Best Beef Chili Recipe – Hearty, Flavorful & Perfect for Any Season
This Best Beef Chili recipe is everything a great chili should be: thick, rich, loaded with tender ground beef, beans, and bold spices. It’s cozy enough for cold nights, perfect for game day, and easy enough for busy weeknights. Whether you serve it in a bowl, over a baked potato, or with cornbread on the side, this beef chili delivers comforting flavor in every bite.
🛒 Ingredients
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 large yellow onion, chopped
1 green bell pepper, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 lbs ground beef
3 tablespoons tomato paste
2 (15 oz) cans diced tomatoes
1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
2 (15 oz) cans kidney beans, drained and rinsed
2 tablespoons chili powder
1 tablespoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon dried oregano
Salt and black pepper to taste
½–1 cup beef broth (as needed for desired thickness)
Optional toppings: shredded cheese, sour cream, sliced green onions, jalapeños, chopped cilantro
🔄 Substitutions
Ground beef: Use ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based crumbles
Kidney beans: Swap with black beans, pinto beans, or mixed beans
Tomato paste: Add more tomato sauce if needed
Beef broth: Use chicken or veggie broth as an alternative
Spices: Adjust to taste or add chipotle powder for smokiness
👨🍳 How to
Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat
Sauté onion and bell pepper for 4–5 minutes until softened
Add garlic and cook for 1 minute more
Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up as it cooks
Stir in tomato paste and cook for 2–3 minutes to deepen flavor
Add diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, beans, chili powder, cumin, paprika, oregano, salt, pepper, and beef broth
Stir well, bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low
Cover partially and simmer for 30–45 minutes, stirring occasionally
Taste and adjust seasoning as needed before serving
🧀 Mix-ins
Corn kernels
Diced jalapeños or green chiles
A splash of hot sauce or apple cider vinegar
Dark chocolate or cocoa powder (½ teaspoon) for richness
Cooked bacon or sausage for extra depth
✅ Recipe Tips
For extra depth, cook the tomato paste until it darkens slightly before adding liquids
Use a mix of beans or meat for a more complex texture
Let chili rest for 10 minutes before serving—it thickens and flavors meld
Double the recipe for meal prep or freezing
📦 Storage
Store in the fridge for up to 4 days in an airtight container
Freeze for up to 3 months in labeled freezer bags or containers
Reheat on the stovetop or microwave with a splash of broth if needed
🌀 Recipe Variations
No-bean version: Omit beans and add more beef or veggies
Vegetarian: Use plant-based crumbles or lentils and vegetable broth
Slow cooker: Sauté beef and veggies, then add all ingredients to a crockpot and cook on LOW for 6–8 hours
Spicy chili: Add cayenne pepper, hot sauce, or fresh jalapeños
❓ FAQs
Can I make beef chili ahead of time? Yes, it tastes even better the next day!
How can I thicken chili? Simmer uncovered or mash some beans for natural thickening
What’s the best meat for chili? Ground chuck or 85/15 ground beef offers the best flavor and texture
Can I make it in the Instant Pot? Yes, sauté the ingredients first, then pressure cook for 15 minutes with natural release
This Best Beef Chili recipe is thick, meaty, and full of bold, comforting flavor. It’s a no-fail dinner that’s easy to customize and even easier to love.
