When the weather turns chilly, there’s nothing quite like a bowl of hearty, comforting beef chili to warm you up from the inside out. This classic beef chili recipe is packed with savory flavors, tender beef, and a rich, spicy sauce that’s perfect for cozying up on cold nights. Not only is this dish a crowd-pleaser, but it’s also freezer-friendly, making it a fantastic option for meal prep or future dinners. Whether you’re serving it for a family gathering, enjoying a quick weeknight dinner, or prepping for a busy week, this beef chili is sure to satisfy.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Flavorful and Hearty: The combination of ground beef, beans, tomatoes, and a variety of spices makes this chili flavorful and filling.
- Freezer-Friendly: This chili freezes beautifully, allowing you to make a large batch and enjoy it later.
- Customizable: Adjust the spice level, add extra veggies, or even swap out the meat for turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: Whether you make it in advance or store leftovers, chili makes for an easy and convenient meal anytime.
- Easy to Make: This recipe doesn’t require any fancy techniques, just a little time and patience for the flavors to meld together.
Ingredients
To make this classic beef chili, you’ll need:
- 1 lb ground beef (you can use lean or regular)
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bell pepper, chopped (optional for added texture)
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tbsp chili powder (adjust to your heat preference)
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
- 1 tsp salt (or to taste)
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 cup beef broth (or water if you prefer)
- 1 tbsp olive oil (for sautéing)
Optional Toppings:
- Shredded cheddar cheese
- Sour cream or Greek yogurt
- Fresh cilantro, chopped
- Sliced jalapeños
Instructions
Step 1: Brown the Beef
Start by heating a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat and adding the olive oil. Once the oil is hot, add the ground beef and break it apart with a wooden spoon. Cook for about 6-8 minutes, or until the beef is fully browned. Be sure to drain any excess fat if necessary.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
Add the chopped onion, bell pepper (if using), and minced garlic to the pot with the beef. Sauté for another 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are soft and fragrant.
Step 3: Add the Tomatoes and Beans
Now, it’s time to add the canned tomatoes, kidney beans, black beans, tomato sauce, and tomato paste to the pot. Stir everything together to combine. The tomato paste will help thicken the chili and give it a rich, deep flavor.
Step 4: Season the Chili
Add the chili powder, cumin, paprika, oregano, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper to the pot. Stir well to coat the ingredients evenly with the spices. You can adjust the seasoning at this point depending on your taste. If you like it spicier, feel free to add more cayenne pepper or chili powder.
Step 5: Simmer and Let the Flavors Meld
Pour in the beef broth (or water) and stir everything together. Bring the chili to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let it simmer for at least 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. For the best flavor, let it simmer for an hour or more, allowing the spices to meld together and the chili to thicken. If the chili becomes too thick, simply add a little more broth or water to reach your desired consistency.
Step 6: Taste and Adjust
Taste the chili and adjust the seasoning if needed. You may want to add more salt, pepper, or chili powder to suit your preferences.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy!
Once the chili is done simmering and the flavors have fully developed, it’s ready to serve! Ladle the chili into bowls and top with your favorite toppings, such as shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, cilantro, and sliced jalapeños.
Freezing and Storing Leftovers
One of the best things about this beef chili is how well it freezes. After it has cooled down, transfer any leftovers to airtight containers or freezer bags. It will stay fresh in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply thaw the chili in the fridge overnight, then heat it up on the stove over medium heat until warmed through. You can also microwave individual portions for a quick meal.
Pro Tip: If you know you’ll be freezing some of the chili, you can leave out the broth while cooking and add it when reheating to prevent the chili from becoming too watery in the freezer.
Final Thoughts
This Classic Beef Chili is not only a great comfort food, but it’s also a super convenient option for meal prepping. Whether you’re serving it to a crowd, freezing some for later, or simply enjoying a hearty dinner, this recipe is sure to become a go-to favorite in your kitchen. Packed with bold flavors and the perfect balance of spice and richness, it’s a dish that will keep you coming back for more!
Don’t forget to share your own twists on this classic chili recipe in the comments below. We’d love to hear how you make it your own!