Here’s a classic Beef and Bean Chili recipe — hearty, flavorful, and perfect for a cozy dinner or game day. You can make it on the stovetop or in a slow cooker.
🌶 Beef and Bean Chili
Ingredients (serves 6–8)
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bell pepper, diced (optional)
- 1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (15 oz) can diced tomatoes
- 1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce
- 2 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika (optional)
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
- Salt & pepper, to taste
- 1 cup beef or chicken broth (optional, for thinner chili)
- Optional toppings: shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped green onions, cilantro
Instructions
1. Cook the beef
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, brown the ground beef over medium heat.
- Drain excess fat.
- Add onion, garlic, and bell pepper; sauté 3–4 minutes until softened.
2. Add spices
- Stir in chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, cayenne, salt, and pepper.
- Cook 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Add beans and tomatoes
- Add drained beans, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and broth (if using).
- Stir to combine.
4. Simmer
- Bring to a simmer.
- Reduce heat to low and cover.
- Simmer 20–30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
- Stir occasionally.
5. Adjust seasoning
- Taste and add more salt, pepper, or chili powder if needed.
6. Serve
- Serve hot with your favorite toppings: shredded cheese, sour cream, green onions, or cilantro.
- Great with cornbread or tortilla chips on the side.
⭐ Tips
- Make it richer: Brown the beef with a splash of Worcestershire sauce.
- Slow cooker option: Brown the beef and sauté the vegetables first, then combine all ingredients in the slow cooker on Low 6–8 hours.
- Vegetarian version: Skip the beef and use an extra can of beans or lentils.
- Leftovers: Chili tastes even better the next day; it also freezes well.
If you want, I can also give you:
🥩 Spicy Beef and Bean Chili with Chipotle
🧄 Garlic and Tomato Beef Chili
🫑 Slow Cooker Beef and Bean Chili
Which version should I provide?
