How to Make Ground Beef Chili Recipe

There’s something almost magical about a pot of chili simmering on the stove. The aroma of toasted spices and savory beef slowly fills your home, promising a meal that’s more than just food it’s a warm hug in a bowl. Whether it’s for a hectic weeknight, a casual gathering with friends, or a spirited cook-off, a great ground beef chili recipe is a non-negotiable staple in any home cook’s arsenal. It’s the dish we crave when the weather turns cool, a symbol of comfort and community. But let’s be honest, not every ground beef chili recipe is created equal. Some are too watery, some are bland, and others are just… boring. Today, that changes. This isn’t just another ground beef chili recipe; this is your new go-to, a deeply flavorful, incredibly satisfying, and surprisingly simple path to chili perfection.

Ground Beef Chili Recipe

Warm up with our ultimate ground beef chili recipe! Hearty, flavorful & easy to make in one pot. Your new family favorite is just a simmer away.

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Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 1 hour hr 30 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 50 minutes mins

Servings: 8 servings

Course: Main Course, Soup

Cuisine: American, Tex-Mex

Calories: 385

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 lbs ground beef (80/20 blend)
• 1 large yellow onion, diced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup chili powder
• 1 tablespoon ground cumin
• 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
• 2 (14.5 oz) cans diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
• 1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 (15 oz) can pinto beans, drained and rinsed
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper

Method

 

1. Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat
2. Add ground beef and cook until well-browned, breaking it up with a spoon (8-10 minutes)
3. Add diced onion and cook for 5-6 minutes until softened
4. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant
5. Add chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, and cayenne pepper
6. Stir constantly for 30 seconds to toast the spices
7. Pour in diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, beef broth, kidney beans, and pinto beans
8. Add salt and black pepper, stirring to combine
9. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low
10. Cover and simmer for at least 45 minutes, stirring occasionally (up to 2 hours for deeper flavor)
11. Adjust seasoning to taste before serving
12. Serve with desired toppings

Notes

Pros (Editorial Review – Positive Notes)

• Exceptional depth of flavor from toasted spices
• Perfect balance of heat and richness
• Hearty and satisfying texture
• Excellent make-ahead meal that improves overnight
• Freezes beautifully for future meals
• Versatile – easily customizable to personal taste
• One-pot cooking minimizes cleanup
• Crowd-pleasing recipe for gatherings
• Uses mostly pantry staples
• Clear, easy-to-follow instructions

Cons (Editorial Review – Negative Notes)

• Requires longer simmering time for best results
• Higher calorie content than some lighter meal options
• May be too spicy for very sensitive palates without adjustments
• Not suitable for vegetarian/vegan diets without modifications
• Uses multiple cans/packaging

This specific ground beef chili recipe is designed to be foolproof. We’re going beyond simply browning meat and opening a packet of seasoning. We’ll build layers of flavor, from the foundation of sautéed aromatics to the slow melding of spices that creates a rich, complex sauce. So, grab your favorite Dutch oven or heavy pot. We’re about to create a pot of chili that will have everyone asking for your secret. This is the only ground beef chili recipe you’ll need for years to come.

Why This Is The Best Ground Beef Chili Recipe You’ll Ever Try

What separates a forgettable chili from a legendary one? It all comes down to technique and patience. This ground beef chili recipe focuses on two critical pillars that elevate it from good to extraordinary.

The Foundation of Flavor: Building a Rich Base

Many a mediocre ground beef chili recipe fails at the first step. The secret to a deep, robust flavor isn’t a mysterious ingredient; it’s how you start. We begin by properly browning the ground beef, creating a beautiful fond those crispy, caramelized bits stuck to the bottom of the pot. That fond is pure flavor gold. Then, we sauté the onions and garlic until they are fragrant and soft, allowing their natural sugars to caramelize. Finally, and this is a pro move, we “toast” the chili powder and cumin directly in the hot fat for about 30 seconds. This process awakens the essential oils in the spices, releasing their full, aromatic potential and creating a flavor base that is miles ahead of simply stirring them in later.

The Secret is in the Simmer

A great ground beef chili recipe cannot be rushed. Once all the ingredients are in the pot, the real magic begins over low, gentle heat. A long, slow simmer at least 45 minutes to an hour allows the flavors to marry and intensify. The starches from the beans slowly release, helping to thicken the sauce naturally. The texture of the ground beef becomes more tender, and the sharp edges of the tomatoes and spices soften and meld into a harmonious, complex whole. Think of the simmer not as a waiting period, but as the final, crucial step where your ground beef chili recipe transforms into its ultimate form.

Crafting Your Ground Beef Chili: A Step-by-Step Guide

Now that you understand the “why,” let’s dive into the “how.” This ground beef chili recipe is straightforward, but following each step with care will yield the best results.

Gathering Your Ingredients

The beauty of this ground beef chili recipe lies in its perfect balance of pantry staples and fresh ingredients.

Here’s everything you’ll need:

The Cooking Process Explained

1. Brown the Beef: In a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until well-browned, about 8-10 minutes. Do not drain the excess fat—this adds flavor!
2. Sauté Aromatics & Toast Spices: Add the diced onion to the pot and cook for 5-6 minutes until softened. Add the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Now, add all the spices—chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, and cayenne. Stir constantly for 30 seconds until very fragrant.
3. Combine and Simmer: Pour in the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, beef broth, and the drained kidney and pinto beans. Add the salt and pepper. Stir everything together, scraping any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
4. The Long Simmer: Bring the chili to a boil, then immediately reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let it simmer gently for at least 45 minutes, stirring occasionally. For an even deeper flavor, let it simmer for up to 2 hours. If it becomes too thick, add a splash more beef broth or water.

Pro Tips for the Perfect Bowl of Chili & Serving Suggestions

Your incredible pot of chili is ready, but the fun doesn’t stop there. Let’s talk about customization and the final presentation.

Customize Your Ground Beef Chili Recipe to Your Taste

This ground beef chili recipe is a fantastic canvas for your own creativity.

• Spice Level: For more heat, add a diced jalapeño with the onions or use a hotter chili powder. The cayenne pepper can also be adjusted.
• Beans or No Beans: Purists can omit the beans for a Texas-style “chili con carne.” You can also use black beans instead of pinto or kidney beans.
• Smoky Flavor: A tablespoon of adobo sauce from a can of chipotle peppers will add a wonderful, smoky depth.
• Umami Boost: For an extra layer of savory flavor, stir in a tablespoon of soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce during the simmer.

The Best Toppings and Sides for Your Chili

The right toppings and sides turn your ground beef chili recipe into a complete feast. Set up a “toppings bar” and let everyone build their own perfect bowl.

Conclusion

Mastering a classic ground beef chili recipe is a culinary rite of passage. It’s a dish that feeds the body and soul, perfect for any occasion. This particular ground beef chili recipe, with its focus on building a flavorful foundation and allowing time for the ingredients to meld, guarantees a result that is hearty, satisfying, and far superior to any store-bought shortcut. It’s a testament to the fact that the best meals are often the simplest, made with care and a handful of wholesome ingredients. So, the next time you’re wondering what to make for a crowd-pleasing dinner, remember this pot of comfort. This truly is the ultimate ground beef chili recipe.

FAQ Section

Q: How can I thicken my ground beef chili recipe if it’s too thin?
A: If your ground beef chili recipe turns out a bit too soupy, don’t worry! The easiest fix is to let it simmer uncovered for an additional 15-20 minutes, allowing excess liquid to evaporate. For a quicker method, create a slurry by mixing 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with ¼ cup of cold water. Stir this into the simmering chili, and it will thicken up in just a few minutes.

Q: Can I make this ground beef chili recipe in a slow cooker?
A: Absolutely! This ground beef chili recipe adapts beautifully to a slow cooker. Simply follow steps 1 and 2 in a skillet on the stovetop (browning the beef and toasting the spices with the aromatics). Then, transfer the entire mixture to your slow cooker, add the remaining ingredients, and stir. Cook on LOW for 6-8 hours or on HIGH for 3-4 hours. This method makes the ground beef chili recipe incredibly convenient for a hands-off meal.

We’d love to hear from you! Did this become your new favorite ground beef chili recipe? Share your creations and any custom twists you added in the comments below!