Best Beef Chili

Best Beef Chili

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Best Beef Chili is the ultimate cozy meal that hits all the right notes—meaty, smoky, slightly sweet, and full of bold spices. Whether you’re making it for game day, meal prep, or a chilly night in, this beef chili recipe is guaranteed to warm you up from the inside out. Packed with ground beef, beans, tomatoes, and a touch of maple syrup (yes, really!), this chili is thick, satisfying, and easy to customize to your taste. It’s the kind of dish that tastes even better the next day and freezes beautifully—perfect for leftovers!

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Best Beef Chili
  • 🥄 Thick & Hearty: A rich, meaty chili that’s spoon-worthy
  • 🔥 Bold Flavors: Smoky spices, savory beef, and a touch of sweetness
  • 🕒 One-Pot Wonder: Simple prep and minimal cleanup
  • 🌡️ Meal Prep Friendly: Freezer-friendly and better the next day
  • 🍅 Customizable: Add heat, swap beans, or toss in veggies

Ingredients

  • 1 lb ground beef (85/15 preferred)
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 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
  • 1 tbsp tomato paste
  • 2 tbsp pure maple syrup (optional, but recommended!)
  • 1 cup beef broth (or water)

Chili Seasoning Mix

  • 2 tbsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp kosher salt
  • ½ tsp ground black pepper
  • Optional: pinch of cayenne for heat

Instructions

  1. Brown the beef: In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the ground beef and diced onion over medium heat until the beef is browned and onions are soft. Drain excess grease if needed.
  2. Add garlic: Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  3. Add beans & tomatoes: Pour in the pinto beans, kidney beans, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, and tomato paste.
  4. Season it: Add the chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, paprika, salt, pepper, and optional cayenne. Stir well.
  5. Sweeten & simmer: Add maple syrup and beef broth. Stir and bring to a low boil.
  6. Simmer: Reduce heat to low, cover partially, and simmer for 20–30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  7. Serve hot: Ladle into bowls and top with cheese, sour cream, green onions, or Fritos.

Recipe Details

Best Beef Chili
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Servings: 6
  • Estimated Cost: $10–12
  • Course: Dinner, Main Dish
  • Cuisine: American
  • Keywords: Best Beef Chili, chili recipe, easy beef chili

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving – Approximate)

  • Calories: 367
  • Protein: 24g
  • Fat: 14g
  • Carbohydrates: 38g
  • Fiber: 11g
  • Sugar: 11g
  • Sodium: 680mg

Tips & Variations

  • 🌶️ Spice it up: Add jalapeños, chipotle peppers, or hot sauce
  • 🥕 Sneak in veggies: Add corn, bell peppers, or zucchini
  • 🧄 Flavor boost: Stir in a splash of Worcestershire or balsamic vinegar
  • 🥩 Meat swap: Try ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based crumbles
  • 🍠 Sweet touch: Add diced sweet potatoes for extra comfort
  • 🧊 Make ahead: Chili tastes even better the next day!

FAQs

What makes this the “Best Beef Chili”?

It’s all about balance—savory beef, sweet maple syrup, smoky spices, and chunky texture that’s both hearty and comforting.

Can I make this in a slow cooker?

Yes! Brown the beef and onions first, then transfer everything to the slow cooker. Cook on LOW for 6–8 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours.

Can I freeze leftovers?

Absolutely. Let chili cool completely, then freeze in airtight containers for up to 3 months.

Is the maple syrup necessary?

It’s optional, but adds a subtle depth of flavor that rounds out the spice.

Best Beef Chili

Best Beef Chili

A rich and flavorful beef chili made with beans, tomatoes, bold spices, and a touch of maple syrup. Perfect for cozy dinners and game days.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course Main Dish
Cuisine American
Servings 6
Calories 367 kcal

Equipment

  • Large pot or Dutch oven
  • – Wooden spoon
  • Measuring cups & spoons

Ingredients
  

  • – 1 lb ground beef
  • – 1 yellow onion diced
  • – 3 cloves garlic minced
  • – 1 can 15 oz pinto beans, drained
  • – 1 can 15 oz kidney beans, drained
  • – 1 can 15 oz tomato sauce
  • – 1 can 15 oz diced tomatoes
  • – 1 tbsp tomato paste
  • – 2 tbsp maple syrup
  • – 1 cup beef broth
  • ### Chili Seasoning
  • – 2 tbsp chili powder
  • – 1 tsp cumin
  • – 1 tsp garlic powder
  • – 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • – 1 tsp salt
  • – ½ tsp pepper
  • – Optional: cayenne to taste

Instructions
 

  • Brown beef and onion in large pot. Drain excess grease.
  • Add garlic and cook 1 minute.
  • Stir in beans, tomatoes, tomato paste, and seasonings.
  • Add maple syrup and broth.
  • Bring to boil, reduce heat, and simmer 20–30 minutes.
  • Serve hot with desired toppings.

Notes

– For thicker chili, simmer longer
– Great with shredded cheese and cornbread
– Store up to 4 days in the fridge or freeze up to 3 months
Keyword best beef chili

Conclusion

If you’re looking for a no-fuss, deeply satisfying meal that fills your kitchen with comforting aromas and your belly with joy, this is hands down the Best Beef Chili. It’s hearty, customizable, and packed with rich flavor that only gets better with time. Whether you serve it with cornbread, rice, or loaded with toppings, this chili will become a regular in your dinner rotation.