Chili recipes with ground beef
A hearty, flavor-packed chili made with ground beef, beans, tomatoes, and warm spices. Perfect for cozy dinners, easy meal prep, or game-day gatherings. Customizable, freezer-friendly, and ready in under an hour.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or neutral cooking oil
- 1 medium onion diced
- 1 medium green bell pepper chopped
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 1.5 pounds ground beef 85/15 recommended for richness
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 28 oz can crushed tomatoes or diced tomatoes if preferred
- 1 15 oz can kidney beans drained and rinsed
- 1 15 oz can black beans drained and rinsed
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika regular paprika can substitute
- 0.5 teaspoon dried oregano
- 0.5 teaspoon salt adjust to taste
- 0.25 teaspoon black pepper fresh cracked preferred
- 1.5 cups beef broth or water
- 1 teaspoon brown sugar optional for balance
- 0.5 teaspoon chipotle powder optional for heat and smokiness
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion and bell pepper. Sauté for 5 minutes until softened.
- Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add ground beef. Cook until browned, breaking it apart. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Stir in tomato paste, chili powder, cumin, paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper. Cook for 2–3 minutes to toast the spices.
- Add crushed tomatoes, both beans, and broth. Stir everything together.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cover loosely and cook for 35–45 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Taste and adjust seasoning. Add brown sugar or chipotle for balance and heat.
- Serve hot with your favorite toppings like cheese, sour cream, or cilantro.
Notes
- This chili tastes even better the next day as flavors deepen.
- For a smoky twist, stir in a chopped chipotle pepper.
- To make it low-carb, omit beans and add diced zucchini or cauliflower.
- Freezes well for up to 3 months. Reheat gently on the stove or microwave with a splash of broth.
- Great toppings: shredded cheddar, jalapeños, crushed tortilla chips, or a swirl of aji verde sauce.