Classic Beef Chili Recipe

Welcome to your new favorite beef chili recipe! This hearty, flavor-packed chili made with ground beef and beans is sure to become a family favorite. Not only is it easy to make, but the combination of tomatoes, spices, and beef broth creates a rich and satisfying taste that will leave you wanting more.

Course chili, dinner, lunch, Main Course, meal-prep

Cuisine American

Keyword beef chili, chili recipe

Prep Time 20

Cook Time 30

Total Time 50

Servings servings

Calories 330kcal

Author Erin Antoniak

Ingredients

2 tablespoon olive oil
1 small yellow onion diced
1 lb ground beef
3 cloves garlic minced
3 tablespoon chili powder
1 tablespoon cumin
2 teaspoon garlic powder
1.5 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon pepper
pinch cayenne powder
1 15 oz can diced tomatoes
1 15 oz can tomato sauce
1 15 oz can pinto beans
1 15 oz can kidney beans
3 tablespoon tomato paste
2 tablespoon honey
2 cups beef broth
optional toppings: sour cream greek yogurt, cheese, green onion, fritos, cilantro..whatever!

Instructions

In a large dutch oven or sauce pot, heat olive oil over medium high heat. Once hot, add diced onion. Let cook 2-3 minutes and then add ground beef. Let cook for another 2-3 minutes and then add minced garlic.
One meat has cooked through, add chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and cayenne powder. Stir together.
Add in diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, pinto beans, kidney beans, tomato paste, honey, and beef broth. Stir until all combined.
Bring everything to a light boil, and then reduce heat to medium-low. Let simmer for 30 minutes, stirring every so often.
Top with sour cream, cheese, green onion, fritos, cilantro - whatever you'd like!

Notes

Don't forget the honey — even though it sounds surprising! That one tablespoon makes a huge difference, balancing out the heat from the cayenne and the acidity from the tomatoes. It creates a depth of flavor that takes this chili from good to absolutely incredible.
Drain and rinse the beans before adding them. This keeps the chili from getting too watery and ensures you're working with the right consistency. Simple step, big impact!
Let it simmer for the full 30 minutes. This is where all the flavors come together and the chili develops its richness. Give it an occasional stir, keep it at a gentle simmer on medium-low, and resist the urge to rush it!

Nutrition