Best Beef Chili Recipe

Introduction

This best beef chili recipe delivers a hearty and flavorful meal perfect for any day of the week. Packed with beans, tomatoes, and a blend of spices, it’s a satisfying dish that’s easy to make and ready in under an hour.

Ingredients

• 1 lb. ground beef (85/15 recommended)
• 1/2 medium yellow onion, finely diced
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic
• 1 15-oz. can pinto beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 15-oz. can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 15-oz. can tomato sauce
• 1 15-oz. can diced tomatoes
• 3 tablespoons tomato paste
• 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 or water)
• Optional toppings: shredded cheddar cheese, Fritos, green onion

Instructions

1. Step 1: Heat a large stockpot over medium-high heat.
2. Step 2: Add ground beef, diced onion, and minced garlic to the pot. Sauté for 7–10 minutes or until the beef is fully browned and the onions are softened.
3. Step 3: Stir in pinto beans, kidney beans, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, and maple syrup until well combined.
4. Step 4: Add chili powder, garlic powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, and 1 cup of broth. Stir everything together.
5. Step 5: Bring the chili to a boil, then reduce heat to low and let it simmer for 10–15 minutes to thicken and develop flavors.
6. Step 6: Serve hot topped with your favorite toppings like shredded cheddar cheese, Fritos, or green onion. Enjoy!

Tips & Variations

• For a slow cooker version, brown the beef first, then combine all ingredients in the slow cooker and cook on low for about 4 hours.
• Using an Instant Pot? Add all ingredients, mix well, and cook on high pressure for 5 minutes.
• Swap ground beef for ground turkey, chicken, bison, or a plant-based alternative. You might need to add a little oil when browning leaner meats.
• Adjust the chili powder and spices to your preferred heat level.

Storage

Store leftover chili in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth if needed to loosen the texture. This chili also freezes well for up to 3 months; thaw overnight before reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of beans in this chili?

Yes, you can substitute or add black beans, navy beans, or even lentils depending on your preference. Just make sure they are cooked or canned for best results.

How spicy is this chili?

This recipe offers mild to moderate heat thanks to the chili powder and smoked paprika, but you can easily increase the spice by adding cayenne pepper or hot sauce to taste.

Best Beef Chili Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 80 reviews

This Best Beef Chili recipe is a hearty and flavorful dish featuring ground beef, beans, and a perfect blend of spices simmered to perfection. Ideal for a cozy meal, this chili combines tender meat with rich tomato sauce and spices for a comforting and satisfying dinner. Optional toppings like shredded cheddar cheese, Fritos, and green onions can be added to customize each serving.

• Author: Jeannette
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients

• 1 lb. ground beef (85/15)
• 1/2 medium yellow onion, finely diced
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic
• 1 15-oz. can pinto beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 15-oz. can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 15-oz. can tomato sauce
• 1 15-oz. can diced tomatoes
• 3 tablespoons tomato paste
• 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 or water)

Optional Toppings

• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Fritos
• Green onion

Instructions

1. Heat the pot: Heat a large stockpot over medium-high heat until hot and ready for cooking.
2. Sauté beef and aromatics: Add ground beef, finely diced yellow onion, and minced garlic to the pot. Cook and stir for 7-10 minutes or until the beef is fully browned and the onion is soft.
3. Add beans and tomato ingredients: Stir in the drained pinto beans and kidney beans, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, and maple syrup. Mix everything together thoroughly.
4. Season and add broth: Sprinkle the chili powder, garlic powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and ground pepper over the pot. Pour in 1 cup of beef broth (or chicken broth or water) and stir to blend all flavors.
5. Simmer the chili: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer uncovered for 10-15 minutes until the chili thickens and flavors meld.
6. Serve and top: Ladle the chili into bowls and add your favorite toppings such as shredded cheddar cheese, Fritos, and sliced green onions. Enjoy warm.

Notes

• For slow cooker: Brown the beef partially on the stove, transfer all ingredients to the slow cooker, mix well, and cook on low for about 4 hours.
• For Instant Pot: Add all ingredients to the Instant Pot, mix, cover, and cook on high pressure for 5 minutes.
• Meat alternatives: Ground turkey, chicken, bison, or plant-based ground meat can be used. If using leaner meats, add a little oil when browning.
• Nutrition info is calculated for 6 servings and excludes toppings.

Keywords: Beef chili, chili recipe, ground beef chili, hearty chili, easy chili recipe, comfort food