Here’s a hearty and flavorful Beef and Bean Chili recipe—perfect for cozy dinners or game day.
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450 g) ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bell pepper, chopped (optional)
- 1 can (14 oz / 400 g) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (15 oz / 425 g) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz / 425 g) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 cup beef or chicken broth
- 2 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- ½ tsp smoked paprika (optional)
- ½ tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1–2 tbsp olive oil
Optional toppings: shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped green onions, fresh cilantro
Instructions
- Cook the beef:
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon.
- Drain excess fat if needed.
- Sauté vegetables:
- Add chopped onion, garlic, and bell pepper to the beef.
- Cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Add spices:
- Stir in chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, cayenne, salt, and pepper.
- Cook 1 minute to bloom the spices.
- Add tomatoes, beans, and broth:
- Stir in diced tomatoes, tomato paste, kidney beans, black beans, and broth.
- Bring to a simmer.
- Simmer:
- Reduce heat to low and cover.
- Simmer for 25–30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened and flavors meld.
- Adjust seasoning:
- Taste and adjust salt, pepper, or chili powder as needed.
- Serve:
- Top with shredded cheese, sour cream, green onions, or cilantro.
- Serve with cornbread, rice, or tortilla chips.
💡 Tips:
- For a richer flavor, simmer 1–2 hours instead of 30 minutes.
- Add a splash of beer, coffee, or a square of dark chocolate for depth.
- Use ground turkey or chicken as a lighter alternative.
I can also give a slow cooker version of this chili that’s even easier—just dump everything in and let it cook for hours. Do you want that version too?
