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Classic Beef Chili with Beans

This classic beef chili recipe is a hearty and flavorful dish, perfect for family dinners or cozy gatherings. Packed with tender beef, beans, and spices, it’s a comforting favorite.

  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb ground beef (80/20)
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
  • 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
  • 2 tbsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
  • 1 cup beef broth
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

  • Prep Ingredients: Dice the onion and mince the garlic. Drain and rinse the beans.
  • Cook Beef: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it into crumbles. Drain excess fat.
  • Sauté Aromatics: Add diced onion and garlic to the pot. Cook for 3–4 minutes until softened.
  • Add Spices: Stir in chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1 minute to release flavors.
  • Add Liquids & Beans: Pour in beef broth and diced tomatoes. Stir well, then add kidney beans. Bring to a boil.
  • Simmer: Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 30–40 minutes, stirring occasionally. Adjust seasoning if needed.
  • Serve: Ladle into bowls and serve with your favorite toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, or green onions.

Notes

  • Adjust cayenne pepper to control spice level.
  • For a thicker chili, mash a small portion of the beans in the pot.
  • Leftovers can be refrigerated for 3–4 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
  • Author: Chef Crenn
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cup
  • Calories: 280
  • Sugar: 4g
  • Sodium: 600mg
  • Fat: 12g
  • Saturated Fat: 4g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 20g
  • Fiber: 6g
  • Protein: 22g
  • Cholesterol: 55mg

Keywords: beef chili recipe, classic chili, chili with beans, hearty chili