Best Beef Chili Recipe Guaranteed to Satisfy

The smell hits firstwarm spices, slow-simmered tomatoes, and that savory beef richness curling around the kitchen. This best beef chili has that stick-to-your-soul goodness we all crave when the weather turns or the week just gets long. It’s the kind of cozy dish that never really goes out of style.

This one leans on simple stuff: ground beef, fire-roasted tomatoes, and just enough spice to keep you reaching for more. It’s classic beef chili comfort but done the smart waywith pantry staples and a slow cooker option if you’re juggling the usual chaos. Think of it like the hearty chili your mom made every fall, just streamlined for today. Totally freezer-friendly too.

I started making this version back in 2016, right after I joined a test kitchen team for a chili cook-off piece. My niece dipped her cornbread right in the pot and said, “This tastes like movie night!” That’s when I backed off the heat just a touch and leaned into smoky paprika. Between testing recipes and shooting food full-time, I’ve tweaked it to feel bold but balancedsomething you can ladle into a bowl with full confidence.

Thomas Baker

Best Beef Chili Recipe Guaranteed to Satisfy

This best beef chili recipe is a classic beef chili that’s hearty and full of flavor. Made with ground beef, beans, diced tomatoes, and a homemade chili seasoning, it’s perfect for a comforting meal that everyone will love. Enjoy a rich and satisfying hearty beef chili that brings warmth and bold spices to your table.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Servings: 6 servings

Calories: 367

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1 lb. ground beef, I used 85/15
• 1/2 medium yellow onion, finely diced
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic
• 1 15-oz. can pinto beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 15-oz. can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 15-oz. can tomato sauce
• 1 15-oz. can diced tomatoes
• 3 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 tablespoon maple syrup
• 3 tablespoons chili powder
• 2 teaspoons garlic powder
• 2 teaspoons ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoons salt
• 1/4 teaspoon ground pepper
• 1 cup beef broth, chicken broth or water works, too
• Optional Toppings: shredded cheddar cheese
• Fritos
• green onion

Method

 

1. Heat a large stockpot over medium/high heat.
2. Add ground beef, yellow onion, and minced garlic and sauté for 7-10 minutes or until beef is fully browned.
3. Add pinto beans, kidney beans, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, and maple syrup to the pot and stir to combine.
4. Add chili powder, garlic powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, salt, ground pepper, and 1 cup of broth and stir to combine.
5. Bring beef chili to a boil, then reduce heat to low and let simmer for 10-15 minutes to thicken.
6. Top with your favorite toppings and enjoy!

Notes

• Slow Cooker Directions: partially cook the beef on the stove. Then, transfer all ingredients in your slow cooker and mix. Cook on low for around 4 hours.
• Instant Pot Directions: add all ingredients to the Instant Pot and mix. Cover and cook on high pressure for 5 minutes.
• Meat alternatives: ground turkey, chicken, bison, or plant-based grounds can be used. Add a little oil when browning if using lower-fat meats.
• Nutrition information is for 6 servings and does not include toppings.

Why You’ll Love This Best Beef Chili

• Cozy and Comforting: This recipe is pure comfort food, warming you from the inside out on any chilly day.
• Pantry-Friendly & Flavorful: Built from simple pantry staples like beans, tomatoes, and ground beef, it delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort.
• Versatile & Convenient: Prepare it on the stovetop for a quick meal, or in a slow cooker for a hands-off, family-friendly option. It adapts effortlessly to your schedule.
• Make-Ahead Favorite: Like all great chilis, the flavors deepen and improve with time, making leftovers even more delicious.

Expert Insight: Crafting the BEST BEEF CHILI

Achieving the BEST BEEF CHILI is all about balancing robust spices with quality meat. Slow cooking allows flavors to meld deeply, while choosing lean but flavorful beef prevents greasiness. This technique ensures a rich, hearty chili that delivers complexity in every bite.

Key Ingredients and Quick Swaps

The beauty of this recipe is how adaptable it is. Here’s what you’ll need and how to riff on it for your kitchen:

• Ground Beef: For optimal flavor, I recommend 85/15, but leaner beef, ground turkey, or bison can be used for a lighter take.
• Beans: A mix of pinto and kidney beans keeps it hearty. Prefer black beans? Go for it!
• Tomato Trio: A combination of tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, and tomato paste creates a rich, deep base. For a smoky, spicy kick, consider using fire-roasted tomatoes.
• Spices: Classic chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and a hint of smoked paprika make this shine. Adjust the chili powder up or down for a homemade spicy beef chili.
• Maple Syrup: A touch of maple syrup is key to balancing the spices and acidity, creating a well-rounded flavor profile.

Pro Tip: Keep extra broth or water handy to tweak the thickness as it cooks.

Quick Ingredient Swap Table

How to Make It Step by Step

This hearty beef chili comes together quickly, developing a depth of flavor that tastes like it’s simmered for hours. Here’s how:

1. Sauté Aromatics: In a large stockpot, brown the ground beef with diced onions and minced garlic until fragrant and the beef is fully cooked through.
2. Combine Main Ingredients: Stir in the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, beans, and maple syrup. Ensure everything is well combined.
3. Season and Simmer: Add the chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and beef broth. Bring to a gentle simmer and let it cook, uncovered, allowing the flavors to meld and the chili to thicken.
4. Garnish and Serve: Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Ladle the hot chili into bowls and customize with your favorite toppings like shredded cheese, sliced green onions, or crunchy Fritos.

Step Timing for Best Results

Troubleshooting and Helpful Tips

Too Thick? Stir in a splash of broth or water until you reach your perfect consistency.

Too Thin? Let it simmer uncovered for a bit longer to concentrate the flavors.

Need More Heat? Add a pinch of cayenne or a few shakes of hot sauce for a spicy beef chili upgrade.

Pro Tip: Chili tastes even better the next day. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 daysor freeze for up to 3 months!

Finding Flavor in the Best Beef Chili

After many attempts where I either over-spiced or undercooked, I finally landed on the best beef chili that’s rich but balanced. Each trial taught me the perfect timing for layering flavors and the importance of simmering low and slow. This recipe is the result of those lessons, ready to bring hearty comfort to your table.

For more delicious recipes and cooking inspiration, follow me on Facebook, Pinterest and Reddit!

FAQs ( Best Beef Chili )

Conclusion

This **Best Beef Chili** recipe delivers comforting, hearty meals without the fuss. In roughly an hour, you’ll have a rich, satisfying bowl of chili with perfectly balanced spices and tender beef, tasting authentically homemade.

The flavors deepen beautifully, ensuring every spoonful is a warm, inviting experience. Feel free to switch up beans or dial the heat for a spicy beef chili twist. Try it in the slow cooker for hands-off magic or pack leftovers for a family-friendly chili that tastes even better the next day. A little topping of cheese or green onions turns this classic beef chili into a genuine comfort food crowd-pleaser.

What are your favorite chili memories or secret ingredients? Share your tips and photos belowI’d love to hear from you! Whether for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings, this recipe’s ready to join your family’s rotation. Go on, dig in and savor every spoonful.