This ground beef chili is warm, hearty, and perfect for any day when you need some comfort food. With a mix of tender beef, beans, and spices, it’s full of flavor!
Making chili is so simple—just brown the beef, add the other ingredients, and let it simmer. I love to enjoy it with cornbread on the side, which adds a nice touch! 🌽
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: Lean ground beef is preferred for chili. If you’re looking for a lighter option, ground turkey or chicken works well too, but they have less fat. I sometimes mix in some beef and pork for added flavor!
Onion: A small onion adds sweetness and depth. If you’re out of onions, shallots or scallions can be a good substitute. For a kick, try using a red onion.
Beans: While this recipe doesn’t call for them, beans are a common chili ingredient. Black beans or kidney beans are great choices. If you want to cut carbs, leave them out or use a low-carb alternative like cauliflower.
Spices: Chili powder is key to this dish’s flavor. If you’re out of it, mix equal parts cumin, paprika, and cayenne for a similar taste. I love adding a bit of cocoa powder for a deeper flavor!
How Can I Make Sure My Chili is Full of Flavor?
One of the essential techniques in making chili is properly developing the flavors. Here’s how to do it:
- Start by cooking the onions until they’re clear and soft—they should not brown too quickly.
- Add the garlic after the onion is softened; this helps avoid burning it.
- Don’t rush browning the ground beef. Make sure it’s fully cooked and starting to brown, which builds flavor.
- To deepen the flavor, toast the spices in the pot with the beef for about a minute; this releases their oils and enhances their taste.
- Let the chili simmer! A longer cook time helps meld all the flavors together. Stir it occasionally for even cooking.
With these tips, your chili will be rich and satisfying—perfect for warming up on a chilly day!
Ground Beef Chili
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
- 1/2 cup beef broth or water
- 2 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- Optional toppings:
- Shredded cheddar cheese
- Sliced jalapeños
- Sour cream
- Fresh cilantro, chopped
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Ground Beef Chili will take you about 10 minutes to prepare and roughly 30 minutes to cook. So, about 40 minutes total from start to finish! Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend meal.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Onion:
Start by heating the vegetable oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté it for about 3-4 minutes until it becomes soft and translucent.
2. Add the Garlic:
Next, add the minced garlic to the pot. Cook for about 30 seconds until it becomes fragrant, but be careful not to let it burn!
3. Brown the Beef:
Now, add the ground beef to the pot. Use a spoon to break it apart and cook until it is fully browned with no pink remaining, which should take around 6-8 minutes. If there’s any excess fat, drain it off before moving on to the next step.
4. Toast the Spices:
Stir in the chili powder, ground cumin, paprika, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Let the mixture cook for an additional minute to toast the spices, allowing their flavors to enhance.
5. Combine the Ingredients:
Now it’s time to add the canned diced tomatoes (including their juice), tomato sauce, and beef broth (or water). Stir everything together until well combined.
6. Simmer the Chili:
Bring this lovely mixture to a gentle simmer. Once it starts bubbling, reduce the heat to low, cover it partially with a lid, and let it cook for 25-30 minutes. Make sure to stir occasionally—this helps the flavors meld beautifully!
7. Taste and Adjust:
After 30 minutes, give your chili a taste. Do you need to add a little more salt or spice? Adjust the flavors to your liking!
8. Serve and Enjoy!
Now it’s time to serve your warm chili! Ladle it into bowls and top with optional garnishes like shredded cheddar cheese, sliced jalapeños, a dollop of sour cream, and fresh cilantro. Enjoy every spoonful of this hearty dish!
This Ground Beef Chili is perfect for family meals, gatherings, or meal prep. Enjoy the cozy flavors any day of the week!
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great alternative for a leaner chili. Just keep in mind it may have a milder flavor, so consider adding a bit more seasoning to enhance it.
What Can I Add for Extra Heat?
If you like your chili spicy, you can add diced fresh jalapeños, cayenne pepper, or even some hot sauce while cooking. Adjust the amount according to your heat preference!
How Do I Store Leftover Chili?
Leftover chili can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze it for up to 3 months! Just thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Can I Make This Chili in a Slow Cooker?
Yes! After browning the beef and onions, transfer everything to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. It develops even more flavor this way! Just make sure to add the beans (if using) during the last hour of cooking.
