Best Beef Chili Recipe

This best easy beef chili recipe delivers a rich and satisfying flavor with tender ground beef, beans, and a blend of classic chili spices simmered in a tomato base. It's perfect for a cozy night in or a crowd-pleasing game day meal.

• Keyword Focus: Best Beef Chili, Easy Chili Recipe, Classic Chili, Hearty Chili, Ground Beef Chili.

Yields: 6-8 servings Prep time: 20 minutes Cook time: 1 hour 30 minutes

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large yellow onion, chopped
• 2-3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1.5 lbs ground beef (80-85% lean recommended)
• 2 tablespoons chili powder
• 1 tablespoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
• ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
• 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
• 1 (15-ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 (15-ounce) can kidney beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 (15-ounce) can pinto beans or black beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 cup beef broth (low sodium)
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon brown sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
• 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar (optional, to brighten flavor)
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Optional toppings: shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, chopped red onion, cilantro, jalapeño slices, tortilla chips.

Equipment:

• Large pot or Dutch oven

Instructions:

1. Sauté Aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
2. Brown the Beef: Add the ground beef to the pot and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess grease.
3. Add Spices: Stir in the chili powder, cumin, oregano, smoked paprika (if using), and cayenne pepper (if using). Cook for 1 minute more, stirring constantly, until fragrant. This "blooms" the spices and enhances their flavor.
4. Add Tomatoes, Beans, and Broth: Pour in the crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes (undrained), kidney beans, and pinto or black beans. Stir in the beef broth, tomato paste, and brown sugar (if using).
5. Simmer: Bring the chili to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for at least 1 hour, stirring occasionally, to allow the flavors to meld and the chili to thicken. For even deeper flavor, simmer for up to 1.5 - 2 hours.
6. Finish and Season: Stir in the apple cider vinegar (if using). Taste the chili and season with salt and black pepper as needed.
7. Serve: Ladle the hot chili into bowls and top with your favorite toppings.