The Heartiest Beef Chili Recipe for Cozy Home Comfort

Savory beef chili has been my go-to comfort meal during chilly evenings.

Hearty ingredients create a robust flavor profile that warms you from the inside out.

Cold nights call for something substantial and soul-satisfying.

Spices dance together, creating a symphony of taste that makes mouths water instantly.

Rich ground beef mingles with smoky seasonings, promising a delightful culinary adventure.

Cumin, paprika, and chili powder work magic in this recipe.

Hungry souls will appreciate the depth and complexity packed into each delicious spoonful.

Let’s whip up a bowl that’ll make your taste buds celebrate!

Beef Chili That’s Meaty, Bold, And Full Of Depth

• Savor Simplicity: Perfect Weeknight Dinner Classic that's ready in under an hour with minimal prep work.
• Quick Comfort: Hearty one-pot meal that delivers rich, warming flavors without complicated cooking techniques, making it ideal for busy families and home cooks of all skill levels.
• Customizable Crowd-Pleaser: Flexible recipe allowing easy additions like cheese, sour cream, or fresh cilantro to suit individual taste preferences and create a personalized dining experience.
• Budget-Friendly Protein Solution: Economical dish using affordable ground beef and pantry staples that stretches to feed multiple people without breaking the bank, delivering maximum satisfaction with minimal investment.

Beef Chili Flavor Profile

• Ground Beef: Rich protein source with ideal fat content for flavor and juiciness, choose 15% fat for best results, creates hearty texture.

• Yellow Onion, Garlic: Foundational flavor builders that add depth and sweetness, fresh ingredients provide more robust taste than dried alternatives.

• Pinto Beans, Kidney Beans: Provide protein, fiber, and creamy texture, canned beans save preparation time, ensure thorough rinsing.
• Tomato Sauce, Diced Tomatoes, Tomato Paste: Create smooth base and add rich tomato flavor, balanced acidity and thickness for classic chili consistency.

• Chili Powder, Garlic Powder, Ground Cumin, Smoked Paprika: Signature spice mix delivering complex, warm flavors with smoky undertones, essential for authentic chili profile.
• Salt, Ground Pepper: Basic seasoning for overall taste enhancement.

• Beef Broth: Adds moisture and deepens meat flavor, can substitute with chicken broth or water.
• Maple Syrup: Subtle sweetness to balance spices and acidity, rounds out overall flavor profile.

How To Prepare Beef Chili

Step 1: Brown Ground Beef

Heat a large pot over medium temperature.

Crumble ground beef into the pot, cooking until the meat transforms to a rich brown color and separates completely.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatic Vegetables

• Diced onions
• Minced garlic

Stir and cook until vegetables become translucent and release their fragrant essence.

Step 3: Infuse Robust Spices

• Chili powder
• Garlic powder
• Cumin
• Smoked paprika
• Salt
• Black pepper

Stir thoroughly to coat the beef and vegetables with intense flavors.

Step 4: Build Liquid Foundation

• Tomato paste
• Tomato sauce
• Diced tomatoes
• Beef broth

Mix all components until smoothly combined.

Step 5: Introduce Hearty Beans

• Pinto beans
• Kidney beans
• Maple syrup

Stir to distribute ingredients evenly throughout the chili.

Step 6: Simmer and Develop Flavor

Bring the mixture to a rolling boil, then reduce heat to low.

Allow chili to simmer, uncovered, for 30 minutes.

Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.

Step 7: Final Taste Adjustment

Sample the chili and tweak seasonings as needed.

Serve piping hot with optional garnishes like shredded cheese, sour cream, or chopped green onions.

Flavor-Boosting Tips From Chili Pros

• Brown ground beef thoroughly before adding other ingredients to develop a rich, deep taste that enhances the overall chili profile.
• Adjust chili powder and spices incrementally to customize heat intensity, allowing everyone to enjoy the dish according to their preference.
• Swap or mix different beans like black beans or white beans for varied texture and nutritional diversity without compromising the recipe's core flavor.
• Keep heat low and stir occasionally during the 30-minute simmer to prevent burning and allow flavors to meld together harmoniously.
• Make a larger batch and freeze portions for convenient future meals, as chili often tastes even better after flavors develop overnight.

Beef Chili Keeping It Warm And Tasty

• Store leftover beef chili in an airtight container and keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, ensuring the lid is tightly sealed to maintain freshness.
• Transfer cooled chili to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, removing excess air, and freeze for up to 3 months without losing flavor quality.
• Warm chili in a pot over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally and adding a splash of beef broth to prevent drying out and maintain original texture.
• Place chili in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a microwave-safe lid or paper towel, heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each interval until thoroughly hot.

Plates to Serve With Beef Chili

• Pair with Crisp Lager: A cold, light-bodied beer cuts through the rich, spicy chili and cleanses the palate with its refreshing carbonation.
• Complement with Cornbread: Soft, slightly sweet cornbread balances the chili's heat and provides a perfect texture contrast while soaking up the delicious sauce.
• Match with Cabernet Sauvignon: Full-bodied red wine's robust tannins and dark fruit notes harmonize beautifully with the beef's deep, hearty flavors and smoky spices.
• Top with Sharp Cheddar: Tangy, aged cheddar cheese melts into the chili, adding creamy sharpness that enhances the overall warmth and complexity of the dish.

Beef Chili Twists

• Vegetarian Chili: Replace ground beef with plant-based meat alternatives like crumbled tofu, textured vegetable protein, or lentils for a protein-packed meatless version.
• Slow Cooker Method: Transfer all ingredients to a slow cooker after browning beef and sautéing onions, cook on low for 6-8 hours for deeper flavor development.
• Spicy Southwest Chili: Add diced green chilies, jalapeños, and increase chili powder for a fiery kick that brings extra heat and complexity to the recipe.
• Low-Carb Option: Omit beans and replace with additional ground beef or cauliflower chunks, reducing overall carbohydrate content for ketogenic diet followers.

FAQs

• What gives this chili its unique flavor?

The combination of spices like chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika creates a rich, deep flavor profile, while maple syrup adds a subtle sweetness that balances the savory meat and spices.

• Can I make this chili less spicy?

Yes, reduce the amount of chili powder or use a mild chili powder. You can also remove the seeds from any fresh peppers or skip spicy seasonings altogether to make a milder version.

• Is this recipe good for meal prep?

Absolutely! This chili tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop. It freezes well for up to 3 months and can be easily reheated for quick meals throughout the week.

• How can I make this chili more protein-rich?

Add extra protein by mixing in cooked ground turkey, diced chicken, or plant-based alternatives like lentils or quinoa. You can also top with additional beans or serve with a protein-rich side dish.

Beef Chili Recipe

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4.8 from 36 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty Beef Chili delivers pure comfort with rich, smoky flavors that dance across your palate. Generous meat, robust spices, and slow-simmered goodness invite you to savor a classic dish that warms both body and soul.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat:

• 1 pound (1 lb) ground beef (15% fat)

Beans:

• 1 15-ounce (15 oz) can pinto beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 15-ounce (15 oz) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed

Vegetables and Liquids:

• 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic
• 1 15-ounce (15 oz) can tomato sauce
• 1 15-ounce (15 oz) can diced tomatoes
• 1 cup beef broth (or chicken broth/water)

Spices and Seasonings:

• 3 tablespoons chili powder
• 3 tablespoons tomato paste
• 2 teaspoons garlic powder
• 2 teaspoons ground cumin
• 1 tablespoon maple syrup
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon ground pepper

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Instructions

1. Crumble the ground beef into a spacious cooking vessel, allowing it to sizzle and brown evenly over moderate flame while breaking up larger chunks.
2. Incorporate finely chopped onions and crushed garlic, allowing them to become translucent and release their aromatic essence.
3. Sprinkle in a robust blend of spices: chili powder, garlic powder, cumin, smoked paprika, complemented by a delicate balance of salt and black pepper.
4. Introduce tomato paste, creating a rich base, then pour in tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, and savory beef broth, stirring to create a harmonious mixture.
5. Gently fold in pinto and kidney beans, followed by a touch of maple syrup to enhance depth and subtle sweetness.
6. Elevate the temperature until the liquid reaches a vigorous bubble, then immediately reduce heat to a gentle simmer, allowing flavors to meld and intensify for approximately half an hour.
7. Periodically stir the chili, tasting and adjusting seasonings to perfect the flavor profile.
8. Once the chili reaches a thick, robust consistency, remove from heat and serve with an array of optional garnishes like shredded cheese, sour cream, or fresh cilantro.

Notes

• Upgrade protein by using lean ground beef or turkey for a healthier version that cuts down on saturated fat without compromising rich flavor.
• Customize heat levels by adjusting chili powder and adding jalapeños or cayenne pepper for spice enthusiasts who crave extra kick.
• Create vegetarian adaptation by replacing ground beef with plant-based crumbles or extra beans, ensuring robust texture and protein content remains consistent.
• Enhance depth of flavor by letting chili simmer longer than 30 minutes, allowing spices to meld and develop more complex, intense taste profile.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch, Appetizer
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 362
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 648 mg
• Fat: 19 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 8 g
• Protein: 21 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg