Classic Beef Chili Recipe | Hearty & Easy One-Pot Meal

Abby Marlow

This Classic Beef Chili Recipe is hearty, flavorful, and beginner-friendly. Packed with beef, beans, and bold spices, it’s a comforting one-pot dinner that’s simple to prepare and perfect for busy nights or cozy weekends.

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 1 40

Total Time 1 55

Course Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 6 servings

Calories 420 kcal

Ingredients

2 tablespoons vegetable oil
2 medium yellow onions finely chopped
1 red bell pepper stemmed, seeded, finely chopped
¼ cup chili powder
1 tablespoon ground cumin
½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 teaspoon salt divided
6 garlic cloves minced
2 pounds ground beef 85–90% lean
30 oz can dark red kidney beans drained and rinsed
28 oz can diced tomatoes with juices
28 oz can tomato puree
Shredded cheddar cheese for garnish, optional
Sour cream for garnish, optional

Instructions

Heat oil in a large Dutch oven over medium heat until shimmering.
Add onions, bell pepper, chili powder, cumin, cayenne, and ½ teaspoon salt. Cook until softened, about 7 minutes.
Stir in garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
Increase heat to medium-high and add beef. Cook, breaking apart with a spoon, until no longer pink, about 10 minutes.
Stir in beans, diced tomatoes, tomato puree, and remaining ½ teaspoon salt.
Bring to a simmer, reduce heat, cover, and cook for 45 minutes.
Remove lid and simmer uncovered another 45 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Taste, season with salt and pepper, and serve hot with cheese and sour cream.

Notes

For the best Classic Beef Chili Recipe, allow it to simmer slowly for deeper flavor. Variation: Add a diced jalapeño for extra heat or swap beef with ground turkey for a lighter option.

Keyword beef chili for beginners, classic beef chili, easy chili recipe, hearty chili, one-pot dinner