Hearty Ground Beef Chili

Featured in: Everyday Mains

This chili combines ground beef, kidney and black beans, diced tomatoes, and warming spices like chili powder and cumin. Cooked slowly to blend flavors, it’s a hearty, nourishing dish perfect for busy evenings. Optional toppings like cheddar, sour cream, and jalapeños add fresh contrast. Easily adaptable with turkey or vegetarian options, this chili delivers satisfying depth and rich texture in under an hour.

Updated on Sat, 13 Dec 2025 10:39:00 GMT
A hot, steaming bowl of simple weeknight chili topped with cheddar cheese, ready to eat. Save
A hot, steaming bowl of simple weeknight chili topped with cheddar cheese, ready to eat. | pixelforks.com

A hearty, flavorful chili packed with ground beef, beans, and warming spices perfect for a quick and comforting weeknight meal. Ready in under an hour!

I first served this chili after a long day and loved how it warmed me up instantly and satisfied my hunger.

Ingredients

  • Meats: 1 lb (450 g) ground beef (or ground turkey for a lighter option)
  • Vegetables: 1 medium yellow onion, diced, 1 red bell pepper, diced, 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • Canned Goods: 1 (15 oz / 425 g) can diced tomatoes, 1 (15 oz / 425 g) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed, 1 (15 oz / 425 g) can black beans, drained and rinsed, 1 (6 oz / 170 g) can tomato paste
  • Liquids: 1 cup (240 ml) low-sodium beef broth (or vegetable broth)
  • Spices & Seasonings: 2 tbsp chili powder, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1/2 tsp dried oregano, 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for heat), 1 tsp salt, or to taste, 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • Optional Toppings: Shredded cheddar cheese, Sour cream, Sliced green onions, Fresh cilantro, Sliced jalapeños

Instructions

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Perfect for simmering soups, baking casseroles, and serving cozy one-pot meals straight from oven to table.
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Step 1:
In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat a splash of oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through, about 5 7 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
Step 2:
Add diced onion and red bell pepper. Sauté for 4 5 minutes until softened. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more.
Step 3:
Add chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, cayenne (if using), salt, and black pepper. Stir to coat the meat and vegetables in the spices.
Step 4:
Stir in tomato paste and cook for 1 minute.
Step 5:
Add diced tomatoes, kidney beans, black beans, and beef broth. Bring to a simmer.
Step 6:
Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 25 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Step 7:
Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Step 8:
Serve hot with desired toppings.
Product image
Perfect for simmering soups, baking casseroles, and serving cozy one-pot meals straight from oven to table.
Check price on Amazon
Product image
Perfect for simmering soups, baking casseroles, and serving cozy one-pot meals straight from oven to table.
Check price on Amazon
Deep, rich colors fill this photo of simple weeknight chili, ideal for a cozy dinner. Save
Deep, rich colors fill this photo of simple weeknight chili, ideal for a cozy dinner. | pixelforks.com

Our family enjoys gathering around the table to share this chili, especially during chilly evenings.

Required Tools

Large pot or Dutch oven, Cutting board, Chefs knife, Wooden spoon or spatula, Can opener

Allergen Information

Contains None of the major allergens if prepared as listed. Toppings such as cheese and sour cream contain dairy. Double-check canned goods for cross-contamination if gluten-sensitive.

Nutritional Information

Calories 410, Total Fat 14 g, Carbohydrates 38 g, Protein 32 g per serving.

This close-up showcases flavorful simple weeknight chili, thick and hearty with beans and spices. Save
This close-up showcases flavorful simple weeknight chili, thick and hearty with beans and spices. | pixelforks.com
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Keeps spices within easy reach while cooking, helping you season dishes quickly during everyday meal prep.
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This chili is a perfect blend of comfort and flavor making it ideal for busy weeknights or meal prep.

Recipe FAQ

Can I substitute ground turkey for beef?

Yes, ground turkey works well as a leaner option without sacrificing flavor. Cook it the same way as beef.

How do I make this dish spicier?

Increase the cayenne pepper or add extra chili powder according to your heat preference.

What toppings complement this chili best?

Shredded cheddar, sour cream, sliced green onions, fresh cilantro, and jalapeños all enhance the flavor and texture.

Can I prepare this in advance?

Yes, letting it rest overnight improves the flavors. Reheat gently before serving.

Is this dish suitable for gluten-free diets?

When using certified gluten-free canned beans and broth, this chili remains gluten-free.

Hearty Ground Beef Chili

A rich blend of ground beef, beans, and spices for a quick, comforting weeknight dish.

Prep Time
15 minutes
Cooking Duration
40 minutes
Overall Time
55 minutes
Recipe by Ethan Bell


Skill Level Easy

Cuisine American

Makes 4 Portions

Diet Preferences Wheat-Free

What You Need

Meats

01 1 lb ground beef (substitute ground turkey for lighter option)

Vegetables

01 1 medium yellow onion, diced
02 1 red bell pepper, diced
03 2 cloves garlic, minced

Canned Goods

01 1 (15 oz) can diced tomatoes
02 1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
03 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
04 1 (6 oz) can tomato paste

Liquids

01 1 cup low-sodium beef broth (or vegetable broth)

Spices & Seasonings

01 2 tbsp chili powder
02 1 tsp ground cumin
03 1 tsp smoked paprika
04 1/2 tsp dried oregano
05 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
06 1 tsp salt, or to taste
07 1/2 tsp black pepper

Optional Toppings

01 Shredded cheddar cheese
02 Sour cream
03 Sliced green onions
04 Fresh cilantro
05 Sliced jalapeños

How-to Steps

Step 01

Brown the Meat: Heat a splash of oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until fully browned, about 5 to 7 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.

Step 02

Sauté Vegetables: Add diced onion and red bell pepper to the pot. Cook until softened, approximately 4 to 5 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute.

Step 03

Incorporate Spices: Mix in chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, dried oregano, cayenne pepper if using, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to evenly coat the meat and vegetables.

Step 04

Add Tomato Paste: Stir in tomato paste and cook for 1 minute to deepen flavor.

Step 05

Combine Remaining Ingredients: Add diced tomatoes, kidney beans, black beans, and beef broth to the pot. Bring the mixture to a simmer.

Step 06

Simmer: Reduce heat to low, cover the pot, and let simmer for 25 to 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 07

Adjust Seasoning and Serve: Taste and modify seasonings as needed. Serve hot with desired optional toppings.

Gear Needed

  • Large pot or Dutch oven
  • Cutting board
  • Chef’s knife
  • Wooden spoon or spatula
  • Can opener

Allergy Details

Go over each item for allergens and speak with your healthcare provider if you’re unsure.
  • Contains no major allergens when prepared as instructed; optional toppings may contain dairy. Verify canned goods for cross-contamination if gluten-sensitive.

Nutrition Details (each serving)

This data is for your info and isn't meant as health advice.
  • Calories: 410
  • Fats: 14 grams
  • Carbohydrates: 38 grams
  • Proteins: 32 grams