🌶️ Hearty Homemade Beef Chili
⭐ Servings: 6
⏱️ Prep Time: 15 minutes
🍲 Cook Time: 1 hour (or longer for deeper flavor)
🧾 Ingredients
Meat & Oil
2 tbsp olive oil
1.5 lbs ground beef (or diced chuck for extra hearty texture)
Vegetables
1 large onion, diced
1 green bell pepper, diced
1 red bell pepper, diced
3–4 cloves garlic, minced
1–2 jalapeños, diced (optional for heat)
Canned Goods
1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
1 (15 oz) can diced tomatoes
1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, drained
1 (15 oz) can black beans or pinto beans, drained
1 cup beef broth (add more for thinner chili)
Spices
3 tbsp chili powder
1 tbsp ground cumin
1 tsp smoked paprika
1 tsp dried oregano
½ tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
1 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
½ tsp black pepper
1–2 tbsp brown sugar (balances acidity)
Optional Add-ins
1 tbsp tomato paste (for richness)
1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
A splash of beer for depth
Corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
🍳 Instructions
1. Brown the Beef
Heat oil in a large pot over medium-high heat.
Add ground beef; cook until browned, breaking into small pieces.
Drain excess fat if necessary.
2. Sauté the Vegetables
Add onion, bell peppers, and jalapeño.
Cook 5–7 minutes until softened.
Stir in garlic; cook 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Add Spices
Add chili powder, cumin, paprika, oregano, cayenne, salt, and pepper.
Stir and cook 1–2 minutes to bloom the spices.
4. Add Tomatoes, Beans & Broth
Stir in crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, beans, and beef broth.
Add tomato paste and Worcestershire (if using).
Mix well.
5. Simmer
Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low.
Simmer 45–60 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Add extra broth or water if it becomes too thick.
6. Taste & Adjust
Add brown sugar if needed to cut acidity.
Adjust salt, pepper, and spices to your liking.
🥄 Serving Suggestions
Top with:
Shredded cheddar
Sour cream
Chopped green onions
Fresh cilantro
Crushed tortilla chips
Sliced jalapeños
Serve with:
Cornbread 🧀
Rice
Baked potatoes
Tortilla chips
🔁 Variations
Spicy Chili
Add extra jalapeños, chipotle peppers in adobo, or more cayenne.
Chunky Chili
Use diced chuck roast instead of ground beef.
No-Bean Chili
Omit all beans and add extra beef.
Slow Cooker Version
Brown meat + sauté veggies first.
Add everything to slow cooker.
Cook Low 6–8 hours or High 3–4 hours.