This hearty ground beef chili is the perfect dish for any time you crave something warm and comforting. It features tender beef, spicy beans, and a dash of seasoning to make it just right!
I love how this chili fills up your kitchen with delicious smells. It’s great for a cozy night or game day with friends. Trust me, you’ll want seconds—just keep some crackers nearby for dipping! 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: Lean ground beef works best for this dish. If you prefer a healthier option, you can use ground turkey or chicken. For a vegetarian version, try using lentils or a meat substitute like Beyond Meat.
Kidney Beans: These beans add protein and texture. You can substitute them with black beans, pinto beans, or even chickpeas if you want to mix things up!
Spices: Chili powder is the star here along with cumin. If you don’t have chili powder, you can make a quick substitute by mixing paprika with cayenne. Adjust cayenne pepper to your heat preference; reduce for milder chili.
Tomatoes: The diced tomatoes are optional, but they can add great flavor. If you’re out of canned tomatoes, you can use fresh tomatoes, just chop them up and adjust the amount of broth for consistency.
How Do I Make Sure My Chili Is Full of Flavor?
Getting the flavors just right in chili can be a challenge. The key is to sauté your onions and garlic until they’re nice and soft. This builds a flavor base that makes the entire chili taste better.
- Cook onions on medium heat until they’re soft and a little translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add the garlic and cook briefly to avoid burning it—just 30 seconds is enough!
- When adding spices, toasting them for a minute helps release their oils, enhancing their flavor.
- Let your chili simmer for at least 20-30 minutes. This not only melds the flavors but also thickens the chili nicely.
Remember, taste as you go! Adjust salt, pepper, or spices according to your preference for the perfect bowl of chili.
Ground Beef Chili
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (14 oz) can diced tomatoes (optional for extra texture)
- 1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce
- 2 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- 1 tsp salt, or to taste
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 cup beef broth or water
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil or olive oil
- Shredded cheddar cheese, for topping
- Sour cream, for topping
- Chopped green onions, for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious ground beef chili takes about 10 minutes for prep and around 30 minutes for cooking. So, in total, you’re looking at about 40 minutes before you can dive into a steaming bowl of chili. Perfect for a busy weeknight!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sautéing the Base:
Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot or deep skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the diced onion. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes, or until the onion is soft and translucent. This builds a great flavor foundation!
2. Adding Garlic:
Next, throw in the minced garlic and stir for another 30 seconds until it becomes fragrant. Be careful not to let the garlic burn!
3. Browning the Beef:
Now it’s time to add the ground beef. Break it apart with a spoon and cook until it’s browned and no longer pink, which should take around 5-7 minutes. If there’s extra fat, carefully drain it off.
4. Adding the Spices:
Stir in the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Cook this mixture for 1 minute to toast the spices—this step is crucial for a flavorful chili!
5. Mixing in the Beans and Tomatoes:
Add the drained kidney beans, tomato sauce, and beef broth to the pot. If you want a chunkier texture, now’s the time to add the diced tomatoes. Mix everything together.
6. Simmering the Chili:
Bring the chili to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Cover partially (this helps it thicken) and let it simmer for about 20-30 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and let those flavors mingle!
7. Final Taste Test:
After simmering, do a taste test and adjust the seasoning as you like. Add more salt or spices if needed
8. Serving It Up:
Serve the chili hot in bowls. Top each serving with a generous amount of shredded cheddar cheese, a dollop of sour cream, and sprinkle with fresh chopped green onions for that extra crunch!
Enjoy your warming, hearty bowl of ground beef chili! It’s perfect for chilly days or game nights and is sure to satisfy everyone at the table. 😋
Can I Use Different Types of Meat in This Chili?
Absolutely! You can substitute the ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based meat alternatives like lentils or a meat substitute for a vegetarian version. Just adjust the cooking time if using leaner meats!
Can I Make This Chili Ahead of Time?
Yes! Chili actually tastes better the next day as the flavors meld. You can prepare it in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just reheat on the stove or in the microwave before serving!
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover chili in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can also freeze it in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight and then warm it on the stove or microwave, stirring occasionally.
How Can I Adjust the Spice Level?
If you prefer a milder chili, simply reduce the amount of cayenne pepper or omit it altogether. For extra heat, you can add jalapeños or a pinch of red pepper flakes while cooking. Always taste as you go!
