A rich, comforting homemade beef chili loaded with seasoned ground beef, tender kidney beans, tomatoes, and flavorful spices. Perfect for family dinners, cold evenings, and meal prep!
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cook Time: 55 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes | Servings: 6–8
Ingredients
For the Chili:
- 2 lbs (900 g) ground beef
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large yellow onion, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 cans (15 oz each) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 cup beef broth
Seasonings:
- 3 tbsp chili powder (American chili seasoning blend)
- 2 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
- 1 tsp salt, or to taste
- ½ tsp freshly ground black pepper
- 1 tsp brown sugar (optional)
Optional Toppings:
- Shredded cheddar cheese
- Sour cream
- Chopped green onions
- Fresh cilantro
- Sliced jalapeños
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
Dice the onion and bell peppers, mince the garlic, and drain and rinse the kidney beans. Measure all seasonings before cooking.
Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef
Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook for 6–8 minutes, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon until browned and fully cooked. Drain excess grease if necessary.
Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables
Add diced onion, green bell pepper, and red bell pepper to the beef. Cook for 4–5 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and cook for another 30–60 seconds until fragrant.
Step 4: Add the Spices
Sprinkle chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper over the meat mixture.
Add tomato paste and stir continuously for 1–2 minutes to develop a deeper, richer flavor.
Step 5: Add Tomatoes, Beans, and Broth
Pour in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and beef broth. Add the drained kidney beans and brown sugar, if using.
Stir thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly combined.
Step 6: Simmer Until Thick and Flavorful
Bring the chili to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low.
Cover partially and simmer for 35–45 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
The chili should gradually thicken into a rich, hearty mixture with tender beans and flavorful beef.
Step 7: Adjust the Consistency
For thicker chili, remove the lid and simmer for an additional 10–15 minutes.
For thinner chili, stir in a little extra beef broth.
Taste and adjust salt, pepper, and spices as desired.
Step 8: Serve and Enjoy
Ladle the hot chili into serving bowls. Top with shredded cheddar cheese, a spoonful of sour cream, chopped green onions, or fresh cilantro.
Serve with warm cornbread, tortilla chips, crackers, or crusty bread.
Tips for the Best Homemade Chili
- Extra rich flavor: Let the chili simmer longer on low heat.
- Spicier chili: Add diced jalapeños or extra cayenne pepper.
- Thicker texture: Mash a small portion of the beans into the sauce.
- Make ahead: Chili tastes even better the next day.
- Storage: Refrigerate in an airtight container for 3–4 days.
- Freezing: Freeze in airtight containers for up to 3 months.
Nutrition Information
Approximate values per serving, based on 8 servings without toppings; varies with beef fat content and ingredient brands.
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 440 kcal |
| Protein | 32 g |
| Carbohydrates | 34 g |
| Fat | 20 g |
| Fiber | 10 g |
Enjoy your delicious, thick and hearty homemade beef chili!
Facebook Caption: Nothing beats a big pot of homemade beef chili! Rich, hearty, loaded with flavor, and perfect for a cozy family dinner. Would you try this recipe? ❤️
