Beef and Bean Chili
Beef and Bean Chili is a warm, hearty dish made with ground beef, beans, tomatoes, and bold spices like chili powder, cumin, garlic, and paprika. It’s a one pot meal that cooks slowly so all the flavors can blend together. Kids and adults love it because it’s cozy, filling, and easy to make. It’s a great choice when you want something comforting, especially on a cold day or when you’re feeding a big group. This chili is also flexible you can make it mild or spicy, thick or soupy, and serve it with lots of toppings.

Even if you’re new to cooking, Beef and Bean Chili is a great recipe to start with. The steps are simple and allow you to learn basic cooking skills like sautéing, seasoning, and simmering. Once you learn the basics, you can change the ingredients to make your own special version. If you want a meal that’s tasty, budget-friendly, and perfect for leftovers, Beef and Bean Chili is the way to go!
Why You Should Try Beef and Bean Chili
You should try Beef and Bean Chili because it’s a super satisfying meal that doesn’t require fancy techniques. The ingredients are easy to find, and the flavor can be customized to what you like mild for kids or spicy for adults. It’s great for busy school nights, game nights, or when you just want something that makes your kitchen smell amazing.
Another great reason to try this recipe is that it keeps well. You can eat it the next day, freeze portions for later, or even use the leftovers in other dishes like nachos or stuffed baked potatoes. It’s a recipe you’ll want to make again and again because it’s fun, delicious, and always a crowd pleaser.
Table of Contents
Ingredients for Beef and Bean Chili
Here’s everything you’ll need to make this Beef and Bean Chili
- 1 pound 450 g ground beef
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 can 15 oz kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can 15 oz black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can 14 oz crushed tomatoes
- 1 can 14 oz diced tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt adjust to taste
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup beef broth or water
- Optional toppings: shredded cheese, sour cream, sliced green onions, tortilla chips, avocado
How to Make Beef and Bean Chili
Step One
First, you need to cook the beef. Place a large pot on the stovetop over medium heat. Add the ground beef and break it up with a wooden spoon. Cook until it’s no longer pink. This step helps to enhance the flavor and gives the chili a rich, creamy base.
Step Two
Now add the vegetables. Sauté the onions, garlic, and bell peppers. Cook for several minutes until the vegetables are tender. This adds sweetness and balance to the chili. Then season the chili. Sprinkle with chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir well until the spices coat every piece of beef and vegetable. Heating the spices helps to bring out their flavors and makes the chili taste even better.

Step Three
Next, add the beans and tomatoes. Add the kidney beans, black beans, crushed tomatoes, and chopped tomatoes. Mix everything together. The beans form the filling of the dish, and the tomatoes add depth to the sauce.

Step Four
Add the liquid and bring to a simmer. Pour in the beef stock or water. Stir and bring to a boil over low heat. Once it starts boiling, reduce the heat and simmer for 25-30 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. This slow cooking helps all the flavors meld in a delicious and comforting pot of chili.
Step Five
Now you can taste and adjust the chili. Taste the chili and add more spices if needed. If you prefer a thicker consistency, simmer it longer. If you prefer a thinner consistency, add more broth or water.

Step Six
Finally, you can serve it warmed in bowls with a spoon and add your favorite toppings. Enjoy!
Kitchen Equipment Needed :
To make this Recipe, you’ll need:
- Large pot or Dutch oven
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Measuring spoons
- Can opener
- Ladle for serving
Tips for Making the Best Beef and Bean Chili
Brown the beef well for extra flavor.
Drain extra grease if the beef is very fatty.
Rinse canned beans to remove excess salt.
Add a pinch of sugar if the chili tastes too acidic.
Serving Suggestion
I love serving this soup to my family with a simple salad, and sometimes I serve it with muffins or cake. My child also likes it with cookies, and my mother in law likes it with bread.

Frequently Asked Question
Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef ?
Yes! Ground turkey works great and makes the chili a little lighter while still tasting delicious.
Can I make this chili in a slow cooker ?
Yes. Brown the beef first, then add everything to the slow cooker and cook on Low for 6–7 hours or High for 3–4 hours
Is it okay to freeze Beef and Bean Chili ?
Absolutely. Chili freezes very well for up to 2–3 months in airtight containers.
Can I make a vegetarian version ?
Yes. Skip the beef and add more beans or veggies like mushrooms, zucchini, or corn.
Beef and Bean Chili
Course: Main CourseCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy6
servings15
minutes40
minutes320
kcal55
minutesA hearty, flavorful Beef and Bean Chili made with ground beef, beans, tomatoes, and spices. Perfect for a cozy family dinner and easy to make even for beginners.
Ingredients
1 pound 450 g ground beef
1 onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 red bell pepper, diced
1 can 15 oz kidney beans, drained and rinsed
1 can 15 oz black beans, drained and rinsed
1 can 14 oz crushed tomatoes
1 can 14 oz diced tomatoes
2 tablespoons chili powder
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon salt adjust to taste
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 cup beef broth or water
Optional toppings: shredded cheese, sour cream, sliced green onions, tortilla chips, avocado
Directions
- First, you need to cook the beef. Place a large pot on the stovetop over medium heat. Add the ground beef and break it up with a wooden spoon. Cook until it's no longer pink. This step helps to enhance the flavor and gives the chili a rich, creamy base.
- Now add the vegetables. Sauté the onions, garlic, and bell peppers. Cook for several minutes until the vegetables are tender. This adds sweetness and balance to the chili. Then season the chili. Sprinkle with chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir well until the spices coat every piece of beef and vegetable. Heating the spices helps to bring out their flavors and makes the chili taste even better.
- Next, add the beans and tomatoes. Add the kidney beans, black beans, crushed tomatoes, and chopped tomatoes. Mix everything together. The beans form the filling of the dish, and the tomatoes add depth to the sauce.
- Add the liquid and bring to a simmer. Pour in the beef stock or water. Stir and bring to a boil over low heat. Once it starts boiling, reduce the heat and simmer for 25-30 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. This slow cooking helps all the flavors meld in a delicious and comforting pot of chili.
- Now you can taste and adjust the chili. Taste the chili and add more spices if needed. If you prefer a thicker consistency, simmer it longer. If you prefer a thinner consistency, add more broth or water.
- Finally, you can serve it warmed in bowls with a spoon and add your favorite toppings. Enjoy!
Notes
- Brown the beef well Browning adds rich flavor to your chili.
- Cook vegetables until soft Onions, peppers, and garlic release more flavor when sautéed.
- Simmer longer Longer cooking deepens flavors and thickens the sauce.
- Mash some beans For a thicker, creamier chili, lightly mash a few beans in the pot.
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