Hearty Ground Beef & Bean Chili: A Comfort Food Classic

Few dishes offer the comfort, warmth, and heartiness of a big bowl of ground beef and bean chili. Whether you’re hosting a casual get-together, meal prepping for the week, or craving something rich and flavorful, this dish delivers every time. Packed with protein, fiber, and spice, this classic American favorite is as nutritious as it is delicious.

In this guide, you’ll learn everything you need to create the perfect chili — from choosing the right ingredients to serving and storing leftovers. Let’s turn up the heat!

 Why This Chili is a Must-Try

This hearty ground beef & bean chili stands out because:

• It’s a one-pot meal perfect for feeding a crowd

• It uses simple pantry ingredients that pack big flavor

• It’s freezer-friendly and great for leftovers

• It’s easy to customize to your spice tolerance

This isn’t just tasty; it’s smart eating. With protein-packed beef and fiber-rich beans, it’s both satisfying and healthy. You can even explore the nutritional benefits of beans to see why this chili does more than warm your belly—it supports your heart and digestion too!

Before you get cooking, don’t forget to understand safe cooking temperatures for ground beef to ensure the dish is both delicious and safe.

 Ingredients You’ll Need

A great ground beef chili starts with high-quality ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:

Protein

• 1 lb lean ground beef (85/15 is a good choice)

Vegetables

• 1 red bell pepper, chopped

• ½ onion, diced

• 1 can Rotel diced tomatoes with green chilies

Beans

• 1 can pinto beans (drained)

• 1 can kidney beans (drained)

• 1 can black beans (drained)

Tomato Base

• 1 can tomato sauce

• 1 can tomato puree

Spices & Flavor

• 2 tbsp chili powder

• 1 tsp garlic powder

• 1 tsp onion powder

• 1 tsp cumin

• ½ tsp red pepper flakes

• 1 tsp salt

• ½ tsp black pepper

• 1 tbsp sugar (optional, for balance)

 How to Make Hearty Ground Beef & Bean Chili

Follow these steps for a flavorful and thick chili:

1. Brown the beef in a skillet over medium heat. Break it up as it cooks.

2. Drain the fat to avoid excess grease.

3. In a slow cooker or large pot, combine:

   • Cooked ground beef

   • All three canned beans

   • Tomato sauce, puree, and Rotel tomatoes

   • Chopped pepper and onion

   • Spices and sugar

4. Stir well to mix everything thoroughly.

5. Cook on LOW for 6–8 hours, or HIGH for 3–4 hours.

 Optional Variations

Want to make this recipe your own? Try these tweaks:

• Use ground turkey or chicken for a leaner version

• Add diced jalapeños or chipotle peppers for heat

• Skip the meat entirely for a vegetarian chili

• Toss in sweet corn or zucchini for extra veggies

 Tips for Perfect Chili Every Time

• Drain beans about 85% to avoid a soupy texture

• Brown your meat first — it adds flavor and better texture

• Let it rest 15 minutes before serving to thicken

• Make it in advance — chili always tastes better the next day

 Top Chili Toppings

Make your bowl Instagram-worthy and even tastier with these:

• Shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese

• Sour cream or Greek yogurt

• Fresh cilantro or green onions

• Sliced avocado

• Corn chips or crushed tortilla strips

 What to Serve With Chili

Pair your hearty chili with one (or more!) of these sides:

• Classic Southern cornbread

• Fluffy dinner rolls

• Corn pudding casserole

• Mexican street corn (elote)

 Storage & Freezing

• Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 5 days

• Freeze for up to 5 months — ideal for batch cooking!

• Reheat on the stove or in a microwave-safe bowl, adding a splash of water or broth to restore moisture

 Meal Prep & Reuse Ideas

Got leftovers? Transform your chili into:

• Chili mac (just stir into cooked pasta)

• Chili-topped baked potatoes

• Chili cheese nachos or fries

• Stuffed bell peppers

❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Do you have to brown the ground beef first?

Yes, browning the beef enhances flavor and texture. It also removes excess fat, which keeps the chili rich but not greasy.

What’s the best bean combo?

A mix of pinto, kidney, and black beans gives the perfect blend of texture and taste.

Can I use an Instant Pot?

Absolutely! Just sauté the beef first, then use the chili function for about 20–25 minutes.

How can I thicken chili without flour?

Let it simmer uncovered for the last 30 minutes, or mash a few beans directly in the pot to naturally thicken it.

Is chili better the next day?

Yes! Like many stews, the flavors deepen overnight, making it even more delicious the second time around.

Can I adjust the spiciness?

Yes, reduce or skip red pepper flakes and use mild diced tomatoes to make it kid-friendly.

 Spice Tip

Want to learn how to perfectly balance chili spices? Check out Epicurious’s guide to the best spices for chili flavor for expert tips on flavor layering.

 Final Thoughts

This hearty ground beef & bean chili is a crowd-pleaser for a reason. It’s rich, flavorful, easy to make, and endlessly versatile. With a little prep and a lot of love, you’ll have a chili recipe worth saving—and repeating.

Whether you’re cooking for Sunday football, a weeknight dinner, or your freezer stash, this recipe will warm your soul and satisfy your hunger.