Introduction
Beef chili with beans is a classic comfort dish packed with rich flavors, tender beef, and nutritious beans. This recipe is perfect for chilly nights, game days, or meal prepping for the week. Follow this easy step-by-step guide to make the best homemade beef chili.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 2 lbs ground beef
- 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (28 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup beef broth
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
Spices and Seasonings:
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp salt
Optional Toppings:
- Shredded cheese
- Sour cream
- Chopped cilantro
- Sliced jalapeños
- Avocado slices
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
- Chop the onion and mince the garlic.
- Drain and rinse the canned beans.
- Measure out all spices and seasonings to make the cooking process smooth.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
- Heat a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
- Add olive oil and sauté the chopped onion for 2–3 minutes until soft.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
Step 3: Brown the Beef
- Add the ground beef to the pot and cook until browned, breaking it into small pieces.
- Drain excess grease if necessary.
Step 4: Add Spices and Tomato Paste
- Stir in chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, black pepper, and salt.
- Mix well to coat the beef with the spices.
- Add the tomato paste and cook for 1–2 minutes to deepen the flavor.
Step 5: Add Beans and Tomatoes
- Pour in the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and beef broth.
- Stir well to combine.
- Add the drained kidney beans and black beans, mixing them into the chili.
Step 6: Simmer the Chili
- Bring the chili to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low.
- Cover and let it simmer for at least 30–40 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- For a richer flavor, let it cook for up to 1 hour.
Step 7: Adjust Seasoning
- Taste the chili and adjust seasoning if needed.
- If it’s too thick, add a little more beef broth.
Step 8: Serve and Garnish
- Ladle the chili into bowls.
- Top with shredded cheese, sour cream, or chopped cilantro.
- Serve with cornbread or tortilla chips.
Tips for the Best Beef Chili with Beans
- Use quality beef: Lean ground beef works best for a rich but not overly greasy chili.
- Let it simmer: The longer it cooks, the deeper the flavor.
- Customize spice level: Adjust cayenne pepper to make it milder or spicier.
- Make it ahead: Chili tastes even better the next day as the flavors develop.