This beef chili is hearty and full of flavor! Packed with juicy pieces of beef, beans, and a mix of spices, it’s the perfect cozy meal for chilly days.
Making chili always makes me feel like a chef, even if I just toss everything in a pot! I love serving it with some warm cornbread on the side—so comforting!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: I recommend using 80/20 ground beef for a balance of flavor and lean meat. If you prefer leaner meat, turkey or chicken can be great substitutes. For a vegetarian option, try using lentils or a mix of beans instead!
Beans: Kidney beans are classic in chili, but you can mix in black beans or pinto beans based on what you have on hand. If you’re going for a lower-carb option, you can skip the beans altogether and use more meat or veggies.
Spices: Chili powder makes this dish pop! You can adjust the heat with more or less cayenne pepper. If you want a different flavor, feel free to substitute with Texas-style chili powder or even chipotle powder for a smoky kick.
Tomatoes: Crushed tomatoes offer a nice texture, but diced tomatoes or even fresh tomatoes can work well too. For a richer taste, consider adding a splash of beer or a bit of balsamic vinegar when cooking.
What’s the Best Way to Layer Flavors in My Chili?
Layering flavors is crucial for a delicious chili. Here’s how to do it:
- Start with sautéing onions and garlic to build a flavorful base.
- Brown the meat until it gets some nice color—this adds depth.
- Include your spices after adding the meat. This allows them to bloom and release their aroma.
- Let your chili simmer long enough for the flavors to meld together. Don’t rush this step, as it truly makes a difference!
- Always taste before serving! Adjust salt, spices, or add a splash of acidity with lime or vinegar for balance.
With these tips and adjustments, you’ll make a fantastic beef chili everyone will love!
How to Make Delicious Beef Chili
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef
- 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed (optional)
- 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 cup beef broth or water
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Optional toppings: shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, sliced green onions or jalapeños, chopped fresh cilantro
How Much Time Will You Need?
This tasty beef chili will take approximately 10 minutes to prepare and about 30 minutes to cook. Total time needed is around 40 minutes. It’s great for a quick weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Base
Start by heating the vegetable oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the finely chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes until it becomes soft and translucent. Next, stir in the minced garlic and let it cook for an additional minute until it smells heavenly!
2. Brown the Beef
Add the ground beef into the pot. Use a spoon to break it apart and cook until it’s nicely browned and cooked through—this should take about 8 minutes. If there’s any excess fat, you can drain it off after browning the beef.
3. Spice It Up
Now it’s time to add all the flavors! Stir in the chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, dried oregano, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and black pepper. Mix everything well so the spices coat the beef and onion.
4. Add the Rest of the Ingredients
Next, add the tomato paste, crushed tomatoes, kidney beans, and beef broth (or water). Stir well to combine everything. Bring the mixture to a boil and then reduce the heat to low.
5. Simmer and Thicken
Let the chili simmer uncovered for at least 30 minutes. This is where the magic happens! Stir occasionally, and let the flavors meld together and the chili thicken up. Make sure to taste it and adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or chili powder as desired.
6. Serve and Enjoy!
Once your chili is ready, ladle it into bowls and top it with your favorite toppings like shredded cheddar cheese, a dollop of sour cream, sliced green onions, jalapeños, or fresh cilantro. It’s time to dig in and enjoy your comforting, flavorful bowl of beef chili!
Can I Use Other Types of Meat?
Absolutely! You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based meat alternative for a lighter or vegetarian option. Just adjust the cooking time as needed for different meats.
What If I Don’t Have All the Spices?
No worries! If you’re missing some spices, you can still make a delicious chili by using a chili seasoning mix or just the essentials like chili powder and cumin. Feel free to experiment with what you have on hand!
Can I Make This Chili in Advance?
Yes, this chili tastes even better the next day! You can make it a day ahead, let it cool, and store it in an airtight container in the fridge. Just reheat it on the stove before serving.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can also freeze it for longer storage, and it should keep well for about 3 months. Just remember to thaw it in the fridge before reheating!
