Hearty Beef Chili Recipe: Warm Comfort in Every Spoonful

Chili lovers rejoice as this hearty beef chili recipe brings bold flavors straight to your dinner table.

Packed with robust spices and tender meat, the chili promises a warm and satisfying meal.

Each bite delivers a perfect balance of rich ground beef and aromatic seasonings.

The recipe combines classic ingredients with a special twist that sets it apart from ordinary chili preparations.

Perfectly seasoned and slow-simmered, this dish offers comfort in every spoonful.

Warm up your evening with this delectable chili that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Prepare to savor a meal that transforms an ordinary night into a memorable culinary experience.

Chili Pairing Ideas That Work

• Robust Red Wine Pairing: Match the hearty beef chili with a bold Zinfandel or Cabernet Sauvignon, which complement the rich meat flavors and stand up to the spicy seasonings.
• Craft Beer Companion: Select a robust amber ale or dark porter that echoes the chili's deep, complex flavor profile, enhancing the overall dining experience with complementary malty undertones.
• Cooling Sidekick Drink: Balance the chili's heat with a crisp Mexican lager like Modelo or Corona, which provides refreshing relief and cuts through the dish's intensity.
• Texture-Enhancing Sides: Serve alongside warm cornbread or crispy tortilla chips to add contrasting textures and create a satisfying meal that allows diners to scoop and enjoy every spicy bite.

Spicy and Mild Takes on Beef Chili

• Vegetarian Chili Swap: Replace ground beef with plant-based alternatives like crumbled tofu, tempeh, or textured vegetable protein for a meat-free version that maintains robust flavor.
• Lean Protein Makeover: Substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lower-fat option that still delivers hearty chili goodness.
• Slow Cooker Style: Transfer all ingredients to a slow cooker after browning beef and vegetables, then cook on low for 6-8 hours for a hands-off approach that develops deep, rich flavors.
• Spicy Southwest Remix: Enhance the heat by adding chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, extra jalapeños, or a dash of cayenne pepper for those craving a more intense chili experience.

FAQs

• How spicy is this beef chili?

The spice level depends on the amount of chili powder you add. Start with 2 tablespoons and adjust to taste. You can make it mild or hot by increasing or decreasing the chili powder.

• Can I use different types of ground meat?

Absolutely! Ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based meat alternatives work great in this recipe. Just ensure you brown the meat thoroughly and drain excess fat.

• Do I need to use fresh vegetables?

Fresh vegetables are best, but frozen bell peppers and onions can work in a pinch. Fresh ingredients will give you the most flavor and texture for your chili.

• How can I make the chili more hearty?

Add beans like kidney or black beans during the simmering stage. You can also include diced potatoes or extra vegetables to make the chili more filling and nutritious.

What Makes This Beef Chili Recipe So Hearty

• Easily adjust the spice level and seasonings to match your taste preferences, making this chili a flexible recipe that adapts to everyone's palate.
• Requires simple chopping of vegetables and basic cooking skills, perfect for home cooks of all experience levels who want a hassle-free meal preparation.
• Delivers rich, hearty flavors that appeal to both adults and kids, making it an ideal dish for family dinners, potlucks, and casual gatherings.
• Offers endless garnish possibilities like sour cream, cheese, cilantro, and avocado, allowing each person to create their personalized chili experience.

What You’ll Need for Homemade Beef Chili

• Ground Beef: A hearty protein that forms the foundation of this classic chili dish.

• Onions, Bell Peppers: Aromatic vegetables that add depth and sweetness to the chili's flavor profile.

• Canned Tomatoes, Beef Broth: Provide the rich, savory base that helps create the signature chili consistency.

• Chili Powder, Cumin, Salt, Pepper: Essential spices that give the chili its warm, complex flavor and signature kick.
• Sugar: A small touch to balance the acidity of the tomatoes if needed.

• Sour Cream, Cheddar Cheese, Cilantro, Avocado, Jalapeños: Delicious garnishes that add extra texture and flavor to the finished chili.

Oil: A small amount used for initial cooking of the beef and vegetables.

• Cornbread, Tortilla Chips: Complementary side items that pair perfectly with the chili.

How to Cook a Pot of Beef Chili

Step 1: Sizzle Ground Beef and Veggies

Heat oil in a large pot over medium-high heat.

Toss in ground beef, diced onions, and bell peppers.

Break up the beef while stirring occasionally.

Cook until beef turns golden brown and vegetables become tender.

If excess liquid appears, drain some to prevent a greasy texture.

• Ground beef
• Onions
• Bell peppers
• Cooking oil

Step 2: Pour Tomato and Broth Base

Add canned tomatoes and beef broth to the cooked meat mixture.

Stir thoroughly to blend ingredients, creating a rich and hearty foundation for the chili.

• Canned tomatoes
• Beef broth

Step 3: Spice Up the Chili

Sprinkle chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper into the pot.

Mix well and taste.

Adjust seasonings as needed for desired flavor intensity.

• Chili powder
• Cumin
• Salt
• Black pepper

Step 4: Slow Cook and Develop Flavors

Bring chili to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low.

Cover and simmer for 1-2 hours, stirring occasionally.

Optional: Add a pinch of sugar if tomatoes taste too acidic.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Ladle chili into bowls.

Top with favorite garnishes like sour cream, cheddar cheese, cilantro, avocado, and jalapeños.

Serve alongside cornbread or tortilla chips.

Tips to Make Your Chili Extra Bold

• Remove extra grease from ground beef to prevent a heavy, oily chili. Use a colander or carefully tilt the pot to pour out unnecessary liquid for a cleaner, more balanced dish.
• Experiment with additional spices like smoked paprika or a dash of cayenne pepper to enhance the chili's complexity. These subtle additions can transform an ordinary recipe into a memorable meal.
• Allow chili to simmer low and slow, giving ingredients time to meld together. Stir occasionally and taste periodically, adjusting seasonings to develop a rich, harmonious flavor profile.
• Choose garnishes that complement the chili's robust flavor. Mix textures and temperatures by adding cool sour cream, sharp cheese, or fresh herbs to create a more interesting eating experience.
• Chili tastes even better the next day as flavors continue to develop. Store in an airtight container and gently reheat, potentially adding a splash of broth to maintain moisture and consistency.

Save and Reheat Beef Chili the Easy Way

• Store leftover beef chili in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, ensuring it's cooled completely before sealing.
• Transfer chili to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove excess air, seal tightly, and freeze for up to 4-6 months. Label with the date for easy tracking.
• Place chili in a microwave-safe dish, cover loosely, and heat on medium power. Stir every 30 seconds to distribute heat evenly. Check temperature reaches 165°F to ensure food safety.
• Pour chili into a saucepan, add a splash of broth or water to prevent sticking. Warm over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. Adjust consistency by adding liquid if needed.

Beef Chili Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.9 from 24 reviews

• Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Hearty Beef Chili brings bold Southwestern flavors to your dinner table with rich, spicy comfort. Warm spices and tender beef create a soul-satisfying meal that you’ll crave on chilly evenings.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat:

• 2 pounds (0.9 kilograms) lean ground beef

Vegetables:

• 2 medium yellow onions (diced)
• 2 medium green bell peppers (diced)
• 2 (14.5 ounces / 411 grams) cans stewed (crushed or diced) tomatoes

Seasonings and Liquids:

• 2 (14.5 ounces / 411 milliliters) cans beef broth
• 2 tablespoons chili powder
• 1–2 teaspoons ground cumin
• salt to taste
• pepper to taste

Optional Toppings:

• sour cream
• grated cheddar cheese
• fresh chopped cilantro
• diced avocado
• guacamole
• sliced jalapeños

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Sear ground beef and vegetables in a large pot over medium-high heat for 5-7 minutes. Break down beef while cooking and allow vegetables to soften. Drain excess fat if necessary to prevent greasy texture.
2. Pour tomatoes and beef broth into the pot. Thoroughly mix ingredients to create a uniform base for the chili.
3. Incorporate spices including chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Stir well and taste, adjusting seasoning as needed for desired flavor intensity.
4. Bring mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 1-2 hours, stirring periodically. Flavors will develop and deepen during cooking process. Adjust seasonings if required, potentially adding a pinch of sugar to balance tomato acidity.
5. Once chili reaches desired consistency and flavor, remove from heat. Serve hot in individual bowls with optional garnishes such as sour cream, shredded cheddar cheese, chopped cilantro, diced avocado, and sliced jalapeños. Accompany with cornbread or tortilla chips for a complete meal.

Notes

• Drain excess beef fat to prevent a greasy texture and ensure a cleaner, more concentrated chili flavor.
• Adjust spice levels by gradually adding chili powder and tasting, allowing for personalized heat intensity.
• Enhance depth of flavor by letting the chili simmer longer, which helps ingredients meld and develop richer taste profiles.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 2 hours
• Category: Dinner, Lunch, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 20 g
• Fiber: 5 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg