Description
This classic beef chili with beans is a hearty and comforting one-pot meal featuring seasoned ground beef, tender kidney and pinto beans, crushed tomatoes, and a blend of warm spices. Perfect for game day, cold nights, or easy weeknight dinners, this chili is rich in flavor and easy to make on the stovetop.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1½ lbs ground beef
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (15 oz) can pinto beans, drained and rinsed
- 1½ cups beef broth
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon brown sugar (optional)
Optional Toppings
- Shredded cheddar cheese
- Sour cream
- Chopped green onions
- Jalapeños
Instructions
- Heat the oil and brown the beef: Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain excess grease if needed to reduce fat content.
- Sauté the onions: Add the diced onion to the pot and cook for 3–4 minutes until softened and translucent, providing a flavorful base.
- Add garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant to enhance the aroma and flavor.
- Bloom the spices: Add chili powder, ground cumin, paprika, oregano, salt, black pepper, and optional cayenne pepper. Stir well and cook for 1 minute to activate the spices.
- Add tomato paste: Stir in the tomato paste and cook for another minute to deepen the tomato flavor and thicken the base.
- Add liquids and beans: Pour in the crushed tomatoes, kidney beans, pinto beans, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and optional brown sugar. Stir to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Simmer the chili: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Let it simmer uncovered for 30–40 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chili thickens and flavors meld.
- Adjust seasoning and serve: Taste the chili and adjust salt or spice levels as needed. Serve hot topped with your choice of shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, chopped green onions, or jalapeños for added flavor and texture.
Notes
- Simmer chili longer for a deeper, richer flavor.
- Ground turkey can be used as a leaner alternative to ground beef.
- Add diced bell peppers or corn for extra texture and sweetness.
- Chili thickens further as it rests; adjust liquid consistency with broth if desired.
- This chili freezes well for up to 3 months; thaw and reheat gently.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dinner / Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
