This Ground Beef Chili is warm, hearty, and full of flavor! With beef, beans, and spices, it’s perfect for a cozy dinner or game day.
Plus, it’s super easy to make—just throw everything in one pot and let it simmer. I love serving mine with a bit of cheese on top. Yum! 🧀
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: I recommend using 80/20 ground beef for the best flavor and texture. If you prefer a leaner option, ground turkey or chicken can work well, too. You can also use plant-based ground meat if you want a vegetarian version.
Kidney Beans: Red or black beans are classic, but if you’re out or prefer a different taste, pinto beans or white beans like cannellini are great substitutes!
Diced Tomatoes: Canned diced tomatoes are easy and add great flavor. If you have fresh tomatoes, feel free to dice and use them! Just remember to adjust the liquid slightly.
Chili Powder: This is a key ingredient for heat and flavor. If you’re low on chili powder, you can mix paprika, cumin, and cayenne pepper as a substitute. Adjust to your spice preference!
How Do I Get the Best Flavor from My Chili?
Getting the best flavor in your chili involves a few simple techniques! First, don’t rush the browning of the beef; this adds depth to the taste. Next, toasting the spices right after adding them to the meat really enhances their flavor.
- Use medium heat to sauté onions until soft, which releases their sweetness.
- Brown the beef well; it should be brown and slightly crispy for optimal flavor.
- Add spices right after browning the beef to bring out their aroma.
- Let the chili simmer uncovered. This lets the flavors deepen and the sauce thicken nicely.
Trust me, these little tweaks make a world of difference for your chili! Enjoy cooking!
How to Make Ground Beef Chili
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 cup beef broth or water
- 2 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil or olive oil
For garnish:
- Shredded cheddar cheese
- Sour cream
- Fresh jalapeño slices
Time Estimate:
This Ground Beef Chili takes about 10 minutes to prep and about 40 minutes to cook. So, you’ll be ready to enjoy a delicious bowl of chili in about 50 minutes total!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Aromatics:
Start by heating the vegetable oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until they become soft and translucent. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until it’s fragrant.
2. Brown the Beef:
Add the ground beef to the pot. Use a spoon to break it apart while cooking. Cook it until it’s nicely browned and no longer pink, which should take about 5-7 minutes. If there’s a lot of grease, feel free to drain some of it out.
3. Season it Up:
Stir in the chili powder, ground cumin, paprika, dried oregano, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper if you like it spicy. Cook this mixture for about 1 minute to really enhance those wonderful flavors.
4. Add the Rest:
Now, it’s time to add the diced tomatoes (with their juice), tomato sauce, kidney beans, and beef broth to the pot. Give it a good stir to make sure everything is combined well!
5. Simmer the Chili:
Bring the chili to a boil, and then reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer uncovered for about 30-40 minutes. Stir it occasionally, and you’ll notice it thickening up and all those flavors blending beautifully.
6. Taste and Serve:
Before serving, taste your chili and adjust the seasoning if needed. Serve your chili hot in bowls with a generous topping of shredded cheddar cheese, a dollop of sour cream, and fresh jalapeño slices for that extra kick!
7. Enjoy:
Pair it with some tortilla chips or cornbread if you like, and enjoy your hearty Ground Beef Chili!
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great lean alternative to beef and will still provide plenty of flavor when seasoned well. Just be sure to cook it thoroughly until it’s no longer pink.
How Can I Make This Chili Less Spicy?
If you want a milder chili, simply omit the cayenne pepper and reduce the amount of chili powder. You can also add a spoonful of sugar or honey to balance the flavors if the chili ends up being too tangy or spicy!
Can I Add More Vegetables?
Yes! Feel free to throw in bell peppers, corn, or zucchini for added nutrition and flavor. Just chop them up and sauté them with the onions at the beginning for even cooking.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze the chili for longer storage—just thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating it on the stove or microwave!
