Best Beef Chili Recipe

I love whipping up this beef chili, it’s an epic blend of ground beef, beans, and vibrant veggies, richly seasoned with cumin, smoked paprika, and cayenne. Every bite is a flavor-packed adventure. I’m all about its comforting warmth and endlessly customizable toppings that allow me to craft my perfect bowl.

This best beef chili recipe is one of my favorites for a nutritious, filling meal. I mix 1 lb ground beef with a medium yellow onion (chopped), 3 cloves garlic minced, and diced green and red bell peppers to create a savory base that cooks real good.

I add two cans of diced tomatoes along with kidney, black, and pinto beans which bump up the protein and fiber content which is great for staying full longer. The homemade chili seasoning is made with 2 tbsp chili powder, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp smoked paprika, and 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper to add a little heat.

A tbsp of tomato paste and a cup of beef broth bring everything together, and i season it all with salt and black pepper. This classic chili recipe is a simple, factual beef chili recipe you can count on for a hearty dinner that satisfies your cravings while still getting some solid nutritional value.

Enjoy it!

Why I Like this Recipe

I really like this chili recipe becuz it’s super simple to make even when im in a hurry. The steps are straightforward and i can whip it up even when i dont have much time after school.

I love how all the flavors come together. The mix of ground beef, the three different kinds of beans, and all those spices really make each bite taste awesome and warm.

The recipe lets me experiment with my own toppings too. I can change it up by adding sour cream, cheese, or more fresh herbs, which keeps it interesting every time i cook it.

It’s also really filling and satisfying. I like that its a one-pot meal that tastes hearty and feels like a big comforting dinner for me and my friends.

Ingredients

• Ground beef: Packed with protein and flavor, though can be high in fat sometimes.
• Beans: Kidney, black, and pinto add fiber, protein, and hearty texture to every spoonful.
• Diced tomatoes: Offer tangy sweetness, vitamins, and antioxidants that enrich the dish.
• Bell peppers: Green and red deliver crunch, vibrant color, and a boost of vitamin C.
• Onion and garlic: They deepen flavor with aromatics and provide beneficial compounds for health.
• Spices: Chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper infuse warmth and a spicy kick.
• Tomato paste and beef broth intensify richness and meld all flavors together perfectly.
• A medley of ingredients creates a hearty, balanced dish perfect for chilly nights.

Ingredient Quantities

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 green bell pepper, diced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 2 (14.5 oz) cans diced tomatoes
• 1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 (15 oz) can pinto beans, drained and rinsed
• 2 tbsp chili powder
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to your taste)
• 1 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 cup beef broth
• Salt and black pepper to taste

How to Make this

1. In a large pot, cook the 1 lb ground beef over medium-high heat until it starts to brown then add the chopped yellow onion and let ’em get soft.

2. Toss in the minced garlic along with the diced green and red bell peppers; cook for a few minutes till they’re slightly tender.

3. Stir in 1 tbsp tomato paste and let it fry a little in the beef and veggies before moving on.

4. Pour in the two cans of diced tomatoes and mix everything together well.

5. Now add the kidney beans, black beans, and pinto beans after you drained and rinsed them.

6. Pour in 1 cup beef broth and mix again so all ingredients start mingling.

7. Sprinkle in 2 tbsp chili powder, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp smoked paprika and 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper; season with salt and black pepper to taste.

8. Bring everything up to a simmer on medium heat, letting the flavors combine real good.

9. Reduce the heat and let it all simmer for about 20-30 minutes, stirring every now and then so nothing sticks.

10. Give it a taste, adjust the seasoning if needed, and serve it hot with your favorite toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, or even some fresh chopped herbs.

Equipment Needed

1. Large pot
2. Chef’s knife
3. Cutting board
4. Wooden spoon or spatula
5. Can opener
6. Colander for rinsing beans
7. Measuring cup and spoons
8. Ladle for serving

FAQ

Best Beef Chili Recipe Substitutions and Variations

• Ground beef: You can swap it for ground turkey or a plant based meat alternative if you want something a bit leaner, it works good in the chili.
• Yellow onion: Try using red or white onions instead, they add a slightly different flavor that still goes well with the rest of the ingredients.
• Diced tomatoes: If you cant find canned diced tomatoes, use fresh chopped tomatoes or even tomato sauce (you might need to adjust the cooking time a bit).
• Beef broth: Chicken broth or vegetable broth can be used as substitutes, though they may change the overall flavor of the chili a little.
• Kidney beans: If you’re not into kidney beans, cannellini or even extra black beans can replace them for a tasty twist in texture and flavor.

Pro Tips

1. Make sure you really brown the ground beef before adding the veggies cause it adds a lot of extra flavor and texture; sometimes I cook it a bit longer than the recipe says so that it gets nice and crispy on the edges.

2. When you are cooking your onions and garlic, give em enough time so they turn soft and sweet—if you rush them, you’ll miss out on that deep flavor flavor boost.

3. Don’t be afraid to experiment with your simmering time; letting your chili rest a few minutes covered off the heat after cooking can help the flavors blend even better, trust me on that one.

4. Always taste while cooking and adjust the seasonings as you go; even a tiny pinch more salt or a touch less cayenne pepper can really change it up for the better.