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Beef and Bean Chili

Hearty beef and bean chili recipe in a rustic white bowl with toppings.

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This cozy beef and bean chili is a one-pot wonder that transforms affordable ingredients into a rich and satisfying meal. It features a deep, smoky flavor from blooming spices and simmers into a comforting dish perfect for busy nights or feeding a crowd. Leftovers taste even better the next day.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 ½ pounds ground beef (80/20 blend)
  • 1 large yellow onion, diced
  • 1 large bell pepper (any color), diced
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 (15 oz) cans kidney beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 (15 oz) can pinto beans, drained and rinsed
  • 2 (15 oz) cans diced tomatoes, undrained
  • 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
  • 1 ½ cups beef broth (low-sodium preferred)
  • 3 tablespoons chili powder
  • 1 tablespoon ground cumin
  • 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Brown the beef in a large Dutch oven with olive oil over medium-high heat, seasoning with salt and pepper. Leave about 1 tablespoon of fat in the pot.
  2. Add diced onion and bell pepper to the pot. Cook until softened, about 5-6 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  3. Sprinkle chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, and cayenne over the mixture. Stir constantly for 1 minute to bloom the spices.
  4. Pour in diced tomatoes with juices, tomato sauce, and beef broth. Scrape up browned bits from the pot. Add the drained beans and stir.
  5. Bring to a bubble, then reduce heat to low. Partially cover and simmer gently for at least 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  6. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed before serving.

Notes

For deeper flavor, simmer for 45 minutes to 1 hour. Always drain and rinse canned beans. The chili freezes well for up to 3 months. For a vegetarian version, omit beef, use an extra can of beans or lentils, and vegetable broth.

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