Hearty Beef Chili with Beans: An Easy Recipe from Scratch

If you’re searching for a homemade Beef chili with beans from scratch that warms the soul and satisfies the palate, you’ve landed in the right place! This easy Beef chili with beans recipe strikes the perfect balance between rich flavors and hearty ingredients. Originating from the American Southwest, chili has evolved over the years into numerous variations, but this classic beef chili remains a favorite for its unique blend of spices, meaty texture, and delightful aroma that fills your home. Whether you enjoy it on a cold winter night or for a casual gathering, this dish is a crowd-pleaser that will have you coming back for seconds. Perfect for everyone, you can even adjust it to meet dietary needs, boasting a vegan option as well!

Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
Serving Size: 6 servings

Ingredients

For the Chili

2 lbs ground beef (lean, 80/20 recommended)
1 large onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 bell pepper (any color), chopped
2 (15 oz) cans kidney beans, drained and rinsed
1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
2 tablespoons tomato paste
2-3 tablespoons chili powder (adjust to taste)
1 tablespoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
1 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon oregano
1 tablespoon olive oil (for browning the beef)
1-2 cups beef broth (as needed)

Ingredient Swaps

Use ground turkey or chicken for a leaner version.
For a vegetarian option, substitute beef with 1 cup of lentils or 1 extra can of beans.
Replace black beans with pinto beans if preferred.

Equipment List

Large pot or Dutch oven
Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
Cutting board
Knife
Measuring cups and spoons
Can opener
Stirring ladle

Step-by-Step Instructions

Heat the Oil: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat until shimmering. This will give your beef a flavorful base to cook on.
Sauté the Aromatics: Add the diced onions and chopped bell pepper to the pot. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened and the onions become translucent. The aroma will start to fill the kitchen, signaling the beginning of something delicious.
Brown the Beef: Add 2 lbs of ground beef to the pot, using a wooden spoon to break it up as it cooks. Cook for about 7-10 minutes, or until the beef is fully browned and there’s no pink remaining. Ensure that the beef is evenly cooked, which will provide a nice texture to your chili.
Add Garlic: Stir in 3 minced cloves of garlic and let them sauté for about 1 minute. The garlic will become fragrant, adding depth to your chili.
Incorporate Seasonings: Next, sprinkle in the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and oregano. Stir well and let the spices toast for another minute, allowing them to coat the beef and vegetables. This step enhances the overall flavor profile of the chili.
Add the Tomatoes: Pour in the 28 oz can of crushed tomatoes along with 2 tablespoons of tomato paste. The vibrant red color will give your chili a beautiful hue; mix everything together until fully combined.
Beans Come Next: Gently fold in the drained kidney beans and black beans. These not only add healthful fiber but also create a satisfying texture that complements the beef well.
Pour in Broth: Add 1-2 cups of beef broth to your chili depending on your desired thickness. For a heartier chili, use less broth; for a soupier consistency, add more.
Simmer the Chili: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer uncovered for about 1 hour, stirring occasionally. As it cooks, the flavors will meld together beautifully, and the chili will thicken. You’ll know it’s ready when it’s bubbling gently and giving off a rich, inviting scent.
Final Taste Test: After the hour is up, taste your chili and adjust the seasoning if necessary. This is the moment to decide if you want more chili powder or salt; each tweak makes the chili truly your own.

Special Notes

Storage: Let any leftover chili cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. This can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or frozen for up to 3 months, perfect for meal prep.
Reheating: To reheat, place chili in a pot over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth if it has thickened too much. Heat until warmed through, stirring occasionally to avoid sticking.
Troubleshooting: If your chili is too spicy, you can balance it by adding a dollop of sour cream or a pinch of sugar to mitigate the heat.

Variations and Customizations

Gluten-Free: This beef chili recipe is naturally gluten-free as it contains no grains. However, always check labels on canned goods to ensure they are certified gluten-free if necessary.
Low-Carb: Skip the beans and increase the amount of beef and vegetables for a low-carb version.
Vegan Option: Substitute ground beef with textured vegetable protein (TVP) or lentils, and skip the beef broth in favor of vegetable broth.
Additional Ingredients: Consider adding corn, diced jalapeños, or even some dark chocolate for a complex flavor twist.

Nutritional Information

(Estimated per serving: 1 ½ cups)

Calories: 400
Protein: 30g
Fat: 18g
Carbohydrates: 36g
Fiber: 12g

Engaging Visual Details

Your chili should have a rich, deep red color, with beans and chunks of beef visible throughout. As you serve it, a sprinkle of fresh cilantro or a dollop of sour cream can add a fresh green contrast. The best chili gives off an aroma of warmth and spice, inviting anyone nearby to take a taste. For engaging visuals, include photographs of the cooking process, from the sautéed vegetables to the final simmering pot, showcasing not just the food but the atmosphere of cooking at home.

Conclusion

With this hearty Beef chili with beans recipe, you’re on your way to creating a dish that is not only deeply satisfying but also flexible enough to cater to various palates and dietary needs. Don’t hesitate to make this chili your own with variations and personal touches! We hope you give this easy recipe a try; it’s the perfect comfort food for any occasion. Leave a comment below if you tried this recipe! Or share your version on Instagram and tag us with MyDeliciousDish!