Name: “Ground Beef and Bean Chili Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 pound ground beef; 1 onion, chopped; 2 garlic cloves, minced; 1 bell pepper, diced; 1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed; 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed; 1 (28 oz) can diced tomatoes; 2 tablespoons tomato paste; 2 teaspoons chili powder; 1 teaspoon cumin; 1 teaspoon smoked paprika; Salt and pepper to taste; sour cream; shredded cheese; chopped green onions

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If you’re craving a warming, protein-packed meal that’s both comforting and packed with flavor, then this Ground Beef and Bean Chili is going to become your new weeknight go-to. With rich spices, hearty beans, and savory ground beef simmered to perfection, every spoonful delivers bold, slow-cooked taste without hours over the stove. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or meal-prepping for the week, this classic chili offers everything you want in a satisfying, homemade bowl. Prepare to fall in love with this easy favorite — and to savor those incredible leftovers!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this Ground Beef and Bean Chili serves a purpose — from the silky sautéed onions to the duo of beans, each one brings its unique flavor, texture, and unmistakable personality. This is one of those wonderfully simple recipes that truly shines because of the sum of its humble parts.

Olive oil: Gives a rich base for sautéing the aromatics, lending subtle earthiness.
Ground beef: The heart of the chili, bringing delicious protein and deep, savory flavor.
Onion: Sautéed onion provides sweetness and substance to every bite.
Garlic cloves: Minced fresh garlic adds a punch of irresistible aroma.
Bell pepper: Adds color, a hint of brightness, and a touch of sweetness.
Kidney beans: Classic and toothsome, these beans hold their shape and soak up the spices.
Black beans: Creamy and slightly smokey, they bring even more texture and protein.
Diced tomatoes: This generous can provides the juicy, tangy backbone for the chili base.
Tomato paste: Concentrated tomato flavor amps up the richness and color.
Chili powder: The star seasoning that gives the chili its signature warmth and edge.
Cumin: A dash of cumin introduces depth and an earthy, smoky component.
Smoked paprika: This secret weapon infuses a subtle woodsy note.
Salt and pepper: Essential for balancing all the flavors — season to taste!
Sour cream, shredded cheese, green onions (optional): The ultimate toppings for a creamy, melty, and fresh finish.

How to Make “Ground Beef and Bean Chili

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Start by warming your olive oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Toss in the chopped onion and freshly minced garlic. Give them a few minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion turns translucent and your kitchen is full of a mouthwatering, savory aroma. This is the flavorful foundation that gives Ground Beef and Bean Chili its classic depth.

Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef

Scoot the sautéed aromatics to the side and add the ground beef to the pot. Use your spoon to break it up into crumbles as it browns. Let it cook until there’s no pink left — those browned bits are pure flavor, seeping into every layer of your chili.

Step 3: Add the Bell Pepper

Once the beef is just cooked through, sprinkle in your diced bell pepper. Let it cook for about two minutes. This quick sauté keeps the peppers bright and snappy, so they don’t disappear into your chili, adding color and subtle sweetness to contrast the savory beef.

Step 4: Stir in the Beans, Tomatoes, and Spices

Drain and rinse your kidney and black beans, then add them to the pot, followed by the diced tomatoes (with their juices) and tomato paste. Sprinkle in your chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together until the mixture looks like chili magic! The beans absorb the spices, the tomatoes deepen in flavor, and every spoonful is infused with deliciousness.

Step 5: Simmer to Perfection

Bring the chili up to a gentle simmer, then dial the heat down to low. Let it cook uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes, giving it a stir now and then. Watch as the Ground Beef and Bean Chili thickens — the kitchen will smell better by the minute. Finally, taste and adjust seasonings if needed, then it’s ready to serve piping hot.

How to Serve “Ground Beef and Bean Chili

Garnishes

The right toppings can turn a humble bowl into a true showstopper! Try a generous dollop of sour cream for creaminess, a sprinkle of shredded cheese for melt-in-your-mouth richness, or chopped green onions for a fresh bite. Let everyone assemble their perfect bowl — it’s part of the fun!

Side Dishes

This hearty chili shines alone, but pairing it with warm cornbread, fluffy white rice, or crunchy tortilla chips can make the meal feel extra cozy and complete. For a lighter touch, a crisp green salad with lime dressing is a refreshing contrast.

Creative Ways to Present

Don’t be afraid to get playful! Spoon your chili onto baked potatoes for a filling lunch, use it as a topping for nachos, or ladle it into mini bread bowls for a crowd-pleasing appetizer. However you serve it, Ground Beef and Bean Chili is always a crowd-pleaser.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you somehow have leftovers, scoop cooled chili into airtight containers and keep in the fridge for up to 4 days. The flavors only intensify overnight, making every reheated bowl even more irresistible.

Freezing

Ground Beef and Bean Chili freezes beautifully. Let it cool fully, transfer to freezer-safe containers or zipper bags, and stash away for up to three months. Flat-packing freezer bags saves space and speeds thawing when chili cravings hit!

Reheating

For best results, reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water or broth if it’s thickened too much. You can microwave single portions, too; just cover and stir halfway through for even heating.

FAQs

Can I use different kinds of beans?

Absolutely! Feel free to swap in pinto beans, cannellini beans, or even chickpeas. Any hearty bean that holds its shape will taste fantastic in Ground Beef and Bean Chili.

Is this chili spicy?

This recipe has a gentle warmth from the chili powder and smoked paprika, but it’s not overtly spicy. To kick up the heat, add a pinch of cayenne or chopped jalapeño when sautéing your onions.

Can I make it vegetarian?

Yes! Just skip the ground beef and add an extra can of beans or your favorite meatless ground. You’ll still get that deeply satisfying, chili-rich flavor.

How can I thicken my chili?

If your Ground Beef and Bean Chili seems thin, let it simmer uncovered a bit longer to reduce, or mash a few beans against the side of the pot for extra body.

Is it gluten-free?

Yes! This recipe is naturally gluten-free, so it’s perfect for anyone who needs to avoid wheat, just double-check your toppings and any side dishes.

Final Thoughts

I hope you’ll make a big, bubbling pot of this Ground Beef and Bean Chili soon — and share it with those you love. This classic is so much more than the sum of its ingredients; it’s the kind of homemade comfort that brings everyone to the table. Dig in and enjoy every hearty bite!