Beef and Bean Chili Recipe

Beef and Bean Chili is a warm, filling meal made with ground beef, beans, tomatoes, and simple spices. It is easy to cook and works well for busy weeknights, game days, or a relaxed family dinner. The beef adds a rich, savory taste, while beans make the chili hearty and satisfying. Tomatoes create a smooth base, and chili powder, cumin, and paprika bring gentle heat and deep flavor. I like making a big pot because the leftovers taste even better the next day. Serve it with shredded cheese, sour cream, or warm cornbread for a simple meal everyone can enjoy.

What is Beef and Bean Chili

Beef and Bean Chili is a thick, savory stew made with ground beef, beans, tomatoes, and chili seasonings. It usually cooks slowly so the flavors have time to blend. Kidney beans and black beans work well, but you can use other beans too. This homemade chili has a rich tomato base with tender beef and a mild to medium spicy flavor. You can adjust the heat to suit your family.

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 green bell pepper, diced
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
• 1 can (15 ounces) diced tomatoes
• 1 can (15 ounces) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 1/2 cups beef broth
• 2 tablespoons chili powder
• 2 teaspoons ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper, optional
• 1 teaspoon brown sugar, optional
• 1 tablespoon lime juice

Instructions

1. Cook the beef: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it into small pieces as it cooks.
2. Add the vegetables: Stir in the onion and bell pepper. Cook for 4-5 minutes until they soften. Add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
3. Add the tomato paste: Stir in the tomato paste and cook for about 1 minute. This gives the chili a deeper tomato flavor.
4. Season the chili: Add chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, black pepper, and cayenne if using. Stir well.
5. Build the chili: Add crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, beans, and beef broth. Stir everything together.
6. Simmer: Bring the chili to a gentle boil. Reduce the heat, cover partly, and simmer for 30-40 minutes. Stir every 10 minutes.
7. Balance the flavor: Taste the chili. Add brown sugar if the tomatoes taste too sharp. Stir in lime juice just before serving.
8. Serve: Spoon the hot chili into bowls and add your favorite toppings.

Essential Note

Do not rush the simmering step. A gentle 30-40 minute cook allows the beef, tomatoes, beans, and spices to blend into a richer flavor. Keep the heat low enough that the chili bubbles softly rather than boiling hard. If the chili looks too thick, add a little beef broth or water. If it looks too thin, simmer uncovered for another 10-15 minutes. Always drain and rinse canned beans before adding them to remove excess liquid and salt. Taste near the end because canned tomatoes, broth, and beans can have different salt levels. For a spicier chili, add cayenne or diced jalapeño. For a milder version, leave them out. Let the chili rest for 5 minutes before serving so the flavors settle.

Recipe Notes

Store leftover Beef and Bean Chili in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, or freeze portions for up to 3 months.

Cooking Tips and Tricks

Brown the beef well before adding the other ingredients. This creates a deeper savory flavor. Break the beef into small pieces so every spoonful has a good mix of meat, beans, and vegetables. Cook the tomato paste for a minute to improve its flavor. Use a gentle simmer instead of a fast boil, which can make the chili watery and uneven. Stir from time to time to prevent sticking. If you prefer thick chili, simmer it uncovered near the end. For extra heat, add jalapeño, cayenne, or hot sauce. For a mild family-friendly version, skip the cayenne. Taste before serving and adjust salt, spice, or lime juice as needed. Top with shredded cheddar, sour cream, green onions, avocado, or fresh cilantro.

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Before I even start cooking, I taste-test everything to make sure it’s spot-on. Then, I break it down for you with everyday essentials, nutrition info, and simple, step-by-step instructions. From breakfast to dinner, I walk you through each stage so cooking becomes easy, fun, and stress-free.

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