Name: Ultimate Beef Chili
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 large onion, diced; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 2 pounds ground beef (80/20 preferred); 3 tablespoons chili powder; 2 teaspoons ground cumin; 1 teaspoon paprika; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 1 teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon black pepper; 2 tablespoons tomato paste; 2 cans (14.5 oz each) diced tomatoes, undrained; 1 ½ cups beef broth; 2 cans (15 oz each) kidney beans, drained and rinsed; Optional toppings: shredded cheddar cheese, chopped green onions, sour cream, jalapeños, cilantro

Few things say comfort like a hearty bowl of beef chili, and this Ultimate Beef Chili recipe is everything you want when the cravings hit. Rich, robust, and deeply satisfying, it’s packed with flavor from a slow-cooked blend of ground beef, tender beans, diced tomatoes, and bold spices. It’s the kind of chili that warms you from the inside out—perfect for game days, cold nights, or whenever you need a cozy dinner that feeds a crowd.

What makes this chili ultimate is its balance: savory beef, the right touch of heat, and just enough simmer time to let every ingredient shine. Whether you top it with shredded cheese, chopped onions, sour cream, or sliced jalapeños, this bowl is a blank canvas for your favorite chili add-ons. Plus, it gets even better the next day, so leftovers are never a problem.

What Kind of Ground Beef Should I Use?

When it comes to chili, ground beef with a bit of fat (around 80/20) brings both flavor and texture. The fat renders down as it cooks, giving your chili that rich, savory depth. If you prefer leaner beef, that’s okay too—just be sure to add a splash of olive oil when browning to keep things juicy.

You can also experiment with ground chuck or a blend of beef and pork for an even more layered flavor profile. But at its core, a well-seasoned ground beef is what gives this chili its signature heartiness.

Ingredients for the Ultimate Beef Chili

Ground Beef: The star of the show—opt for 80/20 for maximum flavor.

Kidney Beans: They hold up well in the simmer and absorb the rich flavors beautifully.

Diced Tomatoes: These add brightness and body to the chili. Fire-roasted tomatoes work great, too.

Tomato Paste: Helps deepen the tomato flavor and thickens the chili.

Onion & Garlic: A must for aromatic depth. Sautéed until golden for best flavor.

Chili Powder & Cumin: These spices give chili its classic warmth and earthiness.

Paprika & Oregano: For extra layers of smokiness and herbiness.

Beef Broth: Keeps things juicy and provides a savory base for simmering.

Salt & Pepper: To round out and balance the flavors.

Optional Toppings: Shredded cheddar, green onions, sour cream, jalapeños, cilantro—all the goodies!

How To Make the Ultimate Beef Chili

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

In a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot, heat a tablespoon of oil over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook until softened and golden, about 5 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

Step 2: Brown the Beef

Add the ground beef to the pot, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Cook until fully browned, about 7–10 minutes. Drain any excess fat if needed, but leave a little for added flavor.

Step 3: Add the Spices

Sprinkle in chili powder, cumin, paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir well to coat the beef evenly and let the spices toast for about 1 minute to deepen their flavor.

Step 4: Stir in Tomato Elements

Add the tomato paste and stir it into the beef mixture until well incorporated. Then pour in the diced tomatoes (with their juices). Let everything simmer for 2–3 minutes to build the base.

Step 5: Pour in the Broth and Beans

Add the beef broth and kidney beans, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a low boil.

Step 6: Simmer Low and Slow

Reduce heat to low and let the chili simmer uncovered for 30–45 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. The longer it simmers, the richer the flavor.

Step 7: Taste and Adjust

Before serving, taste the chili and adjust seasoning as needed. A pinch more salt or a dash of hot sauce can wake everything up.

Step 8: Serve and Top

Ladle the chili into bowls and top with your favorite add-ons like shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped green onions, or fresh cilantro.

How to Serve and Store This Ultimate Beef Chili

This chili shines brightest when served hot with a side of crusty bread, over steamed rice, or even spooned atop baked potatoes. For a casual setup, lay out a toppings bar and let everyone customize their bowls—think shredded cheddar, sour cream, chopped onions, avocado, or tortilla strips.

Leftovers? Even better. Chili develops deeper flavors overnight, so don’t hesitate to make it ahead of time. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days, or freeze for up to 3 months. Just reheat on the stove or in the microwave until hot throughout.

Frequently Asked Questions

How spicy is this chili?

It has a warm kick, but it’s not overly spicy. You can easily dial it up or down by adjusting the amount of chili powder or adding jalapeños and hot sauce.

Can I make this in a slow cooker?

Absolutely. Brown the beef and sauté the onions/garlic first, then transfer everything to your slow cooker. Cook on low for 6–8 hours or high for 3–4.

What beans work best?

Kidney beans are classic, but you can use black beans, pinto beans, or a mix. Just make sure they’re rinsed and drained if canned.

Can I add vegetables?

Definitely! Bell peppers, corn, or even chopped zucchini blend well into this chili and add texture and nutrition.

What if I don’t have beef broth?

You can substitute with chicken broth or even water in a pinch. Just know the flavor might be a bit lighter.

How do I thicken my chili?

Simmering uncovered will naturally reduce and thicken it. You can also mash a few beans or add a tablespoon of cornmeal for extra body.

Want More Comfort Food Ideas?

If you love this hearty Ultimate Beef Chili, you might want to try some of these deliciously comforting dishes next:

Garlic Parmesan Beef Spaghetti Pasta — A rich, cheesy twist on a weeknight classic.
Bowtie Pasta with Creamy Velveeta Beef Sauce — Ultra creamy and packed with savory beef flavor.
Deep Hamburger Sausage Pepperoni Pie — For those who love meat-lovers pizza in pie form.
Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Chicken and Broccoli — A family favorite that brings all the cozy vibes.
Crockpot Cheese Tortellini and Sausage — A no-fuss slow cooker win.

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest comfort food board so you can make it again anytime.

And if you try it, I’d love to hear how it turned out. Did you go classic or spice it up? Top it with cheese or keep it lean?

Share your tips in the comments and tag me in your bowls!

For more recipe inspiration, follow me on Pinterest: Life with Nina

Ultimate Beef Chili

Author: Nina Johnson
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Yield: 6–8 servings 1x
Category: Main Dish
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American

Print Recipe

Description

This Ultimate Beef Chili is a bold, comforting one-pot classic that brings together perfectly seasoned ground beef, tender beans, and rich tomato flavor. Whether it’s game night, a weeknight dinner, or meal prep for the week, this chili delivers cozy satisfaction in every bite.