Hearty Beef Chili with Beans and Spices Recipe

If you are craving a robust and comforting meal that warms you from the inside out, this Hearty Beef Chili with Beans and Spices Recipe is exactly what you need. Packed with tender ground beef, a vibrant mix of beans, and a symphony of spices, this dish balances bold flavors and satisfying textures perfectly. Whether it’s a chilly evening or a casual get-together, this chili is your go-to bowl of cozy, rich goodness that’s both simple to make and deeply fulfilling.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this chili lies in its simplicity and the thoughtful assembly of ingredients that each bring something special to the pot. From the savory beef to the colorful vegetables and aromatic spices, every component plays an essential role in creating a chili that tastes layered and inviting.

• 1 lb ground beef: Choose lean for less fat, but don’t shy away from a little marbling for flavor.
• 1 onion, diced: Adds a sweet base that mellows as it cooks, enhancing overall depth.
• 3 cloves garlic, minced: Brings pungent warmth and a lovely aroma that wakes up the dish.
• 1 bell pepper, diced: For subtle sweetness and a splash of fresh color.
• 1 jalapeño, seeded and minced (optional): Perfect if you want a gentle kick without overpowering heat.
• 2 tbsp olive oil: Essential for sautéing and developing flavors without burning.
• 2 tbsp chili powder: The heart of your spice blend, creating that unmistakable chili flavor.
• 1 tsp ground cumin: Adds earthy warmth and a little smoky nuance.
• 1 tsp smoked paprika: Infuses subtle smokiness that elevates the chili to another level.
• 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (optional): For heat lovers who want an extra punch.
• 1 (28-ounce) can diced tomatoes: Keeps the chili juicy with bright acidity and texture.
• 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce: Thickens the chili while melding flavors together.
• 1 (15-ounce) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed: Adds hearty substance and protein.
• 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed: Offers a contrasting texture and earthy taste.
• 1 cup beef broth: Deepens the savory base and keeps everything nicely saucy.
• Salt and pepper to taste: The final touch to balance all those beautiful flavors.
• Toppings: Shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped green onions, and crunchy tortilla chips make fantastic finishing touches that bring even more texture and richness.

How to Make Hearty Beef Chili with Beans and Spices Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Start by heating your olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Toss in the diced onion, minced garlic, bell pepper, and jalapeño if you like a bit of spice. Let these cook gently for about 4 to 5 minutes until they’re tender and fragrant. This step is crucial because it builds that foundational flavor that will carry through your chili wonderfully.

Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef

Next, add the ground beef to the pot. Break it apart with your spoon and cook until it’s browned all over and no pink remains. As the beef cooks, it releases juices and fat that will deepen the dish’s richness. If there is excess fat pooling, carefully drain it off to keep the chili from becoming greasy.

Step 3: Add the Spices

Now comes the magic—sprinkle in the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper if you want that extra heat, along with salt and pepper. Stir the mixture well and cook for about one minute to toast the spices lightly. This helps release their essential oils and infuses the chili with warm, complex notes.

Step 4: Combine Tomatoes, Beans, and Broth

Pour in the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, kidney beans, black beans, and beef broth. Give everything a good stir until thoroughly combined. This colorful mix will start to simmer and meld together, creating the vibrant chili stew you’re aiming for.

Step 5: Simmer Gently

Turn up the heat and bring your chili to a boil before lowering it to a gentle simmer. Cover the pot and let it cook slowly for 30 to 40 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and to distribute flavors evenly, allowing all the elements to marry beautifully into a thick, hearty chili.

Step 6: Taste and Adjust

Before serving, taste your chili carefully and adjust the seasoning if needed. Sometimes a pinch more salt or a dash of pepper makes all the difference. This final tweak ensures that every spoonful bursts with balanced, rich flavor.

How to Serve Hearty Beef Chili with Beans and Spices Recipe

Garnishes

One of the joys of this chili is all the fun ways you can dress it up. Top your serving with shredded cheese that melts into gooey goodness, a dollop of tangy sour cream, bright chopped green onions for freshness, or a handful of crunchy tortilla chips for textural contrast. These simple garnishes add another layer of yum that turns the bowl into a festive meal.

Side Dishes

Hearty Beef Chili with Beans and Spices Recipe shines as a standalone dish but pairs beautifully with sides like buttery cornbread, warm crusty bread, or even fluffy rice. These options help soak up every delicious drop and round out the meal, making it even more satisfying and comforting.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to impress friends or family, try serving this chili inside a hollowed-out bread bowl or over a bed of cheesy nachos for a fun chili cheese nacho platter. You can also ladle it over baked potatoes or spoon it into soft tacos for delightful variations that keep this beloved recipe exciting every time you make it.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

You can store leftover chili in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. The flavors actually deepen after resting, so leftovers often taste even better than the first day. Just make sure to cool it completely before refrigerating to maintain freshness.

Freezing

This chili freezes wonderfully, making it a perfect meal prep option. Transfer cooled chili to freezer-safe containers or bags and freeze for up to 3 months. Label with the date so you can keep track. When you’re ready, simply thaw overnight in the fridge.

Reheating

Reheat your chili gently on the stovetop over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally to warm evenly without burning. You can add a splash of broth or water if it thickens too much during storage. Alternatively, the microwave works well for quick reheating—just cover and heat in short bursts, stirring in between.

FAQs

Can I make this chili vegetarian?

Absolutely! Substitute the ground beef with hearty vegetables like mushrooms or use plant-based meat alternatives, and swap the beef broth for vegetable broth. The spices and beans still deliver all the rich flavor you’d expect.

How spicy is this recipe?

This chili has a customizable heat level. The jalapeño and cayenne pepper are optional, so you can leave them out for a mild chili or add them for a nice kick. Adjust the spice to fit your taste buds perfectly.

Can I use dried beans instead of canned?

You can, but be sure to soak and cook the beans fully before adding them to the chili. Using canned beans is quicker and just as tasty, making weeknight cooking a breeze.

What’s the best way to thicken chili if it’s too watery?

If your chili is thinner than you like, try simmering it uncovered for a bit longer to reduce the liquid. You can also mash some beans against the side of the pot to naturally thicken the chili without altering the flavor.

Is this chili good for meal prepping?

Absolutely! This Hearty Beef Chili with Beans and Spices Recipe keeps well in the fridge and freezer, making it a perfect make-ahead meal to enjoy throughout the week or to stock your freezer for busy days ahead.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve been looking for a warming, satisfying recipe to add to your weeknight dinner rotation or to wow guests at your next gathering, the Hearty Beef Chili with Beans and Spices Recipe will not disappoint. This dish delivers on flavor, comfort, and pure deliciousness, and it’s remarkably easy to prepare. So grab your ingredients, get cooking, and enjoy every hearty, spicy spoonful with friends or family—you’ll be so glad you did.

Hearty Beef Chili with Beans and Spices Recipe

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3.9 from 29 reviews

• Author: admin
• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x

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Description

This hearty Beef Chili recipe combines ground beef, beans, and a rich tomato base with aromatic spices for a comforting and flavorful meal. Perfect for a cozy dinner, it simmers on the stovetop for about 55 minutes, developing deep, robust flavors. Topped with cheese, sour cream, or green onions, it’s a classic chili dish that’s both satisfying and easy to make.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• 1 jalapeño, seeded and minced (optional for heat)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp chili powder
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
• 1 (28-ounce) can diced tomatoes
• 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
• 1 (15-ounce) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 cup beef broth
• Salt and pepper to taste

Toppings

• Shredded cheese
• Sour cream
• Chopped green onions
• Tortilla chips

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Instructions

1. Sauté Vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onion, garlic, bell pepper, and jalapeño if using. Sauté for 4-5 minutes until the vegetables are softened and fragrant.
2. Brown the Beef: Add the ground beef to the pot. Cook it until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Drain excess fat from the pot if needed to keep the chili from being greasy.
3. Add Spices: Stir in chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and pepper. Cook the mixture for about 1 minute to allow the spices to release their flavors.
4. Combine Main Ingredients: Pour in the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, drained kidney beans, black beans, and beef broth. Stir everything together thoroughly to combine all the ingredients.
5. Simmer the Chili: Bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for 30-40 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
6. Season and Serve: Taste the chili and adjust seasoning with additional salt or pepper if needed. Serve hot with your favorite toppings such as shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped green onions, and tortilla chips.

Notes

• For milder chili, omit the jalapeño and cayenne pepper.
• Use lean ground beef to reduce the fat content.
• You can substitute beef broth with vegetable broth for a slightly different flavor.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
• Try adding a dash of hot sauce or a splash of beer for extra depth of flavor.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American