Name: Best Ever Beef Chili Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 pounds lean ground beef; 1 small onion diced; 1 green bell pepper diced; 2 garlic cloves minced; 2 cups beef broth; 1 (8-ounce) can tomato sauce; 1 (15-ounce) can diced tomatoes undrained; 1 (15-ounce) can pinto beans drained; 1 (15-ounce) can kidney beans drained; 3 tablespoons chili powder; 1 tablespoon oregano; 1 teaspoon cumin; 1 teaspoon coriander; 1 teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon pepper; ¼ teaspoon cayenne

Jump to Recipe· 4.9 from 67 reviews

If you’re hunting for a chili recipe that truly hits all the right notes, you’ve just found it. This Best Ever Beef Chili Recipe is exactly what it says on the tin—rich, hearty, and packed with bold flavors that will warm you up on any chilly day. Whether you’re making dinner for family or meal prepping for the week, this chili checks every box and then some. Trust me, once you try this, your chili game will never be the same.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Super Hearty & Flavorful: The perfect combo of spices and beef broth makes this chili rich without feeling heavy.
Simple Ingredients: You probably already have these staples in your kitchen, making it an easy go-to meal.
Versatile & Customizable: It’s easy to tweak for your heat preference or to add your favorite veggies or beans.
Perfect for Crowd-Pleasing: This recipe makes enough to feed a crowd or to have leftovers that taste even better the next day.

Best Ever Beef Chili, hearty beef chili, easy chili recipe, homemade beef chili, flavorful chili - Inside a round white pot, there is a thick chili mixture. The dish has many layers: a red tomato sauce base, chunks of red bell peppers, light brown cooked ground meat, beige and dark red beans, and bits of translucent onions and green celery. The chili looks juicy with some shiny spots of oil and small green cilantro pieces sprinkled on top. A metal ladle with a worn handle rests in the pot, filled with the chili showing all these layers closely. The pot is on a white marbled surface, and the edges of the pot have splashes of the red sauce around the top. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Every ingredient in this Best Ever Beef Chili Recipe plays a role to create that perfect balance between hearty, spicy, and comforting. From ground beef to spices, here’s the scoop on what makes them special.

Best Ever Beef Chili, hearty beef chili, easy chili recipe, homemade beef chili, flavorful chili - Flat lay of fresh lean ground beef in a white ceramic bowl, a small diced yellow onion on a white plate, a diced green bell pepper on a white plate, two whole garlic cloves, two small white ceramic bowls—one with beef broth and one with smooth tomato sauce, a white plate with bright red diced tomatoes, a white plate holding drained pinto beans, another white plate with drained kidney beans, small white bowls each containing chili powder, dried oregano, ground cumin, ground coriander, salt, black pepper, and cayenne powder arranged symmetrically, all ingredients fresh and natural, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Lean Ground Beef: Using lean beef helps reduce excess grease but still delivers hearty flavor and great texture.
Onion: Adds sweetness and depth, it softens and blends perfectly with the spices.
Green Bell Pepper: Brings a mild, fresh crunch that balances the richness of the beef.
Garlic: Essential aromatics that lift every bite with a punch of flavor.
Beef Broth: Adds subtle meaty notes and keeps the chili saucy without watering down flavors.
Tomato Sauce & Diced Tomatoes: The tomato base that thickens the chili and tethers all spices and ingredients together.
Pinto and Kidney Beans: A classic chili duo that provides creaminess and a satisfying bite.
Chili Powder, Oregano, Cumin, Coriander: This spice blend brings warmth, smokiness, and a touch of earthiness that defines chili.
Salt & Pepper: The unsung heroes that make all other flavors pop.
Cayenne: Adds just the right kick without overpowering the dish.

Note: Exact ingredients and measurements are listed in the recipe card below.

Make It Your Way

One of my favorite parts about this Best Ever Beef Chili Recipe is how flexible it is. You can easily adjust it to match your spice tolerance or add in your own twist—whether that’s a splash of beer for richness or swapping out beans to keep it low-carb.

Spice Level: I usually bump up the cayenne when I want a little extra heat, but dial it back if you’re serving kids or prefer mild.
Vegetarian Option: Swap the beef for a plant-based crumbles or add extra beans and veggies like zucchini to keep it hearty.
Smoky Twist: Sometimes I add a teaspoon of smoked paprika for that subtle campfire flavor.
Thicker Chili: For a chili con carne feel, simmer a bit longer or add a tablespoon of masa harina or cornmeal toward the end.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Best Ever Beef Chili Recipe

Step 1: Sizzle and Brown the Meat to Perfection

Start by adding the lean ground beef to a large pot over medium-high heat. I like to break it up with my spatula so it cooks evenly—aim for nicely browned bits without overcrowding to avoid steaming. Once browned, I drain the excess fat; this keeps the chili from tasting greasy while keeping flavor intact.

Step 2: Build Your Flavor Base

Into the same pot, toss in your diced onion, green bell pepper, and minced garlic. Sauté them until the vegetables are soft and fragrant but not mushy—about 5 minutes. This step layers in sweetness and aroma that serves as the backbone for your chili.

Step 3: Add the Good Stuff — Liquids, Beans, and Spices

Now pour in the beef broth, tomato sauce, and undrained diced tomatoes, followed by the kidney and pinto beans. Then sprinkle in your chili powder, oregano, cumin, coriander, salt, pepper, and cayenne. Give everything a big stir to combine, ensuring the spices get evenly distributed through the pot.

Step 4: Simmer and Let the Magic Happen

Bring your chili to a boil, then immediately reduce heat to low and let it simmer, uncovered. Stir occasionally as it thickens over about 30 minutes. This slow simmer allows all those flavors to marry — trust me, this slow buildup is key to that “best ever” magic.

Pro Tips for Making Best Ever Beef Chili Recipe

Brown the Beef Thoroughly: Browning adds caramelized flavor, so don’t rush this step or crowd your pan.
Don’t Skip Deglazing: After browning, add a splash of broth and scrape the browned bits off the pot to capture every ounce of flavor.
Simmer Low and Slow: This lets the flavors meld wonderfully — patience here truly pays off.
Adjust Seasonings at the End: Taste before serving and tweak salt or spice levels for the perfect finish.

How to Serve Best Ever Beef Chili Recipe

Best Ever Beef Chili, hearty beef chili, easy chili recipe, homemade beef chili, flavorful chili - A close-up view of a bowl filled with a thick chili showing layers of brown cooked ground meat mixed with dark red kidney beans, light brown pinto beans, tomato chunks, and small pieces of green bell pepper, all in a rich reddish-brown sauce; on top near the edge is a dollop of white sour cream with a fresh green lime wedge sitting beside it, a few bright yellow corn chips piled up next to some shredded white and yellow cheese, and a sprig of fresh green cilantro, all arranged in a white bowl on a white marbled surface; photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

I love topping this chili with a dollop of sour cream to cut through the spice and a handful of shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese for extra creaminess. Fresh chopped cilantro or green onions add a fresh, zesty lift that I find makes each bite pop.

Side Dishes

My go-to sides are warm cornbread or crispy tortilla chips. Sometimes I serve it over a bed of fluffy rice for a more filling meal. A simple green salad with tangy vinaigrette balances all that chili richness perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

For game day or casual gatherings, I like serving this chili in individual bread bowls—super fun and totally cozy. Another favorite is layering it in a chili cheese dip with crushed chips baked on top for a party crowd pleaser.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, I store my chili in airtight containers or ziplock bags in the fridge, where it keeps well for 5 to 7 days. Leftovers taste just as good—if not better—after the flavors meld overnight.

Freezing

This chili freezes beautifully! I let mine cool completely, then flatten it in freezer bags to save space and label with the date. It lasts up to 3 months frozen—perfect for busy weeks when you want a quick meal.

Reheating

To reheat, I thaw overnight in the fridge, then warm it gently on the stovetop or microwave. Stirring occasionally helps maintain a smooth texture. If it’s too thick, add a splash of beef broth or water to loosen it up.

FAQs

Can I make this Best Ever Beef Chili Recipe in a slow cooker?

Absolutely! After browning the beef and sautéing the veggies, transfer everything to your slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. This method lets the flavors develop even more deeply with minimal hands-on time.
Can I substitute ground turkey or chicken?

Yes, lean ground turkey or chicken can be used, but since they’re leaner, you might want to add a bit of olive oil when cooking or a splash of broth to keep your chili moist and flavorful.
What’s the best way to thicken the chili if it’s too watery?

Simmer longer uncovered to let excess liquid evaporate, or stir in a tablespoon of masa harina or cornmeal near the end of cooking for a subtle thickening that also adds a faint corn flavor.
Can I add fresh chili peppers for extra heat?

Definitely! Adding chopped jalapeños or serranos while sautéing the onions and peppers gives your chili a fresh spicy boost. Just be mindful of the heat level if cooking for family or friends with sensitive palates.

Final Thoughts

This Best Ever Beef Chili Recipe has become a staple in my kitchen for good reason—it’s consistently comforting, straightforward to make, and crowds always ask for seconds. I love how it fills the house with warm, spicy aromas and brings everyone together around the table. Give it a go on your next cozy night in; I’m betting it’ll become one of your favorites too.