This classic beef chili recipe is hearty, cozy, and full of rich flavor. Made with ground beef, beans, tomatoes, warm spices, and beef broth, it is an easy dinner that tastes satisfying without requiring hours in the kitchen. Serve it with your favorite chili toppings for a comforting meal the whole family can enjoy.
The easiest ground beef chili recipe
When cooler weather arrives, a warm bowl of homemade beef chili is one of the easiest ways to bring comfort to the table. This recipe is simple, filling, and packed with the kind of savory flavor that makes chili such a dependable weeknight dinner.
The best part is that you do not need to spend all day cooking. This easy ground beef chili comes together with basic pantry ingredients, a large pot, and about 30 minutes of simmering time. It is the kind of meal you can make after a busy day and still feel like you are serving something hearty and homemade.
This chili gets its bold taste from a flavorful combination of browned ground beef, diced onion, garlic, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, beans, spices, honey, and beef broth. The tomatoes create a rich base, the broth adds depth, and the beans make every bowl extra satisfying.
The spice blend gives the chili warmth without making it complicated. Chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and a pinch of cayenne bring just enough heat and savory balance. A little honey may sound unexpected, but it helps soften the acidity of the tomatoes and rounds out the flavor beautifully.
Serve this classic beef chili on its own, or load it up with shredded cheese, sour cream, green onions, cilantro, jalapeños, avocado, lime juice, Fritos, tortilla chips, or crackers. It is easy to customize and just as good for meal prep as it is for a casual family dinner.
Ingredients needed
This beef chili recipe uses simple, familiar ingredients that are easy to find and may already be in your kitchen. Each ingredient adds something important, from the savory beef base to the thick tomato texture and warm chili seasoning.
- Ground Beef: One pound of ground beef creates the hearty base of this chili. A beef blend that is not overly lean will add more flavor to the finished dish.
- Onion: A small diced yellow onion adds savory sweetness and helps build flavor from the very first step.
- Garlic: Three cloves of minced garlic bring depth and aroma to the chili.
- Tomatoes: Diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and tomato paste work together to create a rich, thick, tomato-forward base.
- Beans: Pinto beans and kidney beans add texture, heartiness, and extra protein. Be sure to drain and rinse them before adding them to the pot.
- Spices: Chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and cayenne powder create a warm and balanced chili flavor.
- Honey: Honey adds a subtle sweetness that balances the heat of the spices and the acidity of the tomatoes.
- Beef Broth: Beef broth gives the chili extra richness and helps everything simmer into a flavorful, spoonable consistency.
Chili toppings
Toppings are optional, but they make every bowl even better. Choose one or several depending on the flavor and texture you like.
- Shredded cheese
- Sour cream or Greek yogurt
- Green onions
- Avocado slices
- Jalapeños
- Cilantro
- Lime juice
- Crushed tortilla chips, Fritos, or crackers
Kitchen tools required
You only need a few basic kitchen tools to make this homemade beef chili recipe.
- Large Dutch oven or large sauce pot
- Can opener
- Ladle
- Knife and cutting board
For measuring, have a cup, tablespoon, teaspoon, and 1/2 teaspoon ready.
How to make beef chili recipe
Start by heating olive oil in a large Dutch oven or sauce pot over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the diced onion and cook it for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it begins to soften.
Add the ground beef to the pot and cook for another 2 to 3 minutes. Break the beef apart as it browns so it cooks evenly. Add the minced garlic and continue cooking until the meat is cooked through and the garlic is fragrant.
Once the beef is cooked, stir in the chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and cayenne powder. Let the spices coat the meat and onion mixture so the flavor develops before the liquid ingredients are added.
Next, add the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, pinto beans, kidney beans, tomato paste, honey, and beef broth. Stir everything together until the ingredients are evenly combined.
Bring the chili to a light boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low. Let it simmer for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. This simmering time is important because it allows the spices, tomatoes, beans, and beef broth to come together into a thick and flavorful chili.
When the chili is ready, ladle it into bowls and add your favorite toppings. Sour cream, cheese, green onion, Fritos, and cilantro are all delicious options.
Recipe Tips
These simple tips will help you make a rich, flavorful pot of beef chili every time.
Can I make this chili with other types of meat?
Yes. This chili can also be made with other ground meats, such as ground turkey or ground chicken. You can also use cubed beef or shredded chicken if you want a different texture.
What if I don’t have beef broth on hand?
If you do not have beef broth, chicken broth can be used instead. Water can also work in a pinch, although broth will give the chili a richer flavor.
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
Yes. If you prefer fresh tomatoes, dice 3 to 4 medium tomatoes and add them in place of the canned diced tomatoes. You may need to adjust the amount of broth or water to reach your preferred chili consistency.
How can I serve my beef chili?
This chili is delicious served in bowls with toppings, but it can also be used in other meals. Spoon it over fries for chili fries, add it to nachos, or use it as a topping for a chili hamburger.
Storing leftovers
Allow leftover chili to cool completely before storing it. Transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
You can also freeze this beef chili for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight, then warm it on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated through.
If you liked this recipe, you’ll want to try these!
If you enjoy hearty beef recipes, try these types of comforting meals next:
- Beef and broccoli
- Baked Italian meatballs
- Red bolognese sauce
- Cheeseburger soup
- Philly cheesesteak dip
Recipe by Erin Morrissey. Photos by Sierra Inn.
Classic Beef Chili Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small yellow onion diced
- 1 lb ground beef
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 3 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tbsp cumin
- 2 tsp garlic powder
- 1.5 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp pepper
- pinch cayenne powder
- 1 15 oz can diced tomatoes
- 1 15 oz can tomato sauce
- 1 15 oz can pinto beans
- 1 15 oz can kidney beans
- 3 tbsp tomato paste
- 2 tbsp honey
- 2 cups beef broth
- Optional toppings: sour cream, Greek yogurt, cheese, green onion, Fritos, cilantro, or any toppings you like
Method
-
Heat the olive oil in a large Dutch oven or sauce pot over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 2 to 3 minutes. Add the ground beef and cook for another 2 to 3 minutes, then stir in the minced garlic.
-
Once the meat is cooked through, add the chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and cayenne powder. Stir until the beef is evenly coated with the spices.
-
Add the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, pinto beans, kidney beans, tomato paste, honey, and beef broth. Stir until everything is well combined.
-
Bring the chili to a light boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low. Simmer for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
-
Serve warm with sour cream, cheese, green onion, Fritos, cilantro, or your preferred chili toppings.
Nutrition
Carbohydrates: 30g
Protein: 18g
Fat: 16g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Fiber: 8g
Sugar: 11g
Notes
- Do not skip the honey. It helps balance the heat from the cayenne and the acidity from the tomatoes.
- Drain and rinse the beans. This helps keep the chili from becoming too watery and gives it a better consistency.
- Let the chili simmer for the full 30 minutes. This gives the flavors time to blend and creates a richer finished dish.