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The Best Classic Ground Beef Chili: Your Ultimate Comfort Feast

Close-up of a steaming white bowl filled with rich, hearty chili featuring ground beef, kidney beans, and diced vegetables.
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This is the ultimate, hearty ground beef and bean chili recipe. It builds deep flavor easily on the stovetop, making it perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or game day gathering.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 pounds ground beef (80/20 recommended)
  • 1 large yellow onion, chopped
  • 1 green bell pepper, chopped
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
  • 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
  • 1 (15 ounce) can kidney beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 (15 ounce) can pinto beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 (15 ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 cup beef broth
  • 3 tablespoons chili powder
  • 1 tablespoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
  • 1 teaspoon unsweetened cocoa powder (secret ingredient for depth)

Instructions

  1. Heat the olive oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat.
  2. Add the ground beef to the pot. Cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until fully browned. Drain off any excess grease.
  3. Add the chopped onion and bell pepper to the pot with the beef. Cook until the vegetables soften, about 5 to 7 minutes.
  4. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  5. Add the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes (with their juice), beef broth, chili powder, cumin, oregano, salt, pepper, cayenne pepper (if using), and the cocoa powder. Stir well to combine all the spices.
  6. Bring the mixture to a simmer. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot partially, and let it simmer for at least 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. Longer simmering (up to 1 hour) deepens the flavor.
  7. Stir in the rinsed and drained kidney beans, pinto beans, and black beans. Cook for another 10 minutes, uncovered, until the beans are heated through and the chili has thickened to your liking.
  8. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed before serving. Serve hot with your favorite toppings.

Notes

  • For a Pioneer Woman style richness, use a mix of ground beef and ground chuck.
  • If you prefer a thicker chili, remove the lid during the last 20 minutes of simmering to allow more liquid to evaporate.
  • This chili tastes even better the next day; plan for leftovers!
  • For a crockpot option, brown the meat and sauté the vegetables on the stove first, then transfer everything (except the beans) to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. Add beans during the last hour of cooking.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://eatableempress.com/best-classic-ground-beef-chili-recipe/