Hearty Homestyle Beef Chili Recipe: Classic Comfort in a Bowl

Simmering with rich, robust flavors, this hearty beef chili recipe delivers a comforting meal that warms you from the inside out.

Packed with tender chunks of beef and a medley of spices, the dish promises a flavor explosion in every spoonful.

Slow-cooked to perfection, the chili blends smoky, spicy, and savory notes that dance across your palate.

Beans, tomatoes, and aromatic seasonings create a deeply satisfying meal that stands up to any chili champion’s standards.

Dark beer and a secret blend of chili powders add unexpected depth to this classic comfort food.

Weeknight dinners or weekend gatherings become extraordinary with this soul-soothing recipe that transforms simple ingredients into a memorable culinary experience.

Get ready to become the ultimate chili master at your next meal.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 25-35 minutes

Total Time: 35-45 minutes

Calories: 360 kcal

Servings: 7

Essential Ingredients for Classic Beef Chili

• Ground Beef: Brings rich, meaty flavor and hearty texture; choose meat with 15% fat for optimal juiciness and taste.
• Yellow Onion: Provides sweet aromatic foundation and depth to the chili's base flavor; select firm, bright-colored onions.
• Minced Garlic: Adds intense, pungent undertone that enhances overall savory profile; fresh garlic delivers maximum flavor impact.

• Pinto Beans, Kidney Beans: Create creamy texture and robust earthiness; ensure beans are well-drained and rinsed to reduce sodium.
• Tomato Sauce, Diced Tomatoes, Tomato Paste: Deliver tangy brightness and thick consistency; look for high-quality, vine-ripened varieties.
• Maple Syrup: Balances acidity with subtle sweetness; opt for pure, organic maple syrup for authentic taste.

• Chili Powder, Garlic Powder, Ground Cumin, Smoked Paprika: Craft complex, warming spice profile with smoky and aromatic notes; choose freshly ground spices for maximum potency.
• Salt, Ground Pepper: Enhance and amplify overall flavor dimensions.
• Beef Broth: Provides rich, savory liquid base; can substitute with chicken broth or water based on preference.

• Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Adds creamy, sharp accent.
• Fritos: Introduces delightful crunch.
• Green Onion: Brings fresh, mild onion brightness.

Tools That Make Cooking Beef Chili Easy

• Large Stockpot: Perfect vessel for browning beef and simmering chili, ensuring even cooking and rich flavor development.
• Wooden Spoon: Essential for stirring ingredients and preventing sticking without scratching the pot's surface.
• Measuring Spoons: Helps accurately add spices like chili powder, cumin, and salt for balanced seasoning.
• Cutting Board: Provides clean space for chopping onions and green onions before adding to the chili.
• Chef's Knife: Sharp tool for mincing garlic and chopping onions with precision.
• Ladle: Convenient for serving hot chili into individual bowls without mess.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Beef Chili

• Beef Preparation

Warm up a big pot and toss in ground beef with chopped onions and garlic. Cook everything together until the meat turns rich brown and onions soften, creating a delicious base for the chili.

• Flavor Foundation

Mix in beans and tomato ingredients, stirring gently to blend everything smoothly. The combination will start creating a robust aroma that hints at the delicious meal coming together.

• Spice Awakening

Sprinkle in a collection of spices that will transform the simple ingredients into a vibrant chili. Each seasoning adds depth and character to the developing dish.

• Simmering Magic

Let the chili bubble softly on low heat, allowing all the flavors to dance and mingle. This slow cooking process helps each ingredient share its unique taste, creating a harmonious blend.

• Finishing Touches

Serve the steaming chili in warm bowls. Top with crispy corn chips, sharp cheese, or fresh green onions to add extra excitement and texture to this comforting meal.

Variations to Spice Up Your Beef Chili

• Beef Choice Magic: Swap ground beef with ground turkey or lean ground sirloin for a healthier protein option that still delivers rich flavor.
• Bean Blend Flexibility: Mix different bean varieties like black beans, cannellini, or Great Northern beans to create a unique texture and boost nutritional value.
• Spice Level Control: Adjust heat by adding diced jalapeños, red pepper flakes, or a splash of hot sauce for those who love extra kick. Reduce spices for milder palates.
• Slow Cooker Shortcut: Transfer all ingredients to a slow cooker after browning beef and let simmer on low for 6-8 hours for deeper, more developed flavors and tender meat.
• Topping Playground: Experiment with creative garnishes like diced avocado, sour cream, fresh cilantro, pickled jalapeños, or crumbled queso fresco to elevate your chili experience.

Serve Beef Chili for Family Dinners or Game Days

• Chili Comfort Station: Create a self-serve chili bar with various toppings like diced onions, sour cream, jalapeños, and chopped cilantro so everyone can customize their bowl.
• Hearty Bread Buddy: Serve alongside warm cornbread, buttered Texas toast, or crusty sourdough to soak up the delicious chili sauce and add extra texture.
• Cool and Creamy Contrast: Top each serving with a dollop of cool Greek yogurt or sour cream to balance the spicy chili and provide a creamy, tangy complement to the rich meat and beans.
• Sides that Shine: Pair the chili with a crisp green salad, coleslaw, or quick pickled vegetables to cut through the dish's richness and add a refreshing element to the meal.

Save and Store Beef Chili for Leftovers

• Smart Refrigeration Strategy: Store leftover beef chili in airtight containers within 2 hours of cooking. Cool the chili completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth and maintain optimal taste quality.
• Freezer-Friendly Approach: Portion chili into individual freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty zip-lock bags. Remove excess air to prevent freezer burn. Frozen chili stays delicious for up to 3 months, making meal prep a breeze.
• Reheating Magic: Thaw frozen chili overnight in the refrigerator. Warm gently in a saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating. Add a splash of beef broth if the chili seems too thick, restoring its original rich consistency.
• Flavor Enhancement Tip: Chili often tastes even better the next day as ingredients continue to meld. Store in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, allowing spices to develop a deeper, more robust flavor profile. Top with fresh garnishes when serving to add a crisp, vibrant touch to your leftover meal.

Ultimate Beef Chili Recipe

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4.8 from 16 reviews

• Total Time: 35-45 minutes
• Yield: 7 1x

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Description

Beef chili delivers robust flavors combining tender ground beef, smoky spices, and rich tomato base. Simmered to perfection, this comforting dish invites diners to savor layers of complex, warming ingredients.

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Ingredients

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• 1 lb (454 g) ground beef (15% fat)
• 1 (15 oz/425 g) can pinto beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 (15 oz/425 g) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 (15 oz/425 g) can tomato sauce
• 1 (15 oz/425 g) can diced tomatoes
• 3 tbsps chili powder
• 3 tbsps tomato paste
• 1 cup beef broth (or substitute chicken broth or water)
• ½ medium yellow onion, finely diced
• 2 tsps ground cumin
• 2 tsps garlic powder
• 1 tbsp minced garlic
• 1 tbsp maple syrup
• ½ tsp smoked paprika
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp ground pepper
• Shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
• Fritos (optional)
• Green onion (optional)

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Instructions

1. Sauté Protein: Heat stockpot over medium-high flame, combining ground beef, yellow onion, and garlic. Continuously stir and break down meat until caramelized brown and onions turn translucent.
2. Build Flavor Profile: Introduce pinto beans, kidney beans, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, and maple syrup. Mix thoroughly to ensure complete ingredient integration and develop rich, complex taste.
3. Season Dynamically: Sprinkle chili powder, garlic powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, kosher salt, and black pepper across the mixture. Pour beef broth and stir methodically to distribute seasonings evenly, creating a robust flavor foundation.
4. Simmer and Concentrate: Bring mixture to gentle boil, then reduce heat to low. Allow chili to simmer 10-15 minutes, enabling flavors to meld and liquid to condense, transforming into a thick, hearty consistency.
5. Garnish and Serve: Ladle steaming chili into serving bowls. Top with sharp cheddar cheese, crunchy Fritos, or green onions, presenting a visually appealing and flavor-packed culinary experience.

Notes

• Meat Browning Technique: Stir and break down ground beef continuously to achieve a rich, caramelized brown color and ensure even cooking.
• Flavor Layering Strategy: Add maple syrup to balance the savory notes and create depth in the chili’s overall taste profile.
• Spice Blending Tip: Distribute seasonings thoroughly by streaming beef broth and stirring methodically to prevent clumping and ensure even flavor distribution.
• Simmering Secret: Reduce heat and let chili simmer 10-15 minutes to concentrate flavors and allow ingredients to meld together perfectly.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25-35 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 7
• Calories: 360
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 8 g
• Protein: 22 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg