Homestyle Beef Chili: Easy Weeknight Comfort (Print Version)

Whip up this Homestyle Beef Chili for an easy, comforting meal. My simple recipe uses ground beef and classic spices for a hearty, flavorful bowl.

# Recipe Info:

Prep Time: 20 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 90 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 110 minutes
Servings: 6 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: American
Dietary: Meat-Eater Friendly

# Ingredients:

→ Main Chili Base

01 - 2 lbs ground beef (80/20 lean)
02 - 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
03 - 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes
04 - 1 (15 ounce) can kidney beans, rinsed and drained
05 - 1 (15 ounce) can pinto beans, rinsed and drained
06 - 2 cups beef broth

→ Flavor Builders & Spices

07 - 1 large yellow onion, chopped
08 - 4-5 cloves garlic, minced
09 - 3 tbsp chili powder
10 - 1 tbsp ground cumin
11 - 1 tsp smoked paprika
12 - 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (or more, to taste)
13 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

→ Optional Add-ins & Finishing Touches

14 - 1 red bell pepper, chopped
15 - 1 jalapeño, deseeded and minced (optional)
16 - Olive oil, for cooking

→ Fresh Toppings

17 - Sour cream or Greek yogurt
18 - Shredded cheddar cheese
19 - Fresh cilantro, chopped
20 - Sliced green onions
21 - Diced avocado

# Instructions:

01 - Grab a big, heavy-bottomed pot – my trusty Dutch oven is my absolute favorite for this Homestyle Beef Chili. Heat a splash of olive oil over medium-high heat, then add your ground beef. Break it up with a spoon, watching it sizzle and brown beautifully. That smell? Oh, that’s the start of something good! Cook until it's nicely browned all over, then drain off most of the fat, but honestly, leave a little; it's flavor, not just grease, I promise. Transfer the beef to a bowl for a moment.
02 - Reduce the heat to medium. Add a bit more oil if needed, then toss in your chopped onion, bell pepper, and deseeded jalapeño (if using). Sauté them until they start to soften and become translucent, about 5-7 minutes. You'll smell this amazing sweetness filling your kitchen; it’s just wonderful. Stir often so nothing sticks. This step is crucial for building a deep flavor foundation for your Homestyle Beef Chili. Don't rush it!
03 - Once the veggies are soft, add the minced garlic, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper to the pot. Stir constantly for about 1 minute, letting those spices toast and release their incredible aromas. This is where I almost always forget to keep stirring and almost burn them, oops! Seriously, don't let them burn; it makes the chili taste bitter. You want to smell them, not see smoke!
04 - Pour in the crushed and diced tomatoes (undrained, please!), the beef broth, and those rinsed kidney and pinto beans. Add the browned ground beef back to the pot. Give everything a good stir to combine, making sure all those lovely ingredients are mixed in. Bring the chili to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it cook for at least 1 hour, or even better, 2-3 hours. The longer it simmers, the more those flavors meld and deepen, I swear!
05 - After simmering, take a taste. This is where you become the chef! Add salt and freshly ground black pepper to your liking. Sometimes I add a tiny pinch of sugar to balance the acidity of the tomatoes, or a splash of apple cider vinegar for brightness. Don't be shy about adjusting; it's your Homestyle Beef Chili, after all! This is where my kitchen chaos usually peaks, with little spoons everywhere.
06 - Ladle your rich, hearty Homestyle Beef Chili into bowls. It should be thick, fragrant, and deeply flavorful. Top with your favorite garnishes – a dollop of sour cream, a sprinkle of shredded cheddar, some fresh cilantro, or even sliced avocado. It’s glorious, honestly. The steam rising from the bowl on a cold day? Nothing beats it. Enjoy!

# Notes:

01 - Always let your chili simmer for at least an hour; rushing it means missing out on incredible flavor depth, I learned that the hard way.
02 - Leftover chili is even better the next day; gently reheat on the stovetop for the best texture, avoid the microwave if possible.
03 - Don't be afraid to swap out beans or add a splash of dark beer for extra richness; I've tried it, and it works!
04 - Serve with warm, buttery cornbread on the side; it's the ultimate comfort combo for this Homestyle Beef Chili.

# Tools You'll Need:

01 - Large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot
02 - wooden spoon
03 - cutting board
04 - knife

# Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):

Calories: 450
Total Fat: 25g
Total Carbohydrate: 35g
Protein: 30g

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