Name: Ultimate Beef Chili with Beans Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 500 g (1 lb) ground beef; 1 tbsp olive oil; 1 medium onion, diced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 bell pepper, diced; 2 tbsp tomato paste; 1 can (400 g) diced tomatoes; 2 cans (400 g each) kidney beans, drained and rinsed; 1 cup (240 ml) beef broth; 2 tbsp chili powder; 1 tsp ground cumin; 1 tsp smoked paprika; ½ tsp dried oregano; ½ tsp salt; ¼ tsp black pepper; ¼ tsp cayenne pepper, optional; 1 tsp brown sugar, optional

Description

A classic beef chili with beans is a hearty, slow-simmered stew made primarily from ground or diced beef, tender kidney beans, crushed or diced tomatoes, aromatic vegetables like onions and peppers, and a rich blend of warm spices. Unlike simple meat sauces or quick skillet suppers, a genuine chili relies on a simmered base where spices bloom in oil, meat browns deeply, and the gravy thickens naturally over low heat.

Ingredients

Scale

500 g (1 lb) ground beef
1 tbsp olive oil
1 medium onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 bell pepper, diced
2 tbsp tomato paste
1 can (400 g) diced tomatoes
2 cans (400 g each) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
1 cup (240 ml) beef broth
2 tbsp chili powder
1 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp smoked paprika
½ tsp dried oregano
½ tsp salt
¼ tsp black pepper
¼ tsp cayenne pepper, optional
1 tsp brown sugar, optional

Instructions

Brown the beef: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook for 5–7 minutes, breaking it apart, until browned. Drain excess fat if necessary.
Sauté vegetables: Add onion and bell pepper. Cook for 4–5 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
Add seasonings: Stir in tomato paste, chili powder, cumin, paprika, oregano, salt, pepper, and cayenne. Cook for 1 minute.
Simmer: Add diced tomatoes, kidney beans, and beef broth. Stir well and bring to a gentle boil.
Cook: Reduce heat to low, cover partially, and simmer for 25–30 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add brown sugar if you prefer a slightly sweeter chili.
Serve: Taste and adjust seasoning. Serve hot with shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped green onions, cilantro, or tortilla chips.

Notes

For deeper flavor, let the chili simmer uncovered for an additional 10–15 minutes.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Simmering
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1½ cups
Calories: 420 kcal

Keywords: chili con carne with beans, ground beef and bean chili, homemade beef chili with kidney beans