Hearty Ground Beef Chili Recipes for Ultimate Comfort Food

Name: Ground Beef Chili
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef (80/20 lean-to-fat ratio); 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes in juice; 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, rinsed; 1 medium yellow onion, chopped; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tbsp chili powder; 1 tsp cumin; 1 green bell pepper, chopped; 2 cups beef broth or stock; Salt and pepper to taste

Recipe By:

Daniel Lawson

Posted:

December 23, 2025

Updated:

December 23, 2025

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There’s something magical about a pot of ground beef chili simmering on the stove, filling your kitchen with rich, savory aromas that beckon everyone home. The moment you lift the lid and catch a whiff of that hearty blend of spices and tender meat, it’s hard not to do a little happy dance. Ground beef chili recipes are not just meals; they’re culinary hugs in a bowl, perfect for any occasion.

I still remember the first time I made chili for my friends during a game night. They were skeptical at first—who knew ground beef could stir such excitement? But as soon as they tasted it, their faces lit up like it was Christmas morning. The laughter, the tales spun over bowls of steaming chili, and the friendly competition over who could handle the most heat made it an unforgettable evening.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This ground beef chili recipe is incredibly easy to prepare, making weeknight dinners a breeze

With its robust flavor profile and colorful presentation, it’s sure to impress anyone at your table
Plus, it’s versatile enough for endless variations and can be made ahead for those busy days

I once served this chili at a family gathering, and my uncle declared it “the best thing since sliced bread”—high praise from a man who rarely shares compliments.

Recipe preparation

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

Ground Beef: Opt for 80/20 lean-to-fat ratio for the best balance of flavor without being too greasy.
Canned Tomatoes: Use diced tomatoes in juice for added texture; they bring a lovely acidity that brightens the dish.
Kidney Beans: Rinse them well to remove excess sodium; these beans add heartiness and protein to your chili.

Onion: A medium yellow onion works wonders here; sauté until translucent for sweetness.
Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves minced just before using unleash fragrant flavors that elevate every bite.
Chili Powder: Choose your preferred blend or make your own; it adds warmth and depth to your dish.

Cumin: This spice imparts an earthy flavor; toast it lightly before adding to enhance its aroma.
Bell Pepper: Chopped green bell peppers add color and crunch; feel free to mix colors for visual appeal.
Beef Broth or Stock: Using broth instead of water intensifies flavors; homemade is best but store-bought works fine too.

Salt & Pepper: Season gradually as you cook; taste testing is key to achieving that perfect balance.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it Together

Sautéing Aromatics: Begin by heating a large pot over medium heat. Add a drizzle of olive oil and toss in chopped onions and bell peppers. Sauté until they soften and turn golden brown—about five minutes.

Browning the Beef: Push the veggies aside and add your ground beef to the pot. Cook until browned, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon as you go—this should take around seven minutes.

Add Garlic & Spices: Once the meat is nicely browned, stir in minced garlic along with chili powder and cumin. Sauté for about one minute until fragrant—the kitchen will smell heavenly!

Toss in Tomatoes & Beans: Pour in diced tomatoes (with their juices) and kidney beans. Stir everything together until well combined; let those flavors mingle like old friends at a reunion.

Add Broth & Simmer Away!: Pour in beef broth, stirring well to combine all ingredients. Bring it to a gentle simmer then cover partially with a lid—let it bubble away for 30 minutes so flavors can deepen.

Taste & Adjust Seasoning: After 30 minutes, taste your chili! Feel free to adjust salt, pepper or add more spices if you’re feeling adventurous—this is where you can make it truly yours!

Now sit back, scoop yourself a hearty bowlful of goodness, and enjoy every flavorful bite!

This ground beef chili recipe brings comfort food to new heights while keeping preparation simple and enjoyable. It’s perfect for cozy nights in or casual gatherings with friends. So roll up those sleeves and get ready for some deliciousness!

You Must Know

Ground beef chili recipes are perfect for cozy nights; they warm the soul and fill your kitchen with mouthwatering aromas

This dish is a crowd-pleaser, and its flavors deepen over time, making leftovers even better
Don’t be surprised if your friends start begging for seconds!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by browning the ground beef first to build rich flavors, then add vegetables and spices sequentially for balanced taste.

Serving and storing

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap in turkey or veggie meat for a lighter option, or experiment with different beans for added texture.

Storing & Reheating

Store your chili in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days. Reheat gently on the stove or microwave until steaming hot.

Chef's Helpful Tips

When preparing ground beef chili recipes, remember that searing the meat properly adds incredible depth

Use fresh herbs to elevate flavors further
Allow it to simmer longer for a thicker consistency and richer taste

Sharing my first attempt at this recipe brings back hilarious memories of smoke alarms blaring as I tried to multitask. My family still laughs about it every time we enjoy chili together!

FAQs

FAQ

What can I add to ground beef chili recipes?

You can add bell peppers, corn, or even chocolate for a unique flavor boost.

How long should I cook my ground beef chili?

Simmer your chili for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld beautifully.

Can I freeze leftover ground beef chili?

Yes, it freezes well! Store in airtight containers for up to three months.

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