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There’s nothing like a big, cozy bowl of chili to warm things up, especially when it’s this good. This Beef Chili recipe is thick, hearty, and packed with flavor, the kind that makes you go back for seconds (and maybe thirds). I’ve been making this one for years, and it always hits the spot, whether it’s a chilly night, game day, or just one of those days when you want something seriously comforting without the fuss.
Made with tender ground beef, a rich tomato base, and just the right amount of spice, this Beef and Bean Chili delivers comfort in every spoonful. It’s simple, satisfying, and the kind of recipe you’ll keep coming back to whenever you crave a big, warm bowl of home-cooked goodness.
What Makes This Beef Chili So Good
What makes this Beef Chili so good is how it strikes the perfect balance between hearty and flavorful without being complicated. Every spoonful is loaded with tender ground beef, soft beans, and a bold, savory sauce that tastes like it’s been simmering all day, even though it comes together surprisingly fast.
I love making this Beef Chili recipe because it’s the kind of comfort food that feels both homemade and foolproof. The layers of spice, a hint of sweetness from the tomatoes, and the slow build of warmth make it incredibly satisfying. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just cozying up at home, this Ground Beef Chili always delivers that comforting, can’t-stop-eating-it kind of flavor.
What Goes Into This Beef Chili
With a mix of fresh vegetables, bold spices, and tender ground beef, it’s the kind of meal that fills your kitchen with warmth and your bowl with satisfaction. Here are a few key ingredients that make this Beef and Bean Chili truly special:
- Ground Beef: The heart of this chili. Using quality ground beef gives it that rich, meaty base and satisfying texture.
- Jalapeño Peppers: Add just the right kick of heat. Keep the seeds in for more spice or remove them for a milder, family-friendly version.
- Crushed Tomatoes: These give the chili its deep, savory flavor and velvety sauce that ties everything together.
- Kidney and Black Beans: A classic combo that makes this Ground Beef Chili thick, filling, and perfectly balanced with protein and fiber.
Note: Please see recipe card at the bottom for a full list of ingredients with measurements.
Make Some Seriously Good Chili
This chili is as easy as it is cozy. Just a few simple steps, one big pot, and boom—you’ve got the kind of dinner that warms you from the inside out.
- Sauté the aromatics. Cook onions, green peppers, jalapeños, and garlic until soft and fragrant.
- Brown the beef. Add ground beef and break it up with a spoon. Cook until nicely browned.
- Season it well. Stir in all the spices: chili powder, cumin, paprika, and salt.
- Pour in the liquids. Add crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, broth, and beans. Stir well.
- Let it simmer. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and let it bubble until thick and cozy.
- Serve with all the toppings. Ladle into bowls and go wild with cheese, sour cream, green onions, jalapeños, or cilantro.
Wondering what to serve with your chili? I love it with a warm slice of Buttermilk Cornbread (because obviously), or something extra cheesy like Easy Garlic Bread. If you’re keeping it low carb, try it with Buttery Mashed Cauliflower—so creamy and comforting.
And leftovers? That’s where the fun really starts. Spoon it over rice, stuff it into baked potatoes, pile it on fries, or turn it into Chili Mac and Cheese for a cozy twist that feels like a brand new meal.
FAQs
Absolutely. In fact, it tastes even better the next day once the flavors have had time to hang out. Just store it in the fridge and reheat on the stove or in the microwave when you’re ready to dive in.
Let it simmer uncovered a bit longer to reduce the liquid naturally. If you’re short on time, a spoonful of tomato paste or a few mashed beans will do the trick.
This one’s got a mild kick, but nothing too wild. You can always add more chili powder or chopped jalapeños if you like it fiery—or leave them out completely if you’re keeping it kid-friendly.
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Beef Chili Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 yellow onions large, diced
- 1 green pepper diced
- 1-2 jalapeño peppers finely chopped, with seeds
- 8 cloves garlic chopped or minced, or 2 tablespoons minced garlic
- 2 pounds ground beef mince
- 2 tablespoons ground cumin
- 1-2 tablespoons chili powder adjust to your tastes
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika or sweet paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1⁄2 teaspoon cayenne adjust to your taste
- 14 ounces crushed tomatoes canned
- 15 ounces tomato sauce canned or condensed tomato soup for Aussies
- 2 cups beef or chicken broth
- 28 ounces kidney beans canned, drained
- 14 ounces black beans canned, drained
Toppings:
- 1 tablespoon sour cream
- 1 handful cheddar cheese grated
- 1 tablespoon sliced jalapeños
- 1 tablespoon green onions chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh cilantro chopped
Instructions
- Heat oil in large heavy-based pot (or casserole pot) over medium-high heat. Add onions and sauté until transparent, then add the green peppers (or capsicum), jalapeños and garlic; sautéing for a further minute, until the garlic is fragrant.
- Add beef and cook until browned, breaking up any big chunks with the end of your wooden spoon. Stir in the cumin, chili powder, paprika and salt and mix through until beef is fully coated in the seasonings.
- Mix in the crushed tomatoes along with the juices, the tomato sauce (or soup), broth and beans. Bring to a boil, then lower heat and allow to simmer while stirring occasionally, until the chili thickens (about 30 minutes).
- Ladle into individual bowls, and top with sour cream, grated cheese, sliced jalapeños, chopped green onions, and/or cilantro.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Wasn’t this once called Beef & Bean Jalapeño Chili?
Hi Ken, I’m not too sure about it.
Very delicious. I made it for the first time tonight. I didn’t have the toppings I wanted at home so I would definitely like to make it again with those. I also didn’t add all the cayenne because my daughter was having some too. I really want to make it again but spicier. Thank you for the recipe
Hi Alix, keep me updated on the results!
This chilli is amazing. We have had it many times.
The only additions we add to the recipe are a jar of chipotle peppers and 1 or 2 extra spicy chilli peppers from our garden.
We usually eat the first night as a chilli bowl, and any left overs get simmered down on a following night so it becomes nice and thick which goes really well as taco filling.
Yum and thanks for sharing the recipe.
I have made chilli beef and chilli con carne dishes many times but felt they were always lacking something. I knew the flavours I was after. Your recipe and ingredients was what I was after and was so delicious. We all loved the flavours. We did add a very small amount of extra fiery chilli’s as well for added heat but not over the top. This recipe will be used many times over from now on.
We just had our first cold night here in Virginia and it had me craving chili. This is the first time I have made this recipe, though I have used many of Karina’s recipes in the past and have never been disappointed. Cooked it per the recipe and the flavors were really spot on. One jalapeño didn’t give much heat so next time I’ll add a second. Even still, I doubt it’ll be too spicy for the kids. Used dark (red) and white kidney beans for some contrast. Will definitely be making this again.
This recipe got me 2nd place for our family chili cook off! Everyone loved it! I added a can of corn to it as well.
This is a great recipe to begin with. I added a few things to ours but all said it was.very delicious. Thanks
Love this recipe! I omit the jalapeño and add a little tomato paste once the beef is browned to deepen the flavor. Perfect over baked potatoes!
I tried this for the 1st time and I cnt rate this enough!! An Absolutely amazing, mouthwatering dish. I ddnt get the jalapenos today so i missed the kick of it, but iverall it was delicious.
Ive tried other dishes from this site and i cannot recommend them enough. 5 stars to you
I am the #1 pickiest chili eater!!! My husband loves it so I’m always trying new recipes to see if I can find one that I also could enjoy. Well, I will search no more! This is the best chili recipe I have found! Thank you for the tasty recipe!!!