Description
A hearty, cozy, flavor-packed Best Beef Chili made with ground beef, beans, rich spices, and a slow-simmered tomato base. Perfect for busy weeknights, game days, or whenever you need a warm, comforting bowl that always hits the spot.
Ingredients
1 lb ground beef (85/15)
1/2 medium yellow onion, finely diced
1 tablespoon minced garlic
1 (15-oz) can pinto beans, drained and rinsed
1 (15-oz) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
1 (15-oz) can tomato sauce
1 (15-oz) can diced tomatoes
3 tablespoons tomato paste
1 tablespoon maple syrup
3 tablespoons chili powder
2 teaspoons garlic powder
2 teaspoons ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 cup beef broth (or chicken broth or water)
Optional Toppings
Shredded cheddar cheese
Fritos
Chopped green onion
Sour cream
Instructions
Heat a large stockpot over medium-high heat.
Add the ground beef, onion, and garlic. Cook 7–10 minutes, stirring to break up the meat, until fully browned.
Add the pinto beans, kidney beans, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, and maple syrup. Stir well.
Add chili powder, garlic powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, and broth. Stir to combine.
Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low.
Simmer 10–15 minutes, or until thickened to your liking.
Serve warm with your favorite toppings.
Notes
Slow Cooker: Brown beef on the stovetop first, then add all ingredients to the slow cooker. Cook on LOW for 4 hours.
Instant Pot: Add all ingredients, stir, and cook on High Pressure for 5 minutes.
Meat Swaps: Use turkey, chicken, bison, or plant-based ground. Add a splash of oil if using leaner meats.
Texture Tip: Simmer longer for a thicker chili or add extra broth for a thinner consistency.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (approx. 1.5 cups)
- Calories: 410 kcal
- Sugar: 7 g
- Sodium: 780 mg
- Fat: 17 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 11 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 60 mg