Chili with Ground Beef and Beans Recipe

Introduction

Chili with Ground Beef and Beans is a hearty, flavorful dish that combines the richness of beef, the earthiness of beans, and a medley of spices to create the ultimate comfort food. This classic dish is a favorite for cold weather, game day gatherings, or family dinners. With its savory broth, tender beef, and satisfying beans, it’s the perfect balance of flavors and textures. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile, as you can customize the heat level and add your favorite toppings.

Whether you like your chili spicy or mild, chunky or smooth, this recipe will guide you through making a delicious, satisfying pot of chili that’s sure to warm you up from the inside out. Packed with protein and fiber, it’s as nutritious as it is tasty. Whether you’re a novice cook or a seasoned pro, this step-by-step guide will make it easy for you to create the perfect bowl of chili.

Why You’ll Love Chili with Ground Beef and Beans

• Hearty and Satisfying: The combination of ground beef, beans, and flavorful seasonings makes this chili filling and satisfying. It’s perfect for feeding a crowd or enjoying leftovers throughout the week.
• Rich, Flavorful Broth: The chili’s broth is packed with savory, spicy, and slightly smoky flavors, making each spoonful incredibly tasty. It’s perfect for dipping cornbread or crackers into.
• Versatile and Customizable: You can adjust the heat level to suit your preferences and use any combination of beans you like. The toppings are also endlessly customizable, from shredded cheese to sour cream to avocado slices.
• One-Pot Meal: This chili is made in one pot, making it easy to prepare and clean up after. It’s a simple, no-fuss dish that doesn’t require a lot of time or effort.
• Great for Leftovers: Chili tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop. It can also be frozen and enjoyed later for a quick and easy meal.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Servings: Approximately 6-8 servings
• Calories per Serving: Around 300-350 calories per serving, depending on ingredients and portion sizes.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

• Calories: 300-350 kcal
• Fat: 18-20g
• Carbohydrates: 20-25g
• Protein: 25-30g
• Fiber: 6-8g
• Sugar: 5-7g

Ingredients

For the Chili with Ground Beef and Beans:

• 1 pound ground beef (preferably lean)
• 1 large onion, diced
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1 can (6 oz) tomato paste
• 2 cups beef broth (or vegetable broth for a lighter version)
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (or vegetable oil)
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar (optional for balancing acidity)
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (optional for tanginess)
• Toppings (optional): Shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped cilantro, green onions, tortilla chips, jalapeño slices, avocado slices

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Cook the Ground Beef

Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the ground beef to the pot. Use a wooden spoon to break the beef into smaller pieces as it cooks. Stir occasionally, cooking for about 5-7 minutes, or until the beef is browned and fully cooked through. Drain any excess fat from the beef if needed.

2. Sauté the Vegetables

Add the diced onion and bell pepper to the pot with the browned beef. Sauté the vegetables for 5-7 minutes, or until they have softened and become fragrant. Stir occasionally to ensure the vegetables don’t burn. Once the vegetables are tender, add the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes, until the garlic becomes fragrant.

3. Add the Tomato Products and Broth

Once the garlic is cooked, stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, and beef broth. The tomato paste adds richness and depth to the chili, while the broth provides the necessary liquid for cooking the beans and spices. Stir to combine all the ingredients and bring the mixture to a simmer.

4. Add the Beans and Spices

Add the drained and rinsed kidney beans and black beans to the pot. These beans will add both texture and fiber to the chili. Stir well to combine with the beef and vegetables.

Now, it’s time to add the spices. Stir in the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper (if using), oregano, black pepper, and salt. These spices create the signature bold and savory flavor of chili. If you like your chili on the sweeter side, add the optional tablespoon of brown sugar. For a tangier taste, add the apple cider vinegar. Stir everything together until the spices are evenly distributed.

5. Simmer the Chili

Bring the chili to a gentle simmer over medium-low heat. Let it cook uncovered for 45 minutes to 1 hour, stirring occasionally. This simmering time allows the flavors to meld together and the chili to thicken. The longer you let it simmer, the more intense the flavors will be, so feel free to adjust the cooking time depending on how rich and concentrated you want the chili.

If you find that the chili is getting too thick, you can add a little more beef broth or water to loosen it up. Taste the chili and adjust the seasonings as necessary. You can add more salt, pepper, or chili powder if you prefer a stronger flavor.

6. Check for Doneness

Once the chili has thickened and the flavors have melded, check for doneness. The chili should have a rich, thick consistency, with the beans and beef tender and well-incorporated. If you like your chili a little thinner, add more broth until you reach your desired consistency.

7. Garnish and Serve

Once the chili is ready, remove the pot from the heat. Ladle the chili into bowls and top with your favorite toppings. Shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped cilantro, green onions, and a few slices of avocado are all great options. For added texture, you can serve the chili with tortilla chips or crusty bread on the side.

Serve hot and enjoy the comforting flavors of this homemade chili with ground beef and beans!

Tips for Perfect Chili with Ground Beef and Beans

• Use Lean Ground Beef: Lean ground beef (like 90% lean) is ideal for this recipe because it gives the chili a rich flavor without being too greasy. If you use fattier ground beef, be sure to drain off any excess fat before continuing with the recipe.
• Customizing the Beans: While kidney and black beans are traditional, you can mix and match your favorite beans. Pinto beans, navy beans, or even white beans can work well in this chili.
• Adjust the Spice Level: If you like your chili extra spicy, increase the amount of cayenne pepper, or add some chopped fresh jalapeños. For a milder version, reduce or omit the cayenne and keep the chili powder light.
• Add Toppings: The toppings are one of the best parts of chili! Shredded cheese, sour cream, fresh cilantro, green onions, jalapeños, and avocado slices can all be added to customize each bowl to your liking.
• Simmering is Key: The longer the chili simmers, the more the flavors meld together. If you have the time, let it cook for longer to develop a richer taste.
• Make it Ahead of Time: Chili often tastes even better the next day after the flavors have had time to develop. If you’re making it ahead of time, let it cool and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Freezing Leftovers: This chili freezes beautifully. Let it cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat it, simply thaw it in the fridge overnight and reheat it on the stovetop.

Variations of Chili with Ground Beef and Beans

• Vegetarian Chili: To make a vegetarian version, skip the ground beef and replace it with extra beans, such as black beans, pinto beans, and lentils. You can also add diced vegetables like zucchini, corn, and mushrooms to give the chili more texture.
• Turkey Chili: Swap the ground beef for lean ground turkey for a lighter option. Turkey chili still has all the flavor and heartiness of traditional chili but with less fat.
• Chili with Bacon: For an extra smoky flavor, cook a few slices of bacon in the pot before adding the ground beef. Once the bacon is crisp, crumble it and mix it into the chili for added richness.
• Chili with Sweet Potatoes: For a unique twist, add cubed sweet potatoes to the chili. They provide a slight sweetness that pairs beautifully with the spicy, savory broth.
• Chili with Beer: Replace the beef broth with beer for a deeper, maltier flavor. A darker beer like stout or porter works especially well in chili.

Storage and Shelf Life

Chili with Ground Beef and Beans is a great make-ahead meal, and leftovers can be stored for several days. Store any leftover chili in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply warm it up on the stovetop, adding a little more broth if necessary.

For longer storage, you can freeze the chili. Let it cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. Frozen chili can be stored for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and then heat it gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.

Side Dishes and Pairings for Chili with Ground Beef and Beans

• Cornbread: A warm, slightly sweet cornbread is the perfect side dish for chili. It soaks up the broth beautifully and adds a nice contrast to the heat of the chili.
• Rice: Serve the chili over a bed of fluffy white or brown rice to make it a more filling meal. The rice helps balance the rich, spicy broth.
• Tortilla Chips: Crunchy tortilla chips are great for dipping into chili, and they add an enjoyable contrast in texture.
• Green Salad: A fresh green salad with a tangy vinaigrette can help balance out the richness of the chili and add some freshness to the meal.
• Cold Beer: Pair your chili with a cold beer, such as a lager or pale ale, to complement the bold flavors of the dish.

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Conclusion

Chili with Ground Beef and Beans is the ultimate comfort food—rich, hearty, and bursting with flavor. Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner, a tailgate party, or a cozy night in, this dish is sure to please everyone at the table. With its simple ingredients and easy preparation, you can make a batch of chili that will have everyone asking for seconds. So, gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and enjoy a bowl of delicious homemade chili that’s sure to become a new favorite in your recipe collection!