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This Beef Chili Recipe is my go-to in the cold months for big get togethers, tailgating or just a cold winter day. You can make this recipe in the crockpot or even simmer it on your stove. Your guests will love this classic beef chili!
I was making a big batch of this Beef Chili Recipe recently and realized I haven’t shared it with you guys.
I have a lot of chili recipes including some fan favorites like this Slow Cooker Turkey Chili, Instant Pot Turkey Chili and an Instant Pot Beef Chili, but not a classic beef chili recipe that you can make on the stove or in the crockpot.
We had our first big snow over the last two days and this chili was one of the things I made.
I love a big bowl of Beef Chili on a cold day. I also like that when I make a big batch of this I can leave some containers in the fridge for Mike’s lunches and put some in the freeze for later.
This Beef Chili in the Slow Cooker is so easy but I also provided an easy stove-top option for those that want to simmer it for a couple of hours.
If you like ground beef recipe you also might like these Taco Beef Sliders, Beef Kafta Meatballs, Beef Kafta Kabob Recipe or this Ground Beef Layered Hummus.
Recipe Ingredients
For exact ingredient amounts and instructions, see the full recipe card below.
- Ground Beef: I love a hearty chili using ground beef. I find that ground beef gives off the most flavor in chili out of all the ground meats I have tried. I used 80/20 in my chili.
- Veggies: I use bell peppers, jalapeño, onion and garlic in my chili. You can feel free to add in whatever vegetables you like. Some I enjoy are carrots, celery, zucchini and poblanos.
- Beans: Beans are always a staple when it comes to making chili. You can easily leave them out if you don’t like them and just load up on more veggies and diced tomatoes. This Beef Chili Recipe uses pinto or black beans and kidney beans. Feel free to use whatever is in your pantry.
- Tomatoes: I use a can of diced tomatoes and a can of fire roasted tomatoes. You can also use a can that includes green chilis in it if you like.
- Spices: I love the combination of chili powder, cumin, paprika, oregano and cayenne pepper in chili. You can use more or less of the cayenne pepper for additional heat. If you really like spice try a few splashes of hot sauce.
- Cocoa Powder: One secret ingredient I love to use in chili is cocoa powder. You certainly don’t have to but I love the rich, warm flavor it adds in.
How to Make Beef Chili
Step 1: Cook Beef: Put the 2 Tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot and heat over medium high heat.
Add the onion and garlic and sauté for two minutes. Add the ground beef and continue to cook until browned.
Step 2: Add Spices: Drain the fat and return to the pot. Add the bell pepper, jalapeño, chili powder, cumin, paprika, oregano, cayenne pepper, cocoa powder
Step 3: Add Remaining Ingredients: Add the beans, fire roasted tomatoes, diced tomatoes and tomato paste.
Give it a good stir and simmer it on the stove for 1 to 2 hours, stirring occasionally. Garnish with your favorite toppings.
Storage Tips
- Store the leftover in an airtight container for up to 4 days. To reheat you can heat on the stove or in the microwave.
- You can also freeze this chili. Let it cool completely and then store in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
More Chili Recipes
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Beef Chili Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 red onion, diced
- 4 cloves garlic , minced
- 1 pound ground Beef , {I use 80/20}
- 1 large red bell pepper, seeds removed, diced {or color of your choice}
- 1 jalapeño, seeds removed, diced
- 3 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 tablespoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper , {optional for spice}
- 2 Tablespoons cocoa powder
- 15 ounce pinto beans, or black beans, drained and rinsed
- 15 ounce kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 15 ounce fire roasted diced tomatoes
- 15 ounce diced tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
Instructions
- For the slow cooker:
- In a large skillet heat 2 Tablespoons olive oil over medium heat. Add the beef and cook until browned. Drain the fat and add to the slow cooker.
- Add the remaining ingredients to the slow cooker and cook on low for 5-6 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
- Serve warm in soup bowls with your choice of toppings like sour cream, avocado, cheese and chopped red onion.
- For Stove-top:
- Put the 2 Tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot and heat over medium high heat.
- Add the onion and garlic and sauté for two minutes. Add the ground beef and continue to cook until browned.
- Drain the fat and return to the pot. Add the bell pepper, jalapeño, chili powder, cumin, paprika, oregano, cayenne pepper, cocoa powder
- Add the beans, fire roasted tomatoes, diced tomatoes and tomato paste.
- Give it a good stir and simmer it on the stove for 1 to 2 hours, stirring occasionally. Garnish with your favorite toppings.
Notes
- Chili freezes great for later. Let it cool completely, I often will put it in the fridge overnight. The next day freezes it in a sealed container.
- Feel free to add more or less of the jalapeños and cayenne pepper for spice.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Perfect for football season
Beef is my favorite dish. Thanks for your yummy beef chili. I can’t wait to try this I try this recipe next weekend. Hope this taste will be so yummy and taste.
Your blog is so useful please keep sharing.
Hope you enjoy it!