Hearty Beef Chili Recipe
Thick, meaty chili loaded with beans, tomatoes, and warm spices
By Sarah Mitchell • June 14, 2026
This hearty beef chili is thick, meaty, and deeply flavored with cumin, chili powder, and smoked paprika. A mix of kidney and black beans gives it heft.
The longer it simmers, the better it gets. Make it a day ahead and reheat for even more flavor.
Serve with cornbread, sour cream, shredded cheese, and diced onions.
About This Recipe
"Hearty Beef Chili" is a Soups & Stews recipe that brings ground beef, onion, diced, garlic, minced, crushed tomatoes and kidney beans, drained together into a flavorful, well-balanced dish. Rated Easy and ready in about 60 minutes, this recipe fits easily into a busy schedule. It serves 8 and works equally well for a weeknight dinner or a relaxed weekend meal. The American inspiration behind this dish balances classic techniques with clean, vibrant flavors.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs ground beef
- 1 large onion, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained
- 3 tbsp chili powder
- 2 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 tsp salt
Instructions
- 1
Brown beef in a large pot. Drain excess fat.
- 2
Add onion and garlic. Cook 5 minutes until soft.
- 3
Stir in chili powder, cumin, and paprika. Cook 1 minute.
- 4
Add crushed tomatoes, beans, and broth. Stir to combine.
- 5
Bring to a boil, then simmer 30-45 minutes until thick.
- 6
Serve with sour cream, shredded cheese, and diced onions.
Expert Tips
For the best result, use the freshest, highest-quality ingredients you can find. Ground beef is the heart of this dish, so choose it with care. Read the recipe through before you start and prep all ingredients in advance (mise en place) so the cooking process is smooth. Stovetop work especially well for this preparation. Taste and adjust salt, pepper, and acid at the end to make the flavors pop.
What To Serve With This
"Hearty Beef Chili" is a versatile Soups & Stews dish that pairs beautifully with a simple side salad, buttered green beans, roasted potatoes and classic American sides. Choose at least one fresh and one hearty side to create a balanced meal.
Storage & Reheating
Hearty Beef Chili stores well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2–3 days. Let it cool to room temperature before refrigerating before sealing the container. Reheat gently until warmed through, adding a small splash of liquid if needed to restore the original texture.
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to make Hearty Beef Chili?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep and 45 minutes of cooking, for a total of roughly 60 minutes. It serves 8 and is rated Easy.
How do I store leftover Hearty Beef Chili?
Store leftover Hearty Beef Chili in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Make sure to let it cool to room temperature before refrigerating. Reheat in the oven or on the stovetop for best results.
Can I make Hearty Beef Chili ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare Hearty Beef Chili in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently before serving to preserve the best texture and flavor.
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