There’s something about a bowl of chili that feels like a warm hug after a long day, especially when the air outside has that crisp edge hinting at fall. I remember one evening when I was halfway through a book, the kind that makes you lose track of time, but the scent of this ground beef chili simmering on the stove was a persistent reminder that dinner was close. The kitchen filled with the rich aroma of spices mingling with tomatoes and peppers, and even though I was tempted to get lost in the story, I found myself checking the pot more often than necessary. Somewhere between stirring and reading, I may have absentmindedly added a pinch more chili powder — not sure if that was a mistake or a happy accident.
That bowl of chili wasn’t just food; it was a moment of pause, a simple pleasure that made the evening feel complete.
Why You’ll Love It
- Hearty and filling, thanks to a satisfying mix of ground beef and beans that stick to your ribs.
- The spice blend offers warmth without overwhelming heat—though you can tweak it if you like a bit more kick.
- Simmering it low and slow lets the flavors deepen, but it’s still straightforward enough for a weeknight meal.
- It’s simple — and that’s kind of the point. No fuss, just comforting flavors coming together.
If you’re worried about leftovers, this chili holds up well, making it easy to enjoy over a few days or freeze for a later craving.
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Ground Beef Chili
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 6 1x
Description
A hearty and flavorful ground beef chili made with tomatoes, beans, and a blend of spices. Perfect for a cozy meal and easy to prepare.
Ingredients
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 pound ground beef
1 medium yellow onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 medium green bell pepper, diced
1 medium red bell pepper, diced
2 tablespoons chili powder
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
1 (8 ounce) can tomato sauce
1 cup beef broth
1 (15 ounce) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
1 (15 ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed
Instructions
Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat.
Add ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
Add diced onion, minced garlic, green bell pepper, and red bell pepper to the pot. Cook, stirring occasionally, until vegetables are softened, about 5 minutes.
Stir in chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, dried oregano, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Add diced tomatoes with their juice, tomato sauce, and beef broth. Stir to combine.
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 25 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Add kidney beans and black beans to the pot. Stir well and continue to simmer for another 10 minutes to heat through and blend flavors.
Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve hot.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
Kitchen Notes: I usually use a sturdy pot that holds heat evenly so the chili simmers gently. When serving, a sprinkle of shredded cheese and a dollop of sour cream can turn it into a little celebration. I haven’t tested all variations, but swapping kidney beans for pinto or black beans for navy beans could change the texture in interesting ways. Sometimes, I toss in a splash of beer or a dash of cocoa powder to add a subtle depth, though that’s definitely optional and a bit of a gamble depending on your taste.
FAQ
Can I make this vegetarian? You could try swapping the ground beef for a plant-based alternative or extra beans, but the flavor profile will shift quite a bit.
How spicy is it? It has a gentle warmth from the spices, but if you’re sensitive to heat, start with less chili powder and cayenne.
Can it be frozen? Absolutely. Just cool it completely before freezing in airtight containers, and it will keep for a few months.
What to serve it with? Crusty bread or cornbread makes a great companion, and a fresh green salad can lighten the meal if you want balance.
When the evening settles in and you want something that feels like a slow exhale, this ground beef chili is waiting. Save it, make it, and let it become one of those meals you look forward to again and again.