Warm up your kitchen with this Hearty Kickin' Beef Chili recipe! Packed with tender ground beef, kidney beans, and a medley of spices, this chili is the ultimate comfort food. Perfect for chilly nights, our easy-to-follow instructions will guide you to a flavorful dish in just over an hour. Ready to indulge in a bowl of deliciousness? Click to discover the full recipe and make your meal unforgettable!
1 lb ground beef
1 medium onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 bell pepper (any color), diced
2 cans (15 oz each) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
2 tablespoons chili powder
1 teaspoon cumin
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 cup beef broth
1 tablespoon olive oil
Fresh cilantro, for garnish
Sour cream (optional, for serving)
Shredded cheese (optional, for serving)
. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add 1 diced onion and 1 diced bell pepper. Sauté them for about 5 minutes. You want the onion and pepper to be soft and slightly see-through. Now, add 2 minced garlic cloves to the pot. Stir it for 1 minute until the garlic smells great and turns a light golden color. This step adds a nice depth of flavor. Next, raise the heat to medium-high and add 1 pound of ground beef. Use a wooden spoon to break it apart. Cook until the beef is brown, which should take about 7 to 10 minutes. If there is a lot of grease, drain it off. Turn the heat down to medium. It's time to add the spices! Stir in 2 tablespoons of chili powder, 1 teaspoon of cumin, 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika, ½ teaspoon of dried oregano, 1 teaspoon of salt, and ½ teaspoon of black pepper. Cook for another 2 minutes. This helps the spices mix well and create a rich flavor. Pour in 1 can of crushed tomatoes, 2 cans of kidney beans (drained and rinsed), and 1 cup of beef broth. Stir everything to combine well. Bring the chili to a simmer, then lower the heat to low. Cover the pot and let it cook for at least 30 minutes. For even more flavor, let it simmer for up to an hour. Stir occasionally for the best results. Now, you can check out the Full Recipe for more details! To make your chili just right, adjust the seasonings to match your taste. Start with the basic spices in the recipe. You can always add more, but it’s hard to take away. If you want extra heat, add crushed red pepper or diced jalapeños. A little goes a long way, so start small. You can always taste and add more. For a richer flavor, try using smoked paprika instead of regular paprika. It gives a nice depth to the dish. You can also add a splash of vinegar for a tangy kick. This brightens up the chili and balances the richness of the beef. When cooking chili, I recommend using a heavy pot. A Dutch oven works great for even heating. It helps all the flavors mix well. Avoid using thin, non-stick pots. They can cause hot spots and burn your chili. Common mistakes include not browning the beef enough. Take your time when cooking the beef until it’s nicely browned. This step adds a lot of flavor. Also, don’t rush the simmering time. Letting the chili simmer allows all the flavors to blend. The longer it cooks, the better it tastes. For the best results, always taste your chili before serving. Adjust the salt and spices if needed. This final check ensures your chili is perfect. Follow these tips, and you’ll serve a chili that everyone loves. For the full recipe, check out the details above. {{image_4}} You can use other meats in this chili. Ground turkey is a lean choice. It tastes great and lowers fat. You can also try plant-based meats. These options work well for flavor and texture. They can make a hearty meal too. Substitute the beef with the same amount of turkey or plant-based meat. Keep the cooking steps the same for a tasty dish. Want a meat-free chili? It’s easy! Replace the ground beef with more beans. You can use black beans, pinto beans, or chickpeas. Add extra veggies like carrots or zucchini for depth. Instead of beef broth, use vegetable broth. This will keep it full of flavor. You won't miss the beef at all with these swaps! Want to kick up the flavor? Add corn for sweetness and crunch. Diced jalapeños can bring heat; adjust to your taste. You might also try different beans, like cannellini or navy beans. Each bean adds unique texture and taste. Toss in some bell peppers for color and flavor. Customize your chili with these easy additions! For the full recipe, check out the Hearty Kickin' Beef Chili. To keep your beef chili fresh, store it in an airtight container. Let it cool first. Place it in the fridge if you plan to eat it in a few days. Chili stays good for about 3 to 4 days in the fridge. If you want to keep it longer, freeze it. Use freezer-safe containers or bags to prevent freezer burn. Label your containers with dates to track freshness. Chili can last up to 3 months in the freezer. When ready to eat, reheating chili is easy. You can use the stovetop or microwave. For stovetop, place the chili in a pot over low heat. Stir it often to avoid sticking. Heat until it’s hot all the way through. If using a microwave, put the chili in a microwave-safe bowl. Cover it loosely and heat in short bursts. Stir between each burst to ensure even heating. This keeps the flavor and texture just right. To add heat, you can use several options. Try adding chopped fresh jalapeños or serrano peppers. You can also mix in some red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper. For a smoky flavor, consider chipotle peppers in adobo sauce. These ingredients boost the heat without overpowering the chili's taste. If you prefer, you can also serve hot sauce on the side. This way, each person can spice their bowl to their liking. Yes, you can easily make this chili in a slow cooker. First, brown the beef in a pan to add flavor. Then transfer it to the slow cooker with the other ingredients. Set it on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. This method allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Just make sure to adjust the liquid if needed, as slow cookers retain moisture well. Beef chili lasts about 3-4 days in the fridge. Store it in an airtight container to keep it fresh. Always check for signs of spoilage before eating. If you see any mold or if it smells off, it's best to throw it away. You can also freeze chili for up to 3 months for longer storage. Just thaw it in the fridge before reheating. Serve beef chili hot in bowls. A sprinkle of fresh cilantro adds color and freshness. You can offer sour cream and shredded cheese as toppings. Crushed tortilla chips or cornbread make great sides. For a fun twist, try serving chili over rice for a hearty meal. You can also pair it with a crisp salad for balance. Yes, this recipe is gluten-free. Most of the ingredients do not contain gluten. However, always check the labels on canned goods. Some brands might add gluten-containing additives. If you want to be extra cautious, use gluten-free broth and spices. This ensures that everyone can enjoy your hearty kickin' beef chili without worry. For the full recipe, click [Full Recipe]. This post gave you a clear recipe for a tasty beef chili. You learned about key ingredients, step-by-step cooking, and fun variations. Plus, I shared valuable storage tips to keep your chili fresh. Remember, cooking is fun, and you can always tweak flavors to your liking. Try swapping meats or adding spices to make it yours. Enjoy crafting your perfect bowl of chili!](https://tastyrecipes.blog/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/f60abddc-d55f-446a-b6cb-23ad9744c5ad-300x300.webp)