Go Back
–+ servings
A close-up shot of homemade chili simmering in a pot, showing chunks of ground beef, beans, and a rich tomato-based sauce.
FL Recipes

Ground Beef Chili Recipe (The BEST Classic Chili)

This is the BEST Ground Beef Chili Recipe! A rich, hearty, and deeply flavorful classic chili that comes together in about an hour. Perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or game day.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 450
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Chili
  • 2 lbs ground beef 80/20 or 85/15 recommended
  • 1 large yellow onion chopped
  • 1 green bell pepper chopped
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 1/4 cup chili powder
  • 2 tbsp ground cumin
  • 1 tbsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper or more, to taste
  • 1 28-ounce can crushed tomatoes
  • 1 6-ounce can tomato paste
  • 2 cups beef broth
  • 1 tsp brown sugar packed
  • 1 15-ounce can dark red kidney beans drained and rinsed
  • 1 15-ounce can black beans drained and rinsed
  • 1.5 tsp salt or to taste
  • 1 tsp black pepper freshly ground

Equipment

  • 1 Large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot
  • 1 Wooden Spoon
Share with WhatsApp

Method
 

  1. In a large Dutch oven, cook the ground beef over medium-high heat until browned. Use a slotted spoon to remove the beef, leaving about 2 tablespoons of rendered fat in the pot.
  2. Add the chopped onion and bell pepper to the pot and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for one more minute until fragrant.
  3. Stir in the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, cocoa powder, and cayenne pepper. Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly, until fragrant.
  4. Return the beef to the pot. Add the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, beef broth, brown sugar, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
  5. Bring the chili to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for at least 45 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  6. Stir in the drained and rinsed kidney beans and black beans. Simmer for another 10-15 minutes.
  7. Serve hot with your favorite toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, and cilantro.

Nutrition

Calories: 450kcalProtein: 30gFat: 25gFiber: 8g

Notes

Flavor Tip: For an even deeper flavor, let the chili rest in the fridge overnight. The flavors will continue to meld and it will taste even better the next day!
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Keyword classic chili,easy chili recipe,ground beef chili

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!