Hearty Beef Chili Recipe – A Cozy Comfort Food
Nothing says comfort like a warm bowl of beef chili! This simple, one-pot recipe is packed with protein, bold spices, and rich flavors that meld together beautifully. Perfect for chilly evenings or as a game-day favorite, this Beef Chili is a hit with everyone, from kids to adults. Whether you prefer it plain or piled with toppings, it’s sure to satisfy. Ready in just over 30 minutes, it’s both quick and delicious!
Recipe Overview
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Calories: 320 kcal per serving
- Servings: 6 servings
Ingredients
- Main Ingredients:
- 1 lb. ground beef (15% fat)
- ½ medium yellow onion, finely diced
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1 (15-oz.) can pinto beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (15-oz.) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (15-oz.) can tomato sauce
- 1 (15-oz.) can diced tomatoes
- 3 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
- Spices:
- 3 tablespoons chili powder
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground pepper
- Broth:
- 1 cup beef broth (or substitute chicken broth or water)
- Optional Toppings:
- Shredded cheddar cheese
- Fritos
- Green onion
Directions
- Brown the Beef:
Begin by heating a large stockpot over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, yellow onion, and minced garlic. Sauté for 7-10 minutes until the beef is fully browned and the onion is tender. - Combine Ingredients:
Once the beef is browned, add the pinto beans, kidney beans, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, and maple syrup. Stir until everything is well-mixed. - Add the Spices and Broth:
Sprinkle in the chili powder, garlic powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and ground pepper. Pour in the beef broth, then stir to combine all ingredients evenly. - Simmer the Chili:
Bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and allow the chili to simmer for 10-15 minutes, letting it thicken and the flavors meld. - Serve and Enjoy:
Ladle the hot chili into bowls, top with shredded cheddar cheese, crunchy Fritos, or a sprinkle of green onion. Enjoy this cozy, flavorful dish!
Tips for the Best Chili
- Choose Your Beans: This recipe uses pinto and kidney beans, but feel free to mix it up with black beans or other varieties.
- Adjust the Heat: Add more chili powder or a dash of cayenne if you like extra heat!
- Customize Toppings: Beyond cheese and chips, try sour cream, avocado slices, or jalapeño for an added kick.
Final Thoughts
This Beef Chili is everything you need in a quick and hearty meal! Perfectly spiced, rich, and versatile, it’s the ultimate comfort food to enjoy with friends and family. Pair it with cornbread or a simple side salad for a complete, satisfying dinner.
PrintBeef Chili
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 1x
Description
This Classic Hearty Beef Chili is the ultimate comfort food that’s ready to warm up any evening. Made with perfectly seasoned ground beef, a rich blend of tomatoes, beans, and spices, it’s a one-pot meal that’s easy to prepare and full of flavor. Each spoonful brings a delicious balance of smoky, spicy, and slightly sweet flavors, ideal for pairing with toppings like shredded cheese, Fritos, or green onions for extra crunch.
Ingredients
1 lb. ground beef (15% fat)
1/2 medium yellow onion, finely diced
1 tablespoon minced garlic
1 15-oz. can pinto beans, drained and rinsed
1 15-oz. can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
1 15-oz. can tomato sauce
1 15-oz. can diced tomatoes
3 tablespoons tomato paste
1 tablespoon maple syrup
3 tablespoons chili powder
2 teaspoons garlic powder
2 teaspoons ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground pepper
1 cup beef broth (or substitute chicken broth or water)
Optional Toppings:
Shredded cheddar cheese
Fritos
Green onion
Instructions
Heat a large stockpot over medium-high heat. Add ground beef, yellow onion, and minced garlic, and sauté for 7-10 minutes or until the beef is fully browned.
Add pinto beans, kidney beans, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, and maple syrup to the pot and stir to combine.
Add all the spices and 1 cup of broth. Stir well to combine.
Bring the chili to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Allow it to simmer for 10-15 minutes to thicken.
Serve hot with your favorite toppings and enjoy!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 320