Best Beef Chili

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This beef chili is simple to make yet delivers deep, slow-simmered flavor in less than an hour. It’s a perfect comfort food that fills the kitchen with a delicious aroma while requiring minimal effort.

It’s also extremely versatile. You can customize the toppings, adjust the spice level, or add extra ingredients to suit your taste. The combination of beans, beef, and tomatoes creates a balanced meal that is both hearty and nutritious.

Another reason to love this recipe is that it’s great for meal prep. Chili often tastes even better the next day, making leftovers something to look forward to.

Ingredients

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1 lb. ground beef (15% fat recommended)
½ medium yellow onion, finely diced
1 tablespoon minced garlic
1 15-oz. can pinto beans, drained and rinsed
1 15-oz. can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
1 15-oz. can tomato sauce
1 15-oz. can diced tomatoes
3 tablespoons tomato paste
1 tablespoon maple syrup
3 tablespoons chili powder
2 teaspoons garlic powder
2 teaspoons ground cumin
½ teaspoon smoked paprika
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon ground pepper
1 cup beef broth (chicken broth or water also works)
shredded cheddar cheese, for topping
Fritos, for topping
green onion, sliced for topping

Directions

1. Heat a large stockpot over medium-high heat.

2. Add the ground beef, diced onion, and minced garlic. Cook for about 7–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the beef is fully browned and the onions are softened.

3. Stir in the pinto beans, kidney beans, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, and maple syrup. Mix until everything is well combined.

4. Add the chili powder, garlic powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Pour in the beef broth and stir thoroughly.

5. Bring the chili to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 10–15 minutes, allowing the chili to thicken and the flavors to develop.

6. Serve hot and top with shredded cheddar cheese, Fritos, and sliced green onions if desired.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes approximately 6 servings.

Prep time: about 10 minutes
Cook time: about 35 minutes
Total time: about 45 minutes

Variations

Spicy Beef Chili
Add diced jalapeños, cayenne pepper, or crushed red pepper flakes for extra heat.

No-Bean Chili
Skip the beans and add more ground beef or diced vegetables for a traditional Texas-style chili.

Turkey Chili
Replace the ground beef with ground turkey for a lighter version that still delivers plenty of flavor.

Extra Veggie Chili
Add bell peppers, corn, zucchini, or carrots to increase the vegetable content and add texture.

Slow Cooker Version
Brown the beef first, then transfer everything to a slow cooker and cook on low for 4–6 hours.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftover chili in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

To freeze, allow the chili to cool completely and store it in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months.

To reheat on the stove, place the chili in a pot over medium heat and stir occasionally until warmed through. Add a splash of broth or water if it becomes too thick.

For microwave reheating, heat in a microwave-safe bowl in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each interval until hot.

FAQs

Can I make this chili ahead of time?

Yes, chili is a great make-ahead meal. The flavors often deepen and improve after resting in the refrigerator overnight.

Can I use different beans?

Absolutely. Black beans, cannellini beans, or chili beans can easily replace or supplement the pinto and kidney beans.

How can I make the chili thicker?

Let it simmer longer to reduce the liquid, or add an extra tablespoon of tomato paste.

Can I make this chili in a slow cooker?

Yes. Brown the beef first, then combine all ingredients in the slow cooker and cook on low for several hours.

What toppings go well with chili?

Popular toppings include shredded cheese, sour cream, green onions, avocado, tortilla chips, or corn chips.

Can I make this chili dairy-free?

Yes. Simply skip the cheese topping or replace it with a dairy-free alternative.

Is this chili spicy?

This recipe has mild heat. You can increase the spice by adding cayenne pepper or chopped chili peppers.

What can I serve with chili?

Cornbread, rice, baked potatoes, or a simple green salad pair very well with chili.

Can I substitute ground turkey or chicken?

Yes. Ground turkey or chicken can be used instead of beef for a lighter option.

Can I freeze leftover chili?

Yes. Chili freezes very well and can be stored in the freezer for up to three months.

Conclusion

This best beef chili recipe is a comforting, flavorful dish that’s easy to prepare and perfect for feeding a crowd. With rich spices, tender beans, and hearty ground beef, every bowl is satisfying and warming. Whether you enjoy it freshly made or reheated the next day, this chili is sure to become a go-to favorite for family dinners and cozy nights at home.