Soups & Drinks

Classic Chili with Ground Beef and Beans

Name: Classic Chili with Ground Beef and Beans
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Yield: 6
Ingredients: 2 tbsp olive oil; 1 ½ lbs ground beef; 1 large onion, diced; 1 red bell pepper, diced; 3 garlic cloves, minced; 2 tbsp chili powder; 1 tsp ground cumin; 1 tsp smoked paprika; 1 tsp dried oregano; ½ tsp cayenne pepper; 1 tsp salt; ½ tsp black pepper; 1 cup beef broth; 1 tsp sugar; Sour cream; Shredded cheddar cheese; Fresh cilantro or parsley; Sliced jalapeños; Crushed tortilla chips or cornbread on the side

Servings: 6 Total Time: 1 hr 15 mins Difficulty: Beginner

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Introduction

Few dishes capture the essence of comfort food quite like a Classic Chili with Ground Beef and Beans. This hearty, flavorful dish combines tender ground beef, protein-rich beans, juicy tomatoes, and a medley of smoky spices simmered together to perfection. Loved across generations, chili is the kind of recipe that fills your kitchen with irresistible aromas and warms you from the inside out.

Whether you’re cooking for a cozy family dinner, hosting a game day gathering, or meal-prepping for the week, this chili is both versatile and satisfying. It’s a timeless recipe that proves you don’t need anything fancy—just simple, wholesome ingredients that come together in one pot to create something truly delicious.

Why I Love This Recipe ❤️

I love this recipe because it’s the kind of dish that feels like home in a bowl. The smoky spices, the heartiness of the beans, and the savory ground beef all come together to create layers of flavor that develop as it simmers. Plus, it’s a versatile recipe—you can make it mild or spicy, thick or brothy, and it tastes even better the next day.

It’s also one of those meals that feeds a crowd with ease. I love that I can make a big batch, serve it with a variety of toppings, and let everyone customize their bowl just the way they like.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

Comfort food at its best: Warm, filling, and full of flavor.
One-pot wonder: Easy cleanup and straightforward prep.
Budget-friendly: Simple, affordable pantry staples.
Customizable: Adjust spice levels, add more veggies, or make it vegetarian.
Meal-prep friendly: Freezes and reheats beautifully.

Recipe Information

Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 6
Calories per Serving: ~350 kcal

Cuisine & Course

Cuisine: American / Tex-Mex Inspired
Course: Main Course, Dinner

Ingredients

2 tbsp olive oil
1 ½ lbs ground beef (80/20 recommended)
1 large onion, diced
1 red bell pepper, diced
3 garlic cloves, minced
2 tbsp chili powder
1 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp smoked paprika
1 tsp dried oregano
½ tsp cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
1 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
½ tsp black pepper
1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
2 cans (15 oz each) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
1 cup beef broth (or water)
1 tsp sugar (to balance acidity, optional)

Optional Toppings

Sour cream
Shredded cheddar cheese
Fresh cilantro or parsley
Sliced jalapeños
Crushed tortilla chips or cornbread on the side

Simple Directions

Brown beef and sauté vegetables.
Add spices and toast them for depth.
Stir in tomatoes, beans, and broth.
Simmer slowly to build flavor.
Adjust seasoning and serve with toppings.

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

Step 1: Brown the Beef

Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven or pot over medium-high heat.
Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon (about 7–8 minutes).
Drain excess fat if needed.

Step 2: Sauté Vegetables

Add onion and bell pepper; cook until softened (about 5 minutes).
Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 3: Add Spices

Sprinkle in chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, cayenne, salt, and black pepper.
Stir and cook for 1–2 minutes to “bloom” the spices.

Step 4: Add Tomatoes & Beans

Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, beans, and beef broth.
Add sugar if desired.

Step 5: Simmer

Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low.
Cover partially and let simmer for at least 45 minutes to 1 hour, stirring occasionally.
The longer it cooks, the richer the flavor.

Step 6: Adjust & Serve

Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Ladle into bowls and serve hot with desired toppings.

How to Serve

Serve with cornbread, tortilla chips, or warm crusty bread.
Offer a toppings bar so everyone can customize their chili.
Pair with a fresh green salad for balance.

Additional Recipe Tips

Let chili rest for 10 minutes before serving—flavors settle beautifully.
For a thicker chili, simmer uncovered. For a thinner chili, add more broth.
Chili tastes even better the next day after flavors meld.

Variations

Vegetarian Chili: Replace beef with extra beans, lentils, or plant-based crumbles.
White Chicken Chili: Use chicken, white beans, and green chiles.
Spicy Chili: Add chipotle peppers in adobo sauce or extra cayenne.
Bean-Free Chili: Skip beans for a Texas-style beef-only chili.

Freezing & Storage

Refrigeration: Store in airtight containers for up to 4 days.
Freezing: Freeze in portions for up to 3 months.
Reheating: Warm on stovetop over medium heat or microwave until hot.

Special Equipment Needed

Large Dutch oven or soup pot
Wooden spoon for stirring
Ladle for serving

Conclusion

This Classic Chili with Ground Beef and Beans is a timeless, hearty recipe that belongs in every home cook’s repertoire. Packed with bold spices, protein-rich beans, and savory ground beef, it’s a one-pot wonder that’s satisfying, customizable, and perfect for both weeknight dinners and entertaining.

Once you make this chili, you’ll see why it’s considered one of the ultimate comfort foods—a must-try dish that brings people together, one bowl at a time.

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