EASY GROUND BEEF CHILI is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for busy weeknights or cozy gatherings. This classic Chili Con Carne combines tender ground beef, kidney beans, vibrant bell peppers, and aromatic spices, simmered to perfection. The deep, rich flavors that develop during the cooking process make this dish irresistible. Topped with fresh cilantro, sour cream, and cheese, it becomes a hearty meal that warms the soul, inviting everyone to gather around the table. Let’s dive into this simple yet satisfying recipe!

Why You’ll Love This EASY GROUND BEEF CHILI

This easy ground beef chili is not just a meal; it’s a solution for your busy nights. Here’s why it stands out:

Quick to prepare, making it ideal for last-minute dinners.
Rich in flavor and texture, thanks to the blend of spices and vegetables.
Perfect for meal prep; it tastes even better the next day!
Customizable to your taste; add beans or corn as you prefer.
Great for feeding a crowd; this recipe yields enough for six servings.
Healthy option with protein-rich ground beef and fiber-packed beans.

Whether you’re a novice or an experienced cook, this simple beef chili recipe is perfect for everyone, making it a delightful addition to your culinary repertoire.

Ingredients for EASY GROUND BEEF CHILI

Gather these items:

2 pounds 80/20 ground beef
1 large yellow onion, diced
1 green bell pepper, diced
1 red bell pepper, diced
4 large garlic cloves, minced
1 teaspoon sea salt, plus more to taste
½ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
1 (13.5-ounce) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
1 (14-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
1 (6-ounce) can tomato paste
2 beef bouillon cubes, crushed
¼ cup mild chili powder
2 teaspoons ground cumin
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 tablespoon sugar
½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
Chopped fresh cilantro
Chopped green onions
Sour cream
Grated cheddar or mozzarella cheese
Thinly sliced jalapeño

How to Make EASY GROUND BEEF CHILI Step-by-Step

Step 1: Heat a large Dutch oven or pot over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, diced onion, green and red bell peppers, minced garlic, sea salt, and black pepper. Cook, breaking up the beef with a wooden spoon, until the meat is browned and the vegetables are softened, about 8-10 minutes.
Step 2: Stir in the drained kidney beans, crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, crushed beef bouillon cubes, mild chili powder, ground cumin, dried oregano, sugar, and optional cayenne pepper. Pour in just enough water (about 1 to 1½ cups) to cover the beans. Stir well to combine all ingredients.
Step 3: Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to low to maintain a gentle simmer. Cook uncovered for at least 2 hours, stirring occasionally, to allow flavors to deepen and the chili to thicken. You can simmer up to 8 hours for a richer flavor. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt as needed.
Step 4: Spoon the chili into bowls and garnish with desired toppings such as chopped fresh cilantro, green onions, sour cream, grated cheddar or mozzarella cheese, and thinly sliced jalapeño peppers for added heat and freshness.

EASY GROUND BEEF CHILI: 5 Steps to Comforting Perfection - EASY GROUND BEEF CHILI - main visual representation

Pro Tips for the Perfect EASY GROUND BEEF CHILI

Keep these in mind:

This chili pairs well with cornbread or rice.
You can adjust the heat level by adding more or less cayenne pepper.
Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days.
For a thicker chili, reduce the amount of water added.
Consider using a slow cooker for a hands-off approach; just set it and forget it!

Best Ways to Serve EASY GROUND BEEF CHILI

Serving this chili can be as creative as you want! Here are a few ideas:

Serve with warm cornbread or over a bed of rice for a filling meal.
Top with a dollop of sour cream and fresh herbs for added flavor.
For a spicy kick, add jalapeños or hot sauce to each bowl.

How to Store and Reheat EASY GROUND BEEF CHILI

To store your delicious chili, let it cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. It can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, simply warm it on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated through. This dish is perfect for meal prep, making your busy nights easier!

Frequently Asked Questions About EASY GROUND BEEF CHILI

What’s the secret to perfect EASY GROUND BEEF CHILI?

The key to a perfect easy chili with ground beef is to let it simmer for a long time. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Using quality spices and fresh ingredients also elevates the taste. Don’t rush the simmering process for the best results!

Can I make EASY GROUND BEEF CHILI ahead of time?

Yes! This ground beef chili for beginners can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to three days. It also freezes well, making it a perfect option for meal prep!

How do I avoid common mistakes with EASY GROUND BEEF CHILI?

One common mistake is not allowing the chili to simmer long enough. Take your time to let the flavors develop fully. Also, avoid adding too much liquid initially; you can always adjust the consistency as it cooks.

Variations of EASY GROUND BEEF CHILI You Can Try

Feeling adventurous? Here are some variations to spice things up:

Add corn for a sweet crunch.
Try using turkey or chicken for a healthier twist.
For a vegetarian option, substitute ground beef with lentils or mushrooms.
Experiment with different beans like black beans or pinto beans for a unique flavor.

EASY GROUND BEEF CHILI: 5 Steps to Comforting Perfection - EASY GROUND BEEF CHILI - additional detail

For more delicious recipes, check out our recipe collection or learn how to make spaghetti with garlic and oil. You might also enjoy our Mediterranean chickpea salad for a refreshing side dish!

For more information on the health benefits of beans, visit Healthline.

EASY GROUND BEEF CHILI: 5 Steps to Comforting Perfection

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Author: Margaret
Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

This classic Chili Con Carne recipe is a hearty and flavorful stew featuring ground beef, kidney beans, bell peppers, and a blend of aromatic spices.

Ingredients

Scale

2 pounds 80/20 ground beef
1 large yellow onion, diced
1 green bell pepper, diced
1 red bell pepper, diced
4 large garlic cloves, minced
1 teaspoon sea salt, plus more to taste
½ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
1 (13.5-ounce) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
1 (14-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
1 (6-ounce) can tomato paste
2 beef bouillon cubes, crushed
¼ cup mild chili powder
2 teaspoons ground cumin
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 tablespoon sugar
½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
Chopped fresh cilantro
Chopped green onions
Sour cream
Grated cheddar or mozzarella cheese
Thinly sliced jalapeño

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Instructions

Heat a large Dutch oven or pot over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, diced onion, green and red bell peppers, minced garlic, sea salt, and black pepper. Cook, breaking up the beef with a wooden spoon, until the meat is browned and the vegetables are softened, about 8-10 minutes.
Stir in the drained kidney beans, crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, crushed beef bouillon cubes, mild chili powder, ground cumin, dried oregano, sugar, and optional cayenne pepper. Pour in just enough water (about 1 to 1½ cups) to cover the beans. Stir well to combine all ingredients.
Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to low to maintain a gentle simmer. Cook uncovered for at least 2 hours, stirring occasionally, to allow flavors to deepen and the chili to thicken. You can simmer up to 8 hours for a richer flavor. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt as needed.
Spoon the chili into bowls and garnish with desired toppings such as chopped fresh cilantro, green onions, sour cream, grated cheddar or mozzarella cheese, and thinly sliced jalapeño peppers for added heat and freshness.