Beef Chili
A hearty and classic American comfort food. This chili is packed with lean ground beef, two kinds of beans, and tender vegetables, all simmered in a rich, smoky tomato sauce. Perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner.
For 4 servings
Sauté the vegetables
- Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
- Add the chopped onion and bell pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Brown the beef and add spices
- Add the ground beef to the pot. Cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until it's no longer pink, about 5-6 minutes.
- Drain off any excess fat from the pot.
- Stir in the chili powder, cumin, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly, to toast the spices.
Simmer the chili
- Pour in the diced tomatoes (with their juices), the rinsed kidney beans, black beans, and water.
- Stir everything together and bring the mixture to a boil.
- Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for at least 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. For a deeper flavor, simmer for up to an hour.
Serve
- Taste the chili and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Ladle into bowls and serve hot with your favorite toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, or chopped cilantro.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For a deeper flavor, let the chili simmer for an hour or more. The longer it cooks, the better it gets.
- 2This chili tastes even better the next day! Make it ahead of time and reheat for a quick and delicious meal.
- 3To control the heat, you can add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a chopped jalapeño along with the garlic.
- 4Feel free to add other vegetables like corn or zucchini for extra nutrients and texture.
- 5Beef chili freezes beautifully. Let it cool completely, then store in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months.
Adapt it for your goals.
Healthy
Use 93/7 lean ground turkey instead of beef and add an extra cup of vegetables like chopped carrots or celery to boost fiber.
vegetarianVegetarian
Omit the ground beef and add an extra can of beans (like pinto beans) and 1 cup of cooked lentils or plant-based ground meat substitute.
low carbLow carb
Omit the beans and add more low-carb vegetables like chopped mushrooms, zucchini, or cauliflower florets.
quickQuick
Use a pre-made chili seasoning packet instead of individual spices and simmer for just 20 minutes for a faster version.
Why this is on our healthy list.
High in Protein
The combination of lean ground beef and beans provides a significant amount of protein, which is essential for muscle repair, growth, and overall body function.
Excellent Source of Fiber
With both kidney and black beans, this chili is rich in dietary fiber, promoting digestive health, helping to regulate blood sugar levels, and keeping you feeling full longer.
Rich in Iron
Lean ground beef is a great source of heme iron, a type of iron that is easily absorbed by the body and is crucial for preventing anemia and maintaining energy levels.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, this version of beef chili can be quite healthy. It uses lean ground beef for protein, and is packed with fiber from two types of beans and vegetables, which is great for digestion and satiety.
