Best Beef Chili Recipe

Introduction

This Best Beef Chili is a hearty and flavorful dish that’s perfect for cozy dinners or game day gatherings. Packed with tender ground beef, beans, and a rich blend of spices, it’s easy to make and sure to satisfy.

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)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Heat a large stockpot over medium-high heat.
2. Step 2: Add the ground beef, diced yellow onion, and minced garlic to the pot. Sauté for 7-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the beef is fully browned and onions are softened.
3. Step 3: Stir in the pinto beans, kidney beans, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, and maple syrup until well combined.
4. Step 4: Add the chili powder, garlic powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Pour in the beef broth and stir everything together.
5. Step 5: Bring the chili to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer uncovered for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chili thickens slightly.
6. Step 6: Serve hot with your favorite toppings such as shredded cheddar cheese, Fritos, or sliced green onions.

Tips & Variations

• For a spicier chili, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some chopped jalapeños.
• Use ground turkey or chicken as a leaner alternative to beef.
• Try swapping canned black beans for pinto or kidney beans to change the texture and flavor.
• Add a splash of lime juice or a dollop of sour cream when serving for extra brightness.

Storage

Store leftover chili in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, warm it gently on the stove or in the microwave until heated through. This chili also freezes well for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this chili vegetarian?

Yes, simply omit the ground beef and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth. You can add extra beans or vegetables like bell peppers and mushrooms to keep it hearty.

How can I thicken the chili if it’s too watery?

Simmer it uncovered for a bit longer to allow excess liquid to evaporate. Alternatively, stir in a small amount of cornmeal or masa harina to help thicken the chili quickly.

Best Beef Chili Recipe

Pin Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 120 reviews

This Best Beef Chili recipe is a hearty, flavorful dish perfect for any occasion. Packed with ground beef, beans, and a rich blend of spices, it simmers to a savory, thick consistency that’s both comforting and satisfying. Easy to prepare on the stovetop and customizable with your favorite toppings, this chili is ideal for cozy nights or game day gatherings.

• Author: Maya
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 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: Place a large stockpot over medium-high heat to preheat and prepare for sauteing.
2. Sauté meat and aromatics: Add ground beef, diced yellow onion, and minced garlic to the pot. Cook for 7-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the beef is fully browned and the onions are softened.
3. Add beans and tomato base: Mix in the drained pinto beans, kidney beans, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, and maple syrup. Stir everything together until well combined.
4. Season and add broth: Add chili powder, garlic powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and ground pepper to the pot. Pour in 1 cup of beef broth (or your liquid of choice) and stir to blend all flavors.
5. Simmer: Bring the chili to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer uncovered for 10-15 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld and the chili to thicken.
6. Serve: Ladle the chili into bowls and garnish with optional toppings like shredded cheddar cheese, Fritos, and chopped green onions. Enjoy warm!

Notes

• For a spicier chili, add cayenne pepper or chopped jalapeños to the seasoning mix.
• You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
• Make ahead tip: Chili often tastes better the next day after flavors have developed.
• Leftovers refrigerate well for up to 4 days and freeze up to 3 months.
• Adjust broth quantity if you prefer a thicker or thinner chili consistency.

Keywords: Beef chili, ground beef chili, easy chili recipe, stovetop chili, hearty chili, bean chili