Easy Ground Beef Chili Recipe

If you’re craving something hearty, comforting, and downright delicious, this Easy Ground Beef Chili Recipe is exactly what you need. I’ve been making chili for years, and this version has become my family’s absolute favorite — it’s loaded with flavor, easy to whip up, and perfect for cozy nights or feeding a crowd. Stick with me, and I’ll walk you through every step to make sure your chili turns out perfect every single time.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients here blend perfectly to pack a punch of flavor while keeping things approachable. When cooking this Easy Ground Beef Chili Recipe, I always recommend choosing fresh veggies and high-quality ground beef for the best results.

• Ground beef: I prefer 80/20 for just the right balance of flavor and juiciness without too much grease.
• Yellow onion: Adds a sweet, savory foundation; caramelize it a bit for deeper flavor.
• Green and red bell peppers: These brighten the dish with color and subtle sweetness.
• Garlic: Fresh minced garlic gives that signature aroma and taste.
• Sea salt and black pepper: Essential to bring all the flavors together.
• Kidney beans: I like to drain and rinse them to keep the chili hearty but not too starchy.
• Crushed tomatoes and tomato paste: Tomato paste thickens and intensifies the chili, while crushed tomatoes add body.
• Beef bouillon cubes: This trick adds depth – don’t skip it.
• Chili powder: The soul of your chili; mild works best for a family-friendly meal.
• Ground cumin and dried oregano: These spices layer in warmth and earthiness.
• Sugar: Just a touch balances acidity from tomatoes.
• Cayenne pepper (optional): For a little extra kick, but only if you like it spicy.

Variations

I love how flexible this Easy Ground Beef Chili Recipe is — once you’ve got the basics down, feel free to experiment and make it your own. It’s so rewarding to tweak and watch how small changes create new versions you’ll crave just as much.

• Vegetarian version: Swap out ground beef with a mix of chopped mushrooms and black beans — I did this once for a friend and they couldn’t believe it wasn’t meat!
• Spice it up: If you like heat, add chipotle peppers in adobo or extra cayenne for a smoky punch.
• Slow cooker chili: Brown everything on the stove, then let it simmer low and slow all day – the flavors get even deeper.
• Different beans: Pinto or black beans also work great, just rinse them well.

How to Make Easy Ground Beef Chili Recipe

Step 1: Sauté Your Base for Depth

Start by heating a large Dutch oven or heavy pot over medium-high heat. Toss in your ground beef along with diced onions, green and red bell peppers, and minced garlic. Add salt and pepper here to season as you go. I love breaking up the beef with a wooden spoon while it cooks — it helps get that perfect crumbly texture. Cook everything until the beef is nicely browned and the veggies soften, usually about 8 to 10 minutes. This step builds the flavor foundation you’ll thank yourself for later.

Step 2: Layer In Flavor with Tomatoes and Spices

Once your meat and veggies are ready, stir in the kidney beans, crushed tomatoes, and tomato paste. Then crush the beef bouillon cubes into the pot for an umami boost. Add your chili powder, cumin, oregano, sugar, and the optional cayenne if you want a little heat. Pour in just enough water to cover the beans—about one to one and a half cups—and give it all a good stir. This is where it starts smelling like magic in your kitchen.

Step 3: Simmer Low and Slow

Bring your pot to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer gently. I usually let my chili bubble away for at least two hours, stirring occasionally. If you have the time, simmering for up to eight hours makes it even richer and more melded together. Just watch it doesn’t dry out — add a splash of water if needed. Toward the end, taste and adjust with salt to your preference.

Step 4: Serve and Garnish with Love

Ladle the chili into bowls and get ready for the fun part: garnishing! This chili holds up beautifully to toppings that bring freshness and creaminess to each bite.

How to Serve Easy Ground Beef Chili Recipe

Garnishes

My family swears by a mix of fresh cilantro, chopped green onions, and a dollop of sour cream to cut the richness. A good sprinkle of shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese adds creaminess that melts beautifully into the chili. For a bit of heat, thin slices of fresh jalapeño are a must if you like a little bite. You can’t go wrong with these classic toppings!

Side Dishes

I like serving this chili with warm cornbread or crusty bread to soak up every last drop. Simple sides like a green salad or steamed rice also work really well if you want something lighter. Sometimes, I’ll even offer tortilla chips for crunch.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun family dinner or game day, try serving the chili over baked potatoes or even inside crispy taco shells. Setting up a chili bar with all the toppings spread out lets everyone customize their bowl — my kids love this DIY approach! It’s a great way to make the meal feel special with minimal extra work.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Chili is truly a dream for leftovers. I store mine in airtight containers in the fridge, and it usually stays delicious for up to four days. Just letting it rest overnight really amps up the flavor, so I often make it a day ahead.

Freezing

I often freeze chili in portion-sized containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. It freezes exceptionally well — just thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating. This makes it perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep.

Reheating

When reheating, I warm my chili gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently to prevent sticking. Adding a splash of water or broth helps if it’s too thick. You can also microwave in intervals, stirring between, to heat it evenly.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I absolutely love how this Easy Ground Beef Chili Recipe brings everyone together around the table — the rich flavors, the warming spices, and the ease of making it all come together make it a go-to in my kitchen. Whether you’re feeding a hungry crowd or just want a simple, impressive meal, this chili won’t disappoint. Give it a try and I promise, it’ll become a staple in your home too.

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