This homemade ground beef chili is a classic, easy recipe loaded with lots of flavor.
What makes this chili recipe different? It’s loaded with plenty of seasoning for a perfect chili flavor. It uses 1/4 cup chili powder along with several other herbs and spices for a result that’s anything but bland!
A bowl of this chili pairs well with chips, crackers, or cornbread. Make it as a quick weeknight dinner or double the recipe and serve it as an easy meal for a big crowd.
Looking for the slow cooker version of this recipe? Check it out here: 3 Step Slow Cooker Chili.
How to Make Ground Beef Chili
This chili recipe is the BEST because it only has 4 steps to make it!
Here’s a quick summary of how to make the chili, but scroll to the bottom of this page for the full recipe.
Step 1
In a large skillet, cook 1 large, chopped yellow onion for 2 – 3 minutes. Then add 1 pound of ground beef and cook for 5 – 7 minutes more, until the beef is browned.
As you cook the beef, crumble it into small pieces with a wooden spoon. The beef should be well-browned and the onion should be cooked through.
Step 2
Add all of the ingredients (listed at the bottom of this page) for the chili to a large pot. This includes the cooked onion and beef, along with beans and seasonings. Stir well and bring to a boil on high heat.
Step 3
Simmer the chili on medium low heat for 25 – 30 minutes, uncovered. Stir occasionally. Serve immediately while it’s still warm.
Can You Make It with Turkey or Chicken?
Yes, you can make this recipe with ground turkey or chicken, but we think that it tastes best with ground beef. It’s still tasty with turkey or chicken, but the flavors taste the boldest when made with beef.
What to Serve with Chili
There are so many good options for what to serve with chili!
Here are some favorites:
- Toppings: try topping your chili with sour cream, green onions, cheddar cheese, red onions, or avocados.
- Sides: tasty sides for chili include cornbread, crackers, chips, or fries (to make chili cheese fries)
If you’re looking for more chili inspiration, check out this fun Chili Bar from Buzzfeed. They show every chili side & topping you could ever imagine!
How to Make It In A Slow Cooker
This recipe is for stovetop chili, but you can also make it in your slow cooker if you prefer! I love this option for days when I want to make it in the morning & come home to ready-to-eat chili.
Here’s how:
- Following the same instructions as the stovetop recipe, saute your onion and brown your ground beef.
- Add all ingredients to your slow cooker and stir. Cook on low for 5 – 6 hours.
We also have a very similar & popular recipe for slow cooker chili here: Easy Slow Cooker Chili.
Popular Questions About Ground Beef Chili
What is the best ground meat for chili?
This recipe uses ground beef, preferably 90% lean (but any ground beef will do). You’ll brown the meat and drain the fat at the beginning of the recipe, so you don’t have to worry about extra grease in your chili.
Beef is the most popular ground meat for chili because its flavor pairs well with the hearty beans and tomatoes in chili.
Ground Turkey or Chicken Chili: If you like, you can also substitute ground turkey or chicken. These are both leaner options that still create a delicious chili.
Should I drain the beans?
Yes, drain and rinse the beans before adding them to your chili pot. This recipe calls for one can of black beans and one can of red kidney beans.
Can you make it in a crockpot?
Yes, you can also make this recipe in a crockpot. This is a great meal to let simmer in your crockpot all day and come home to a hot meal. Simply add all the ingredients to your crockpot instead of a large pot. Cook on high for 5 – 6 hours or low for 7 – 8 hours.
The flavors of this chili come from lots of tasting and testing! This recipe nails all of the chili flavor while keeping the ingredient list simple. It can be a weeknight staple or a fun party appetizer with chips. Lots of classic flavor but overly complicated.
Print
Ground Beef Chili
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 5
Description
An easy, delicious homemade chili recipe loaded with ground beef, beans, and plenty of seasoning.
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 yellow onion (large, chopped)
- 1 lb ground beef
- 8 oz can tomato sauce
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 10 oz can diced tomatoes
- 16 oz can red kidney beans
- 16 oz can black beans
- 1 1/2 cups beef broth
- 1 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 cup chili powder
- 2 tbsp cumin
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp ground black pepper
- 1/4 tsp cayenne ((optional))
Instructions
- In a large skillet, add the olive oil and chopped onion. Cook for 2 – 3 minutes.
- Add the ground beef to the skillet with the onion and cook for 5 – 7 minutes, until browned. Drain the grease from the skillet.
- In a large pot, combine all ingredients, including the cooked onions and ground beef. Stir well to mix.
- Bring the pot to a boil. Reduce the heat to medium low and simmer uncovered for 20 – 25 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
My first time ever making chili, and we ate every drop! We also added a pound of Italian sausage that made it even a bit more flavorful. You won’t be disappointed by this recipe!
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Thanks so much!! Glad you enjoyed it! 🙂
This is the s second time I’ve made this recipe, it’s been a hit both times. Actually doubled up on on this recipe in case I needed to freeze it
Charley Cline
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Thanks Charley! So glad you enjoyed it!! We usually make double too and freeze it or eat it for a couple days (it goes fast haha)!
Can you use an instant pot to cook?
Hi Debbie, I’m sorry I can’t give you more info but I’ve only tried this as a stovetop chili or in the crockpot! I think you could use an Instant Pot and follow the same cooking methods: saute the beef & onion until it’s cooked in the instant pot, add the remaining ingredients and then cook all together so that the flavors can mingle.
Love the recipe! It was easy to prepare and it tastes great!
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This is my go to recipe for chili, have made it multiple times and everyone always loves it!
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This chili is so delicious with a nice little kick on the back side! Only thing I added was a can of chopped green chilies. We love it!
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Delicious, I just made this morning I can’t get enough. I used chili beans instead of pinto and black beans. Thank you so much 😉
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That sounds delicious! What a great alternative. So glad you liked this recipe!
Absolutely delicious!! I added a 14 Oz. Can of fire roasted tomatoes. My husband loves the heat. This is our new Chili recipe!!! Thanks Megan for sharing this with us.
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How can I get the chili to look darker. Tastes great though
I made this is my crock pot for dinner tonight. It’s the first time I have ever made chili. I sampled it so far and I think everyone is really going to like it. Thank you for the recipe!!
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My go to chili recipe! I add any beans or lentils on hand. Thanks for a great easy chili recipe!👍
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So happy you enjoy it!
This chili is my “go to” recipe! Everyone loves it it is always a hit. I had never made chili before this recipe I’m so glad I found it. I substitute kidney beans for the black beans otherwise I follow the recipe every time and it’s a hit!
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So happy you and your loved ones are enjoying it! Kidney beans are great too! Thank you <3
Deliciousc
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Delicious. You make chili darker by adding cocoa powder and coffee. Doesn’t change flavor
Thank you! Making it tonight
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