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Best Homemade Beef Chili Recipe

ByAshley
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Close-up of a bowl of homemade beef chili with classic toppings

Looking for the best chili recipe? This speedy stovetop homemade chili uses simple ingredients you probably already have, making it an easy chili recipe for even the busiest weeknights. This is my family's favorite comfort food, perfect for warming up in winter or as a delicious topping for summer hot dogs. This beef chili recipe is mild in spice, but we'll show you options to add more heat. And the best part? No need to soak beans for hours!

What You'll Need for This Easy Beef Chili

Ingredients for homemade beef chili.
  • Veggies: You'll need one onion-any variety works, but I love the sweetness red pepper adds.
  • The Beef: We use 80/20 ground beef for a rich, classic chili flavor. Feel free to use ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
  • Classic Chili Spices: Chili powder, cumin, and chopped garlic create that signature chili taste.
  • Beans: Black beans and pinto beans, rinsed for the perfect texture.
  • Tomatoes: Hunt's Fire-Roasted Tomatoes are the secret to a deep, smoky flavor in this homemade chili.
  • Toppings (Optional, but Recommended!): Take your bowl of easy chili to the next level with sour cream, shredded Mexican cheese, diced red onion, and thinly sliced jalapeños.

How to Make This Quick and Easy Chili (The Best Chili Recipe, Really!)

Step-by-step process of making homemade chili in a pot.

Get the full, printable chili recipe below.

  1. Sauté the Aromatics: Dice your red pepper and onion (reserve a little for garnish, if you like!). Rinse your beans. In a pot over medium heat, heat olive oil, then add the onion, red pepper, and garlic. Cook until softened.
  2. Brown the Beef: Add the ground beef, chili powder, and cumin to the pot. Cook until the beef is browned, breaking it up as it cooks.
  3. Simmer for Flavor: Stir in the black beans, pinto beans, fire-roasted tomatoes, and broth (or water). Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat and cook for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, to let those flavors meld together.
  4. Garnish and Serve: For the perfect bowl of homemade chili, top it with shredded cheese, sour cream, diced onion, bell pepper, and fresh cilantro. A side of cornbread is always a great idea!
An overhead perspective captures a white bowl filled with savory homemade beef chili, artfully garnished with sour cream, shredded cheese, diced red onion, chopped red bell pepper, and fresh cilantro.

Leftover Chili?

  • Short-term storage: If you plan to eat the chili within a few days, store it in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days.
  • Long-term storage: For longer storage of up to 3 months, place the chili in freezer bags and store it in the freezer.
A close-up overhead shot shows a silver spoon entering a white bowl of hearty homemade beef chili, revealing the rich texture and delicious ingredients. The chili is topped with sour cream, shredded cheese, diced red onion, chopped red bell pepper, and fresh cilantro. A portion of another chili bowl, a dish of shredded cheese, and a plate of cornbread are partially visible around the main subject.

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Best Homemade Beef Chili Recipe

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5 from 14 reviews

Looking for the Best Homemade Beef Chili Recipe? This stovetop chili is hearty, nutritious, and perfect for busy weeknights.

  • Author: Ashley
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45 minutes
  • Total Time: 65 minutes
  • Yield: 4 people 1x
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Simmering
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 medium red onion, diced
  • 1 medium red bell pepper, diced
  • salt and pepper (as needed)
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 3 tablespoons chili powder
  • 2 teaspoons cumin
  • 3 cloves garlic, chopped
  • 1 15 oz can black beans, rinsed
  • 1 15 oz can pinto beans, rinsed
  • 1 15 oz can fire-roasted tomatoes
  • 1 cup water or broth (chicken, vegetable, or beef broth )
  • shredded cheese, sour cream, diced onion, bell pepper, and fresh chopped cilantro for garnish. (optional)

Instructions

  1. Sauté vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion, bell pepper, and garlic. Season with salt and pepper. Cook until the onions soften.
  2. Brown beef: Add ground beef, chili powder, and cumin to the pot. Cook until browned.
  3. Simmer chili: Stir in black beans, pinto beans, fire-roasted tomatoes, and broth (or water). Bring to a simmer. Reduce heat to low and cook for 30 minutes or until flavors have combined.
  4. Garnish with shredded cheese, sour cream, diced onion, bell pepper, and fresh chopped cilantro.

Notes

Ideas for ways to make your chili spicy.

Jalapeños: Add a mild to medium heat and a fresh, slightly bell-peppery flavor. You can use them seeded and deveined for less heat or with the seeds and membranes for more.
Chipotle Peppers (smoked jalapeños): Medium heat with a distinctive smoky flavor. Often come in adobo sauce, which adds another layer of flavor.
Cayenne Pepper: Adds a significant and direct heat. Use a small amount at first.
Commercial Hot Sauces: Offer a wide range of heat levels and flavor profiles. Add a few dashes at a time and taste.


Recipe adapted from my mother, Angelique

Nutrition

  • Serving Size:
  • Calories: 510
  • Sugar: 6.3 g
  • Sodium: 671.6 mg
  • Fat: 13.1 g
  • Saturated Fat: 3.1 g
  • Carbohydrates: 57.9 g
  • Fiber: 21.6 g
  • Protein: 43.6 g
  • Cholesterol: 67.8 mg

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7 Comments

  3. 5 stars
    This is absolutely delicious, simple and will become a family favorite. I have made it twice in one week!!!! Also it was a great suggestion to add avocado it, made it even more exciting.

    Reply