When chilly evenings hit and the kids come home with rumbles in their tummies, nothing satisfies like a cozy bowl of chili. I remember the very first time I whipped up this Tasty Kid-Friendly Beef Chili on a busy weeknight; the vibrant colors and mouthwatering smells had everyone gathering around the table with eager anticipation. This recipe serves up all the hearty comfort of traditional chili but is specially crafted to cater to younger palates—mild yet delicious.
Packed with protein and a rainbow of vegetables, this one-pot wonder can be on the table in under an hour, freeing you to reconnect with your family instead of slaving away in the kitchen. Plus, it’s endlessly customizable with ingredient swaps, making it easy to adapt for various tastes and dietary needs. So grab your favorite pot and let’s dive into creating a meal that every family member—child or adult—will eagerly devour!
Why is Tasty Kid-Friendly Beef Chili a Must-Try?
Simplicity: This Tasty Kid-Friendly Beef Chili comes together effortlessly in under an hour, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
Mild Flavor: The balanced spices ensure it appeals to kids’ palates while still satisfying the whole family.
Customizable: With easy ingredient swaps, you can adjust the chili to fit your dietary needs or preferences.
One Pot Wonder: Minimal cleanup means you can spend more quality time with your loved ones after dinner.
Crowd-Pleaser: Ideal for family fun nights, this dish is guaranteed to have everyone asking for seconds!
For more ideas, check out our helpful serving suggestions.
Tasty Kid-Friendly Beef Chili Ingredients
For the Chili Base
Ground Beef – 2 lb of 85/15 blend recommended; this is the primary protein source but can be swapped for ground turkey for a lighter option.
Avocado Oil – 2 tbsp for sautéing; feel free to replace with neutral oils like canola if desired.
Yellow Onion – 1 large, diced into 1/2-inch pieces; this adds a sweet flavor base to the chili.
Green Bell Pepper – 1, diced into 1/2-inch pieces; it provides mild flavor and a nice crunch.
Kidney Beans – 30 oz, drained and rinsed; these beans add creaminess, fiber, and heartiness to the chili.
Tomato Sauce – 30 oz; this serves as the base for the chili, contributing acidity and moisture.
Chicken Bone Broth – 1/2 cup; enhances flavor—substitute with vegetable broth for a vegetarian version.
For the Seasoning
Black Pepper – 1 tsp; adds depth and enhances the overall flavor profile.
Sea Salt – 2 tsp; essential for seasoning; start with less and adjust to taste.
Paprika – 1.5 tsp; offers mild smokiness without adding heat to the mix.
Ground Cumin – 1 tbsp; provides that earthy flavor that’s perfect for chili.
Chili Powder – 2 tbsp, adjust for mild flavor; the key spice affecting taste—use less for even milder chili.
Dried Oregano – 1 tbsp; an herb that enhances the aromatic qualities of the dish.
Bay Leaf – 1, to be removed before serving; adds subtle depth during cooking.
This Tasty Kid-Friendly Beef Chili is sure to be a family favorite!
How to Make Tasty Kid-Friendly Beef Chili
Prep Vegetables: Start by dicing your yellow onion and green bell pepper into ½-inch pieces. Drain and rinse the kidney beans under cold water to ensure they’re ready to mix in.
Sauté Onions & Peppers: Heat a large pot over medium heat and add 2 tbsp of avocado oil. Once hot, toss in the diced onion and bell pepper, cooking for 3-4 minutes until softened and fragrant.
Brown the Meat: Increase the heat to medium-high and add the 2 lbs of ground beef. Break it apart as it cooks, stirring for about 3 minutes until it’s nicely browned.
Add Spices: Stir in 1 tsp of black pepper, 1.5 tsp of paprika, 2 tsp of sea salt, 1 tbsp of ground cumin, 2 tbsp of chili powder, 1 tbsp of dried oregano, and 1 bay leaf. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the spices to toast and develop their flavors.
Incorporate Liquids: Pour in 30 oz of tomato sauce and ½ cup of chicken bone broth. Use a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits stuck to the bottom, mixing them into the sauce.
Add Beans: Add the 30 oz of drained kidney beans to the pot and bring the mixture to a boil. Then reduce the heat and let it simmer uncovered for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Finalize: Remove the bay leaf, taste your chili, and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve the chili hot to enjoy its comforting goodness!
Optional: Top with shredded cheese or diced avocado for added flavor.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Make Ahead Options
These Tasty Kid-Friendly Beef Chili preparations are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time! For maximum efficiency, you can chop the vegetables (onions and bell peppers) and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Additionally, you can brown the ground beef in advance and keep it refrigerated for up to 24 hours. When ready to serve, simply sauté the prepped vegetables, add the cooked beef, and incorporate the remaining ingredients as per the recipe. This way, you’ll still enjoy a hearty homemade chili that’s just as delicious without the stress of last-minute cooking!
Expert Tips for Tasty Kid-Friendly Beef Chili
- Drain Fat: Make sure to drain excess fat after browning the beef to avoid a greasy chili that’s off-putting for kids.
- Season Gradually: Start with less salt and spices; it’s easier to adjust flavor at the end than to fix an overly salty chili.
- Customize Ingredients: Feel free to swap ground beef for ground turkey or include veggies like zucchini for extra nutrients in your Tasty Kid-Friendly Beef Chili.
- Simmer Open: For thicker chili, let it simmer uncovered for the full 20 minutes. Mashing some beans will also help thicken the consistency!
- Taste Test: Don’t forget to taste your chili before serving to ensure the flavors are balanced and to your liking!
What to Serve with Tasty Kid-Friendly Beef Chili?
When cozy family dinners call for something heartwarming, complementing your chili can take the meal to new heights.
Cornbread: This slightly sweet and fluffy bread pairs beautifully with the savory chili, soaking up every delicious spoonful.
Flour Tortillas: Soft and warm, these tortillas are perfect for wrapping or dipping, bringing a delightful texture contrast to the hearty chili.
Shredded Cheese: A sprinkle of cheese on top melts into the chili, adding creaminess and enhancing the comforting flavors that children love.
Sour Cream: A dollop of sour cream introduces a cool, tangy element that balances the spiced chili, making each bite even more enjoyable.
Diced Avocado: Fresh avocado brings a buttery texture and a healthy fat addition, lightening up the meal while keeping it nutritious.
Tortilla Chips: Crunchy tortilla chips provide a fun, dippable option, creating a satisfying contrast that both kids and adults will adore.
Fresh Fruit Salad: A sweet and juicy fruit salad offers a refreshing palate cleanser, allowing your taste buds to dance between savory and sweet.
Chocolate Chip Cookies: For dessert, serve warm cookies for a delightful finish that wraps up the meal with nostalgic sweetness, prompting smiles all around.
Tasty Kid-Friendly Beef Chili Variations
Feel free to add your twist to this dish and create a version that your family will love even more!
Ground Turkey: Substitute ground beef with ground turkey for a leaner, lighter chili that’s just as hearty.
Vegetable Medley: Toss in diced zucchini or carrots for additional nutrition and a rainbow of flavors that will delight the kids.
Spicy Kick: If your family enjoys a little heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or diced jalapeños to elevate the flavor profile.
Bean Bonanza: Experiment with different types of beans, like black beans or pinto beans, to add variety in texture and taste.
Creamy Element: Stir in a dollop of sour cream or plain Greek yogurt before serving for a creamy contrast that balances the chili’s warmth.
Cheesy Goodness: Top with shredded cheese, such as cheddar or Monterey Jack, which melts beautifully and adds a rich flavor.
Quintessential Grains: Serve with a side of quinoa or rice to soak up the chili, making it heartier and offering a satisfying twist.
Herbal Boost: Fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley sprinkled on top right before serving can brighten the dish and add a fresh flavor.
How to Store and Freeze Tasty Kid-Friendly Beef Chili
Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, ensuring each serving is well sealed to preserve flavor.
Freezer: Portion out the chili into freezer-safe containers or bags for up to 3 months. Label each with the date for easy tracking.
Reheating: To reheat, warm on the stove over medium heat or microwave individual portions. Add a splash of broth or water if it thickens after storage.
Meal Prep: This Tasty Kid-Friendly Beef Chili is ideal for meal prep—make a big batch and enjoy quick, satisfying meals throughout the week!
Tasty Kid-Friendly Beef Chili Recipe FAQs
How do I choose the right ground beef for this chili?
Absolutely! For the best flavor and texture, I recommend using ground beef with an 85/15 blend, which has a nice balance of fat for juiciness. If you’re looking for a leaner option, you can easily substitute it with ground turkey, which works well without compromising the taste.
What’s the best way to store leftover chili?
Very! Leftover Tasty Kid-Friendly Beef Chili can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Just make sure each serving is sealed properly to preserve its rich flavors and freshness.
Can I freeze Tasty Kid-Friendly Beef Chili?
Absolutely! Portion the chili into freezer-safe containers or bags and label them with the date for easy tracking. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, just thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating!
What should I do if my chili turns out too watery?
No worries! If your chili is too runny, you can simmer it uncovered for an additional 10-15 minutes to help reduce the liquid. Alternatively, you can mash some of the kidney beans against the pot with a fork; this will naturally thicken the chili while enhancing its creamy texture.
Is this chili suitable for kids with dietary sensitivities?
Definitely! This Tasty Kid-Friendly Beef Chili is naturally gluten-free, especially if you avoid gluten-containing ingredients. Just be mindful of any potential bean allergies when serving, as kidney beans are a key component of the dish.
How long does cooked beef chili last in the freezer?
Yes, once properly stored, cooked Tasty Kid-Friendly Beef Chili can last up to 3 months in the freezer. When you’re ready to enjoy your chili, simply thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and reheat it on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth if needed to adjust the consistency.
Delicious Tasty Kid-Friendly Beef Chili for Family Fun Nights
Equipment
- - Large pot
Ingredients
For the Chili Base
- 2 lb Ground Beef (85/15 blend) can be swapped for ground turkey
- 2 tbsp Avocado Oil can be replaced with canola oil
- 1 large Yellow Onion diced into 1/2-inch pieces
- 1 Green Bell Pepper diced into 1/2-inch pieces
- 30 oz Kidney Beans drained and rinsed
- 30 oz Tomato Sauce
- 1/2 cup Chicken Bone Broth substitute with vegetable broth
For the Seasoning
- 1 tsp Black Pepper
- 2 tsp Sea Salt adjust to taste
- 1.5 tsp Paprika
- 1 tbsp Ground Cumin
- 2 tbsp Chili Powder adjust for mild flavor
- 1 tbsp Dried Oregano
- 1 Bay Leaf remove before serving
Instructions
How to Make Tasty Kid-Friendly Beef Chili
- Prep Vegetables: Start by dicing your yellow onion and green bell pepper into ½-inch pieces. Drain and rinse the kidney beans under cold water to ensure they're ready to mix in.
- Sauté Onions & Peppers: Heat a large pot over medium heat and add 2 tbsp of avocado oil. Once hot, toss in the diced onion and bell pepper, cooking for 3-4 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Brown the Meat: Increase the heat to medium-high and add the 2 lbs of ground beef. Break it apart as it cooks, stirring for about 3 minutes until it's nicely browned.
- Add Spices: Stir in 1 tsp of black pepper, 1.5 tsp of paprika, 2 tsp of sea salt, 1 tbsp of ground cumin, 2 tbsp of chili powder, 1 tbsp of dried oregano, and 1 bay leaf. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the spices to toast and develop their flavors.
- Incorporate Liquids: Pour in 30 oz of tomato sauce and ½ cup of chicken bone broth. Use a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits stuck to the bottom, mixing them into the sauce.
- Add Beans: Add the 30 oz of drained kidney beans to the pot and bring the mixture to a boil. Then reduce the heat and let it simmer uncovered for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Finalize: Remove the bay leaf, taste your chili, and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve the chili hot to enjoy its comforting goodness!