The Best Chili Recipe: Easy, Delicious Chili with Beans and Ground Beef

Chili Recipe Masterclass: Spice Up Your Winter and Fire Up Thse Taste Buds

As the colder months set in, there’s something undeniably heartwarming about a steaming bowl of chili. Packed with savory ground beef, hearty beans, and rich spices, this chili is easy enough for weeknight dinners and delicious enough for game-day gatherings.

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What Type Of Beef Are We Using in This Chili Recipe?

You can use ground beef, ground turkey, Lamb or a plant-based alternative like ground soy, depending on your dietary preferences. Beef is a popular choice for chili for a few reasons:

We Are Going To Using Ground Beef For This Recipe

1. Flavor: Beef has a rich, savory flavor that complements the spices and other ingredients in chili. It contributes to the hearty and satisfying taste of the dish.
2. Texture: Ground beef has a good texture for chili, providing a meaty and substantial feel to each bite.
3. Traditional Choice: Many traditional chili recipes use ground beef as the primary protein source, so if you’re aiming for an authentic chili experience, it’s a common choice.

You can certainly use other proteins like ground turkey, ground Lamb or plant-based alternatives if you prefer.

These options can be lighter and lower in fat, making your chili a healthier option.

The choice of protein is a matter of personal preference and dietary requirements. Feel free to customize the recipe to suit your taste and nutritional needs.

Easy Ingredient Substitutions

• Dairy-Free Swap: Top your chili with avocado slices or dairy-free cheese for creamy goodness without dairy.
• Gluten-Free Swap: Serve the chili with gluten-free tortilla chips or cornbread made with almond or coconut flour.
• Kid-Friendly Variation: Cut back on spice by skipping red pepper flakes, making the chili milder for young taste buds.
• Pantry-Friendly: Swap fresh tomatoes for canned diced tomatoes if you’re in a pinch.
• Plant-Based Option: Replace ground beef with lentils or your favorite plant-based ground meat alternative.

What Makes This Chili Better Than the Rest?

• Freshness First: Fresh tomatoes and veggies bring bright, robust flavors.
• Perfectly Balanced Spices: Just the right blend of chili powder, cumin, oregano, and paprika creates layers of irresistible flavor.
• Versatile and Easy: It’s straightforward enough for beginners and flavorful enough to impress seasoned cooks.
• Meal Prep Friendly: Leftovers freeze beautifully for future quick dinners.
• Chef-Tested and Family-Approved: I’ve perfected this recipe over decades, ensuring consistent, crowd-pleasing results every time.

Grab Everything You Need

Before starting the Chicken Noodle Soup recipe, gathering all the necessary tools and utensils is a good ideato make your cooking process smooth and efficient.

Here’s a list of the essential items you’ll need:

Cooking Equipment:

1. Large Soup Pot or Dutch Oven – to cook the soup.
2. Cutting Board – for chopping vegetables.
3. Chef’s Knife – for slicing and dicing ingredients.
4. Wooden Spoon or Stirring Utensil – for mixing and stirring the soup.
5. Tongs or a Fork – for handling the cooked chicken.
6. Measuring Cups and Spoons – for precise ingredient measurements.
7. Ladle – for serving the soup.
8. Colander: You’ll need a colander for draining and rinsing beans if you’re using canned beans.
9. Paper Towels – for patting the chicken dry after rinsing.
10. Can Opener (if using canned beans or tomatoes): can opener will be required to open the cans.
11. Grater (optional) – for grating Cheddar cheese as a garnish.

Other Helpful Tools:

13. Timer – to keep track of cooking times.
14. Heat-resistant Oven Mitts or Pot Holders – for handling hot pots and pans.
15. Mixing Bowls – for holding ingredients while you prepare the recipe.
16. Serving Bowls and Utensils: You’ll need bowls and utensils for serving the finished chili, along with optional toppings like shredded cheese and sour cream.

Having these kitchen tools and equipment on hand will make the preparation and cooking process for your chili recipe much smoother. Enjoy making your delicious chili!

How To Use Fresh Beans Instead of Canned Beans

1. Soak the Beans: Start by soaking your fresh kidney and black beans. Rinse them thoroughly and soak them in a large bowl of water overnight or for at least 8 hours. This step helps soften the beans and reduce cooking time.
2. Boil the Beans: After soaking, drain and rinse the beans. Place them in a large pot, cover them with fresh water, and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and let them simmer for about 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until they are tender but not mushy. The exact cooking time can vary, so check for doneness by tasting a bean.
3. Drain and Rinse: Once the beans are cooked to your liking, drain them and rinse them under cold water to stop the cooking process. This step also helps remove any excess starch.
4. Use in Chili: Substitute the freshly cooked beans for the canned beans in your chili recipe, following the recipe instructions as previously provided.

Using fresh beans in your chili can add a delightful texture and a more “from-scratch” feel to your dish. Just be aware that fresh beans may require a longer cooking time than canned beans, but the extra effort can be well worth it in terms of flavor and texture.

Know Your Veggies:

The vegetables, including the beans, play a crucial role in contributing both flavor and health benefits to the chili recipe:

Flavor Contribution:

1. Onions: Onions provide a sweet and savory base for the chili. They add a subtle sweetness and depth of flavor that complements the spices and the umami from the meat (or meat alternative). Onions also release natural sugars when cooked, which enhance the overall taste.
2. Garlic: Garlic brings a robust, aromatic flavor to the chili. It has a distinct savory quality and adds complexity to the taste. Garlic complements the other spices and ingredients, creating a well-rounded flavor profile.
3. Bell Peppers: The red and green bell peppers in the recipe offer a mild sweetness and a pop of color. They contribute to the overall balance of flavors, providing a slightly sweet and earthy taste that complements the spice and richness of the dish.
4. Kidney Beans and Black Beans: These beans add creaminess and a subtle nutty flavor to the chili. They absorb the flavors of the spices and ingredients, creating a hearty, well-rounded taste. Their texture adds depth to each spoonful.

Health Contribution:

1. Fiber: Onions, garlic, and bell peppers contain dietary fiber, which aids digestion and helps maintain a feeling of fullness. Fiber is beneficial for heart health and can regulate blood sugar levels.
2. Antioxidants: Garlic and bell peppers are rich in antioxidants, which have various health benefits, including potential anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting properties.
3. Protein and Fiber: Kidney and black beans are excellent sources of plant-based protein and dietary fiber. This combination not only contributes to feeling full and satisfied but also supports overall health.
4. Nutrients: Beans are nutrient-rich, providing essential vitamins and minerals like folate, iron, and magnesium.

By incorporating these vegetables and beans into the chili, you enhance both the flavor and nutritional value of the dish. You get a delightful balance of tastes and textures while reaping the health benefits that come with fresh, colorful, and fiber-rich ingredients.

Let’s Make Some Amazing Chili!

This chili recipe is straightforward but delicious.

The beauty is in the simplicity—it’s foolproof, comforting, and guaranteed to be a hit every time.

Hearty Chili Recipe

Recipe by Chef Cory G

5.0 from 1 vote

Cuisine: Dinner, Appetizer, SoupDifficulty: Easy, Medium

Servings

6

Bowls

Prep Time

15

minutes

Cooking Time

45

minutes

Calories

900

kcal

This soul-warming dish is a delightful blend of rich spices and wholesome ingredients, designed to satisfy your cravings for comfort and taste. Let the aroma of simmering spices fill your kitchen and your heart as you dive into a bowl of pure, cozy perfection.

Cook Mode

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Ingredients

• For the Chili

• 1.5 pounds ground beef (or ground turkey or a plant-based alternative)

• 1 large onion, chopped

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 red bell pepper, chopped

• 1 green bell pepper, chopped

• 4-5 fresh tomatoes, diced

• 2 cups beef or vegetable broth

• 2 cans (15 ounces each) kidney beans, drained and rinsed

• 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, drained and rinsed

• 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce

• 1 teaspoon Tomato Paste

• 2 tablespoons chili powder

• 1 tablespoon cumin

• 1 teaspoon paprika

• 1 teaspoon oregano

• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste for spiciness)

• Salt and black pepper to taste

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• Optional toppings: shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, chopped green onions, diced avocado, and tortilla chips

Directions

• Cooking Intructions
• In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, and sauté for 2-3 minutes, or until the onion becomes translucent.
• Add the ground beef to the pot. Break it up with a spoon and cook until it’s browned about 5-7 minutes. If you’re using ground turkey or a plant-based alternative, cook until it’s no longer pink.
• Stir in the chopped red and green bell peppers and cook for another 2-3 minutes until they soften.
• Add the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, kidney beans, and black beans to the pot. Stir well.
• Season the chili with chili powder, cumin, paprika, oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Adjust the spices to your taste. If you like it milder, use lessfewer red pepper flakes, and if you prefer it spicier, add more.
• Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let the chili simmer for at least 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. The longer it simmers, the better the flavors will meld, so you can simmer for up to 2 hours if you have the time.
• Taste the chili and adjust the seasoning as needed.
• Serve hot with your choice of toppings. Common toppings include shredded cheddar cheese, a dollop of sour cream, chopped green onions, diced avocado, and a side of tortilla chips.
• If you tried this recipe and loved it, I’d appreciate it if you could give it a 5-star rating ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ and leave a comment below! It really helps more people find the recipe, and I’d love to hear how it turned out for you!

Notes

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Serving Suggestions to Take Your Chili Up a Notch

• Perfect Pairings: Serve your chili alongside fluffy cornbread, steamed rice, or crispy tortilla chips for added texture.
• How to Serve: Ladle hot chili into bowls and offer toppings like shredded cheese, diced avocado, sour cream, green onions, or even pickled jalapeños.
• Best Occasion: Ideal for casual family dinners, game days, potlucks, or cozy evenings by the fireplace.
• Creative Bonus Tip: Sprinkle crunchy tortilla strips or a dash of lime juice for extra brightness and crunch.

Wrapping It Up Deliciously

This is seriously the best chili recipe—comforting, hearty, and ridiculously tasty. Give it a whirl and let me know how much you love it!

Don’t forget to snap a photo of your chili masterpiece and tag me on Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest, and YouTube.

If you enjoyed this recipe, be sure to leave a 5-star review—it helps more people discover delicious dishes like this one!

Thanks for cooking along with me!

💾 Love This Recipe? Save It For Later!

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One quick click, and it’s on your board for next time—easy, right?

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I make this chili recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! Chili tastes even better the next day, making it perfect for meal prepping.

Simply reheat gently on the stove or microwave until hot.

What if I don’t have fresh tomatoes?

No worries! Canned diced tomatoes are a great substitute. Just drain the excess liquid to avoid overly watery chili.

Can I freeze chili with beans and ground beef?

Yes, chili freezes beautifully. Let it cool completely, then freeze in airtight containers or freezer bags for up to 3 months.

Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stove or microwave.

Can I use turkey instead of ground beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken works wonderfully as a leaner protein alternative without sacrificing flavor.

What if I don’t have chili powder?

If you’re out of chili powder, combine cumin, paprika, oregano, and a dash of cayenne pepper as a quick homemade blend for a similar flavor profile.