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The Best Classic Beef Chili Recipe With Beans: Hearty and Simple

Close-up of a steaming bowl of hearty chili recipe, rich with meat and beans, sitting on a sunlit wooden table.
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Make this hearty ground beef chili with beans for a satisfying, bold-flavored comfort food dinner. It is simple to prepare and perfect for family meals or game days.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 pounds ground beef (80/20 recommended)
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
  • 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
  • 1 (15 ounce) can kidney beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 (15 ounce) can pinto beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 cup beef broth
  • 3 tablespoons chili powder
  • 1 tablespoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
  • 1 teaspoon brown sugar (secret ingredient for depth)

Instructions

  1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess grease.
  2. Add the chopped onion to the pot with the beef. Cook until the onion softens, about 5 minutes.
  3. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  4. Add the tomato sauce, crushed tomatoes, beef broth, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, pepper, cayenne pepper (if using), and brown sugar. Stir well to combine all ingredients.
  5. Bring the mixture to a simmer. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot partially, and let the chili simmer for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. For best results, simmer for 1 hour.
  6. Stir in the rinsed and drained kidney beans and pinto beans during the last 10 minutes of cooking. Heat through completely.
  7. Taste the chili and adjust seasonings as needed before serving.
  8. Serve hot with your favorite toppings.

Notes

  • For a richer flavor, substitute 1/2 pound of the ground beef with ground pork.
  • If you prefer a thicker chili, remove the lid for the last 15 minutes of simmering time.
  • This chili tastes even better the next day, making it great for meal prep.
  • Serve this **comfort food chili** with shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, or chopped green onions.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://carlacooking.com/chili-recipe-best-classic-beef-with-beans/