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Best Beef Chili Recipe

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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