Introduction
Nothing beats a warm, hearty bowl of chili packed with savory ground beef, beans, and bold spices. This Ultimate Hearty Chili is rich, flavorful, and easy to make—perfect for cold nights, game days, or meal prep.
Whether you like your chili mild or extra spicy, this customizable recipe is guaranteed to satisfy!
-Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✔️ Thick & Flavorful – Slow-simmered for deep, bold flavors.
✔️ Protein-Packed – Loaded with ground beef and beans.
✔️ One-Pot Meal – Easy cleanup and perfect for batch cooking.
✔️ Customizable Heat Level – Adjust the spice to your liking.
✔️ Great for Meal Prep – Even better the next day!
-Ingredients
For the Chili:
1 lb ground beef (or turkey for a leaner option)
1 small onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 (14 oz) can diced tomatoes (with juices)
1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, drained & rinsed
1 (15 oz) can black beans or pinto beans, drained & rinsed
1 cup beef broth (or water)
1 tablespoon tomato paste
1 tablespoon olive oil
Spices & Seasonings:
1 tablespoon chili powder
1 teaspoon ground cumin
½ teaspoon paprika
½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
½ teaspoon oregano
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
1 teaspoon brown sugar (balances acidity)
Optional Toppings:
Shredded cheddar cheese
Sour cream
Sliced jalapeños
Fresh cilantro
Diced avocado
Crushed tortilla chips
-Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Brown the Beef
1. Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
2. Add diced onion and sauté for 2-3 minutes until soft.
3. Stir in garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
4. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula.
5. Drain any excess grease.
Step 2: Add the Seasonings
1. Stir in chili powder, cumin, paprika, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper.
2. Cook for 1-2 minutes, allowing the spices to toast and develop flavor.
Step 3: Add Tomatoes & Beans
1. Pour in diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and tomato paste.
2. Stir in kidney beans, black beans, and beef broth.
3. Add brown sugar to balance acidity.
Step 4: Simmer & Thicken
1. Bring chili to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low.
2. Cover and simmer for 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally.
3. If chili is too thick, add extra broth or water.
4. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Step 5: Serve & Garnish
1. Ladle chili into bowls.
2. Add your favorite toppings (cheese, sour cream, jalapeños, etc.).
3. Serve hot and enjoy!
-Serving Suggestions
With Cornbread – A classic pairing for chili!
With Crusty Bread – Perfect for dipping.
As a Topping – Great over nachos, hot dogs, or baked potatoes.
With a Side Salad – Lightens up the meal.
-Tips for the Best Chili
Toast the spices – Cooking spices before adding liquid enhances flavor.
Don’t rush the simmering – Slow cooking develops a richer taste.
Use quality beef – 80/20 ground beef provides the best balance of fat & flavor.
Customize your beans – Try pinto, navy, or white beans for variety.
️ Make it spicy – Add extra cayenne, hot sauce, or diced jalapeños.
-Variations & Flavor Twists
1. Texas-Style Chili (No Beans)
Skip the beans and add more beef & tomatoes for a true Texas-style chili.
Use cubed chuck roast instead of ground beef.
2. White Chicken Chili
Replace ground beef with shredded chicken.
Use white beans and green chilies for a lighter twist.
3. Vegetarian Chili
Swap meat for extra beans, lentils, or mushrooms.
Add bell peppers, zucchini, and corn for extra texture.
4. Slow Cooker Chili
Brown the beef and onions, then transfer everything to a slow cooker.
Cook on LOW for 6-8 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours.
5. Spicy Chipotle Chili
Add 1-2 chopped chipotle peppers in adobo sauce for smoky heat.
Increase cayenne or use hot Mexican chili powder.
-Storage & Make-Ahead Tips
❄️ Store leftovers – Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freeze for later – Store in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months.
Reheat – Warm on the stove over medium heat or microwave in 30-second bursts.
-Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I make this chili ahead of time?
Yes! Chili tastes even better the next day after the flavors have melded.
2. How do I thicken my chili?
Simmer longer to reduce liquid.
Mash some beans and stir them in.
Add cornmeal or masa harina for a thicker texture.
3. Can I make chili without beans?
Absolutely! Just increase the beef and tomatoes for a heartier, bean-free version.
4. What if my chili is too spicy?
Add extra tomato sauce or broth to mellow it out.
Stir in a bit of honey or sugar to balance the heat.
Serve with sour cream for a cooling effect.
-Final Thoughts
This Ultimate Hearty Chili is the perfect balance of rich, savory flavors and bold spices. Whether you’re making it for a cozy weeknight meal, a football party, or meal prep, this chili will become a go-to comfort food favorite.
Try this classic chili recipe today and enjoy a warm, satisfying bowl that’s guaranteed to impress!