Introduction

When you’re craving a hearty, soul-warming meal that’s easy to make and full of bold flavor, this Easy Ground Beef Chili Recipe hits the spot every single time.

Made with tender ground beef, savory beans, and aromatic spices simmered together in a rich tomato base, this chili is the perfect comfort dish for any occasion — from cozy family dinners to game-day gatherings or cold-weather nights.

It’s simple, filling, and absolutely delicious — a true classic that never fails to satisfy. Plus, it gets even better the next day (if there’s any left!).

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• ❤️ Hearty & flavorful: A perfect balance of spices, beef, and beans.
• ⏱️ Quick & easy: Ready in under an hour with simple pantry ingredients.
• 🍛 Versatile: Serve it over rice, pasta, or with cornbread.
• ❄️ Freezer-friendly: Great for meal prep or make-ahead dinners.
• 🌶️ Customizable heat: Adjust the spice level to suit your taste.

Whether you’re cooking for the family or hosting a casual get-together, this chili is guaranteed to be a hit!

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Ingredients

Main Ingredients:

• 1 lb (450g) ground beef
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 (15 oz) can diced tomatoes
• 1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 cup beef broth or water

Spices & Seasoning:

• 2 tbsp chili powder
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• ½ tsp oregano
• ½ tsp salt (adjust to taste)
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• ¼ tsp cayenne pepper (optional for heat)

Optional Garnishes:

• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Sour cream or Greek yogurt
• Fresh cilantro or parsley
• Sliced jalapeños
• Chopped green onions

Instructions

Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef

In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat a drizzle of oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned and crumbly, about 5–6 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.

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Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

Add onion, garlic, and bell pepper to the pot. Sauté for 3–4 minutes until softened and fragrant.

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Step 3: Add the Seasonings

Stir in chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, pepper, and cayenne. Cook for 1 minute to bloom the spices and deepen the flavor.

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Step 4: Build the Base

Add the tomato paste, stirring for 1–2 minutes. Then pour in the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, beans, and beef broth. Stir to combine.

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Step 5: Simmer the Chili

Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 25–30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chili thickens and the flavors meld beautifully.

💡 Tip: The longer it simmers, the richer the flavor — let it go up to an hour if you have time!

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Step 6: Taste and Adjust

Taste and adjust seasonings — add more salt, chili powder, or broth as desired.

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Step 7: Serve & Garnish

Ladle the chili into bowls and top with cheddar cheese, sour cream, cilantro, or jalapeños. Serve hot and enjoy your hearty, flavorful meal!

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Serving Ideas

This chili is so versatile — here are a few fun ways to serve it:

• With cornbread or garlic bread for dipping.
• Over white rice or brown rice for a filling dinner.
• In tacos or burritos as a hearty filling.
• On top of baked potatoes or fries for a chili-loaded twist.
• As a nacho topping — add cheese and jalapeños for the ultimate snack!

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Tips for the Perfect Chili

1. Use quality ground beef (80/20) — it gives the best flavor and texture.
2. Bloom your spices before adding liquids for richer depth.
3. Add a bit of cocoa powder or brown sugar (½ tsp) for subtle sweetness.
4. Simmer longer if you want a thicker, more concentrated flavor.
5. Make it ahead — chili always tastes better the next day!

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Variations

Cheesy Chili: Stir in shredded cheddar right before serving.

No Beans? Omit them for a Texas-style chili.

Extra Spicy? Add jalapeños, chipotle powder, or hot sauce.

Light Version: Substitute ground turkey or chicken.

Add Veggies: Corn, zucchini, or sweet potatoes work great.

Storage & Reheating

• Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freezer: Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
• Reheat: Warm on the stovetop over medium heat or microwave until hot.

🔥 Tip: Add a splash of broth when reheating to bring back the perfect consistency.

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Nutrition (Per Serving)

(Makes 6 servings)

• Calories: 360
• Protein: 28g
• Carbs: 22g
• Fat: 18g
• Fiber: 7g
• Sugar: 5g

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FAQ

Q: Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Yes! Brown the beef first, then transfer everything to a crockpot. Cook on LOW for 6–8 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours.

Q: Can I make it vegetarian?
Absolutely! Replace the beef with lentils, quinoa, or extra beans and use veggie broth.

Q: How can I thicken my chili?
Let it simmer uncovered, or stir in a tablespoon of cornmeal or masa harina for a thicker texture.

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Conclusion

This Easy Ground Beef Chili is a timeless, satisfying meal that’s full of flavor, warmth, and comfort. Whether it’s a chilly night, a family dinner, or a game-day feast, this hearty chili delivers every time — simple ingredients, rich taste, and endless possibilities.

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