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–+ servings
Beef chili in a white bowl.

Classic Ground Beef Chili Recipe

Hearty, classic beef chili loaded with lean beef, beans, bell peppers, and bold smoky spices—all simmered together in one cozy, flavor-packed pot. Quick to prep, easy to customize, and perfect for busy weeknights or game day gatherings!
5 from 1 vote
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Author Kori Butler
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Course Soups & Stews
Cuisine American
Servings 8
Calories 290 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 pounds lean ground beef
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 large onion (chopped)
  • 1 medium green bell pepper
  • 1 tablespoon minced garlic
  • 2 (16-ounce) cans crushed or diced fire-roasted tomatoes
  • 1 (16-ounce) can tomato sauce
  • 1 (16-ounce) can red kidney beans (rinsed and drained)
  • 1 (16-ounce) can black beans or pinto beans (rinsed and drained)
  • 1 (16-ounce) can beef broth
  • 2 tablespoons chili powder
  • 1 tablespoon ground cumin
  • 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
  • 2 teaspoons dried oregano
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
  • ¼ to ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (use ¼ if you like it mild, add more to taste)
  • ½ lime (freshly squeezed)
  • optional toppings: sour cream, shredded cheddar cheese, avocado slices

Instructions
 

  • In a large soup pot over medium-high heat, brown ground beef. Remove cooked beef from the pot with a slotted spoon and set aside. Drain grease.
  • Return the pot to the stove, add olive oil, and saute the onion and green bell pepper until soft, about 6 to 8 minutes. Add garlic and saute for 2 minutes.
  • Add meat and all remaining ingredients to the pot. Stir, cover, and bring to a simmer over medium heat.
  • Simmer covered for 45 minutes to 1 hour, reducing heat if needed to keep it at a gentle simmer. Remove bay leaves. Squeeze in lime juice to taste. Adjust salt and pepper if needed.

Video

Kori's Tips

  • Don't miss all of our helpful hints, substitution ideas, cooking tips, and other delicious recipes that can be found in our post. Check it out!
  • VARIATIONS: Use 1 pound of sliced smoked sausage (turkey or regular), or 1 pound of pork sausage in place of 1 pound of the ground beef; Adjust any flavor to taste - chili is so customizable. Swap out any bean variety; Other vegetables may be added such as drained corn, diced zucchini, and other bell peppers. 
  • TIPS: To keep this from becoming too greasy be sure to drain the fat from the beef; Make ahead tip, brown the ground beef and saute the onion and pepper ahead of time. Add all remaining ingredients to a pot and refrigerate until ready to cook.
  • SLOW COOKER INSTRUCTIONS: Brown the ground beef in a separate skillet, drain fat and add to the crockpot along with all the remaining ingredients. Cover and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours.
  • SERVING SUGGESTIONS: Garnish with sour cream, shredded cheddar cheese, and avocado slices. Chili pairs well with cornbread, chunky bread, or tortilla strips. 

Nutrition

Calories: 290kcalCarbohydrates: 23gProtein: 31gFat: 9gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gTrans Fat: 0.4gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 860mgPotassium: 1094mgFiber: 8gSugar: 7gVitamin A: 1321IUVitamin C: 29mgCalcium: 102mgIron: 7mg
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