and peppers are fragrant and tender, stir in the minced garlic. Let it cook for about 30 seconds—just until the aroma hits you. This quick step ensures the garlic doesn’t burn but infuses every bit of the chili with its irresistible depth.
Step 3: Brown the Ground Beef
Next, add in the ground beef. Use your spoon or spatula to break it up into crumbles as it cooks. Continue stirring until the beef is browned all over and fully cooked through, which usually takes several minutes. If there’s excess grease, drain most of it off to keep the chili from being too heavy.
Step 4: Spice It Up and Add Tomato Paste
Sprinkle in the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, and cayenne (if you’re using it), then drop in the tomato paste. Give it all a good stir and let it cook for 1 to 2 minutes. This step is all about “blooming” the spices—heating them briefly helps release their flavors and makes the whole kitchen smell amazing.
Step 5: Add Tomatoes, Beans, and Broth
Pour in the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, kidney beans, pinto beans, and beef broth. Season the pot with salt and black pepper. Stir everything together; you’ll see The Best Ground Beef Chili really start to come together with a vibrant, colorful base full of rich ingredients.
Step 6: Simmer to Perfection
Turn the heat down to a gentle simmer and let the chili bubble away, uncovered, for 30 to 45 minutes. Give it a good stir every so often to prevent scorching on the bottom. This slow simmer thickens the chili and allows the flavors to meld, yielding that signature hearty texture you expect from The Best Ground Beef Chili.
Step 7: The Final Touch
Just before serving, add the apple cider vinegar and stir well. Taste and adjust the salt or other seasonings as needed. This little splash of vinegar livens up the whole pot and balances all the deep, savory notes.
How to Serve The Best Ground Beef Chili
Garnishes
The real fun begins when you start piling on your favorite toppings. Try a generous sprinkle of shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese, a cool dollop of sour cream, and a handful of chopped green onions. For those who like it hot, jalapeño slices are a zesty finishing touch, while a few crunchy tortilla chips add irresistible contrast.
Side Dishes
The Best Ground Beef Chili is a meal on its own, but it loves good company. Serve it alongside warm, buttery cornbread, crisp green salad, or even a simple bowl of steamed rice. Corn tortillas or garlic breadsticks are welcome for dunking, too—because you won’t want a single drop left behind!
Creative Ways to Present
Don’t be afraid to get playful! Spoon the chili over baked potatoes for a cozy weeknight twist, top a mound of crispy fries for crowd-pleasing chili cheese fries, or ladle it onto hot dogs for classic chili dogs. For parties, serve in individual mugs or bread bowls and let everyone personalize their toppings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
The Best Ground Beef Chili keeps beautifully in the fridge, making it perfect for meal prepping. Let it cool, then transfer to airtight containers and store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors continue to develop, meaning tomorrow’s bowl may taste even better than today’s!
Freezing
This chili is freezer-friendly and a lifesaver for busy days. Simply portion cooled chili into freezer-safe bags or containers, leaving a little space at the top for expansion. It’ll keep well for up to 3 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge whenever a craving for The Best Ground Beef Chili strikes.
Reheating
To reheat, pour the chili into a saucepan or microwave-safe bowl and heat gently until steaming hot, stirring occasionally. You may want to add a splash of broth or water if it’s thickened a lot—this brings back the perfect consistency. Refresh the flavor with a pinch of salt or extra vinegar as needed.
FAQs
Can I make The Best Ground Beef Chili in advance?
Absolutely! In fact, letting the chili rest overnight in the fridge deepens the flavors. It reheats beautifully, so it’s a fantastic make-ahead option for entertaining or super easy weekday lunches.
Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?
You sure can. Just swap the ground beef for turkey or chicken for a lighter version. You might want to add a splash more olive oil and an extra pinch of spices to boost the flavor.
Is The Best Ground Beef Chili gluten-free?
It can be! Just make sure your broth and any packaged spices or toppings are labeled gluten-free. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, making this chili a safe and comforting choice.
How can I make this chili spicier or milder?
For more heat, simply increase the cayenne pepper or toss in some diced jalapeños with the onion and bell pepper. To mellow things out, skip the cayenne entirely and add an extra spoonful of tomato sauce for a gentler profile.
What’s the best way to thicken my chili if it’s too soupy?
If your chili feels a little too thin, keep simmering uncovered until it reaches your desired thickness. You can also mash a few beans against the side of the pot and stir them in for a heartier, creamier consistency.
Final Thoughts
If you’re ready to experience a bowlful of bold, comforting flavor, you owe it to yourself to whip up The Best Ground Beef Chili. This is the kind of recipe that warms chilly nights, brings everyone together, and leaves you craving another ladleful every time. Give it a go, and soon you’ll be sharing your own reasons for loving this classic, hearty favorite.
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The Best Ground Beef Chili Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 6–8 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This hearty and delicious ground beef chili is a classic comfort food perfect for any occasion. Packed with savory flavors and a hint of spice, it’s a satisfying meal that the whole family will love.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion (diced)
- 1 green bell pepper (diced)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 pounds lean ground beef (80–85% lean)
Spices and Seasonings:
- 3 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
Canned Ingredients:
- 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
- 1 (15-ounce) can diced tomatoes
- 1 (15-ounce) can kidney beans (drained and rinsed)
- 1 (15-ounce) can pinto beans (drained and rinsed)
Liquids:
- 1 cup beef broth or water
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
Seasonings:
- 1 teaspoon salt (more to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Optional Toppings:
- shredded cheese
- sour cream
- chopped green onions
- jalapeño slices
- tortilla chips
Instructions
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large pot. Sauté onion and bell pepper until softened. Add garlic and cook until fragrant.
- Cook Ground Beef: Add ground beef, cook until browned. Drain excess grease if needed.
- Add Spices and Tomatoes: Stir in chili powder, cumin, paprika, oregano, cayenne, and tomato paste. Add tomato sauce and diced tomatoes.
- Simmer Chili: Add beans, beef broth, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 30–45 minutes.
- Finish and Serve: Stir in apple cider vinegar. Adjust seasonings. Serve with toppings.
Notes
- Use high-quality ground beef for best results.
- Simmer uncovered for richer flavors.
- Chili tastes better the next day.
- For added depth, try cocoa powder or beer.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 720 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 8 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg
