Some nights just call for something that feels like an old friend—warm, familiar, and a little bit rugged. This classic ground beef chili does exactly that. It’s the kind of meal that fills your kitchen with the smell of simmering spices and coaxing comfort out of simple ingredients. The kind of dish you can’t help but sneak a spoonful of while it’s still bubbling away on the stove, even if you think you should wait until dinner actually starts.
I remember one chilly evening when I was halfway through a project and realized I hadn’t eaten all day. The moment I opened the pot and caught that smoky paprika and cumin scent, I paused—work could wait. The way the tomatoes mingled with the beans and browned beef, softening into something thick and hearty, was like a little break in the chaos. I wasn’t paying full attention—I probably added a pinch too much cayenne, which made my nose tingle a bit—but that just made it feel homemade, imperfect, and real. It was exactly what I needed.
- It’s a one-pot wonder that doesn’t demand too much fuss but delivers on flavor.
- Hearty and filling without being heavy, thanks to the balance of beans and beef.
- Spiced just right to warm you up, though it’s easy to adjust if you’re sensitive to heat.
- The recipe’s simplicity means you can make it on a weeknight, but it’s still special enough to share with friends.
- It’s simple—and that’s kind of the point. No need to overcomplicate comfort food.
If you’re worried about chili being too spicy or tricky, this one tends to stay in the friendly zone. And if you miss a step or two or toss in an extra dash of something, it’s still going to taste like home.
PrintClassic Ground Beef Chili
A hearty and flavorful ground beef chili made with tomatoes, beans, and a blend of spices. Perfect for a comforting meal any day of the week.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 6
Ingredients
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 pound ground beef
1 medium yellow onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 medium green bell pepper, diced
1 (14.5 ounces) can diced tomatoes, undrained
1 (8 ounces) can tomato sauce
1 (15 ounces) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
1 (15 ounces) can pinto beans, drained and rinsed
2 tablespoons chili powder
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 cup beef broth
Instructions
Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
Add diced onion and green bell pepper to the pot and sauté for 5 minutes until softened.
Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Add ground beef to the pot and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned and no longer pink, about 7-8 minutes.
Drain excess fat from the pot if necessary.
Stir in chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, dried oregano, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Cook for 1 minute to toast the spices.
Add diced tomatoes with their juice, tomato sauce, kidney beans, pinto beans, and beef broth. Stir to combine.
Bring the chili to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Taste and adjust seasoning if needed before serving.
Don’t worry about fancy gear here—a sturdy pot will do just fine. This chili pairs great with cornbread or even a simple green salad if you want to lighten things up. Sometimes I like to add a little shredded cheese on top or a dollop of sour cream, but honestly, it’s just as good straight from the pot. If you want to change things up, try swapping one of the bean types or adding a bit of chopped chipotle for a smokier kick—I haven’t tested all variations, but it’s fun to experiment.
FAQ
Can I make this chili ahead of time? Absolutely, it actually tastes better the next day after the flavors meld together.
Is it freezer-friendly? Yes, you can freeze leftovers for up to three months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
How spicy is it? It has a mild to moderate kick, but you can easily adjust the cayenne pepper to your taste.
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef? You can try, but the flavor and texture will change quite a bit.
When you’re craving something that’s more than just dinner, this chili is waiting to wrap you up in warmth and simplicity. Give it a try and see how a bowl can turn a night around.