10.12.21

Beef Chili with Beans

Chili is one of my ABSOLUTE favorite fall/winter dishes. It’s hearty, flavorful and such an easy recipe to throw in the pot and serve a crowd-pleasing dinner. Here is my take on a more traditional Beef Chili with Beans that is perfect for snowy day or game-day party!

Beef Chili with Beans

Now, depending on where you were born and raised. Across the country, we have popular chili’s like Cincinnati-style chili, Texas chili, Colorado Chili… I mean, the list goes on and on! In Texas, traditionally chili is *not* made with beans and tomatoes. But my mom always made a chili along the lines of this recipe: ground beef, lots of spices, some tomatoes and some beans. So consider this moment a Texan sharing a very un-Texan style chili. 😉 

Taking inspiration from my Mom’s chili growing up, over the years I’ve come up with my own rendition and swaps. It’s got good spice, great texture, and is perfect to serve in a bowl with all of your favorite toppings or to serve as you please! It’s great on top of Enchiladas, over hot dogs and hamburgers, and to make Frito Chili Pies! 

So, send a mass text to your friends, turn on your favorite football game, and set up an easy chili bar for everyone to serve themselves! It’s always a hit!

Beef Chili with Beans

LOVE THIS RECIPE? HERE ARE SOME OTHER GREAT CHILI RECIPES:

Turkey and White Bean Chili

Curried Chili

Whole30/Paleo Chili (no beans!)

Green Chile Stew

 

Beef and Bean Chili

Serves: 6 people
Print
5 from 20 votes

Ingredients

  • 2 tbsp avocado oil
  • 1 cup finely diced yellow onion
  • 1 ½ cup diced green bell pepper
  • 1 cup diced poblano pepper
  • ¼ cup seeded and diced jalapeno
  • 3 clove garlic minced
  • 2 tsp salt
  • 2 lb ground beef
  • 1 tsp black pepper
  • 3 tbsp tomato paste
  • 2 tbsp hot sauce (*see note, i use Siete Brand Traditional Hot Sauce)
  • 3 tbsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 15- oz can fire-roasted tomatoes
  • 2 cups low-sodium beef broth
  • 1 15- oz can red kidney beans drained and rinsed
  • 2 tsp coconut sugar *OPTIONAL, see note!

Serving Suggestions:

  • sour cream
  • shredded cheddar cheese
  • corn chips
  • Thinly sliced green onions

Instructions

  • In a large dutch oven or pot, heat the avocado oil over medium heat. When hot, add the onion, bell pepper, poblano, jalapeno, garlic and 1 tsp salt. Saute, stirring, until the veggies are tender; about 8 minutes.
  • Once the veggies are tender, add the ground beef and the remaining 1 tsp salt and the black pepper, breaking up with the edge of a wooden spoon, and brown; about 7 more minutes. (depending on how fat your beef is, you may need to drain off excess fat here, but reserve about 2 tbsp for flavor in skillet).
  • Once the beef is browned, add the tomato paste, hot sauce, chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, and garlic powder. Cook, stirring, until well combined and the spices are fragrant, about 2 more minutes.
  • Add the fire-roasted tomatoes and broth. Stir to combine then bring to a rapid simmer.
  • Reduce the heat to medium-low and cook, covered but stirring occasionally, for at least 30 minutes. (When I have more time, I personally prefer to turn the heat to LOW and cook, covered, for about 3 hours, stirring occasionally. It’s good either way though).
  • About 15 minutes prior to serving, add the beans (and coconut sugar, if using) and stir to combine. Cook, uncovered until the beans are tender.
  • Serve with desired toppings and enjoy!

Notes

*I like to use a traditional hot sauce here, like Siete Foods Traditional Hot Sauce or Tapatio. These add heat and flavor--but aren’t overly spicy so I can use 2 tbsp. Depending on what hot sauce you use and your heat preference, you may want to dial down and just use 1 tbsp.
*I personally don’t need a touch of sweetness in my chili; however, I know a lot of people love it! Adding the touch of coconut sugar at the ends helps cut through the heat and the acidity of the tomatoes!

47 Comments

  • Reply
    Kitchenhutt Spices
    May 18, 2023 at 7:16 am

    Your blog is impressive, thanks to the quality of your recipes & other content….

  • Reply
    Sharon G.
    March 19, 2023 at 4:09 pm

    5 stars
    My first time making chili and this recipe did not disappoint!!! I only had enough chili powder for 2 tbsp and I omitted the jalapeños for my kids – still turned out great. Thank you for another great recipe.

    • Reply
      Alex
      March 20, 2023 at 3:30 pm

      So glad this was a hit! Thanks for commenting

  • Reply
    Jenna
    January 3, 2023 at 8:31 pm

    5 stars
    My favorite chili recipe! A family favorite. I make it multiple times throughout the cold weather months!

  • Reply
    Heather
    January 1, 2023 at 5:55 pm

    5 stars
    This is my new favorite chili recipe. I have made it multiple times over the last few months because my family loves it. I made it for a work potluck and everyone loved it and asked for the recipe. Great balance of spice and vegetables, and a little extra meat, just the way I like it.

    • Reply
      Alex
      January 1, 2023 at 11:08 pm

      so happy you love it!

  • Reply
    Jen
    November 11, 2022 at 5:26 pm

    I’m making this chili this weekend, but can’t find poblanos anywhere. 😩 Is there a good substitute or should I just omit?

  • Reply
    Leslie
    February 3, 2022 at 11:06 pm

    5 stars
    I sampled it before its final 30 minutes on the stove to test the saltiness. It has an absolutely wonderful flavor at this point so I’m hesitant to add the coconut sugar. Out of curiousity – Why the coconut sugar? other than, well it gets sweeter. Right? It’s 20 degrees outside and damnit I want a bowl of chili. The taste is incredible.

    • Reply
      Alex
      February 8, 2022 at 9:03 pm

      haha, if you love the way it is– don’t change it!! I do it both ways. The sugar also balances out the acid from the tomatoes!

  • Reply
    Jamie Martin
    January 2, 2022 at 2:55 am

    5 stars
    I used pinto beans and it turned out so tasty! Will for sure make again!

  • Reply
    Whitney
    December 21, 2021 at 2:09 am

    5 stars
    My fave chili recipe! We subbed smoked bottom round steak for the ground beef this time, kept the rest of the recipe the same. Hand’s down, the best chili ever!

  • Reply
    Sarah B
    December 19, 2021 at 5:00 pm

    I’m using Impossible Meat, anything you think I should add/change?

    • Reply
      Alex
      December 20, 2021 at 12:44 pm

      I don’t think so! I don’t cook with that often so I can’t say for sure; however, from my understanding it’s a 1:1 swap for ground meat so you should be good.

    • Reply
      Abbey
      November 27, 2022 at 9:52 pm

      I’m trying this week with beyond meat. How did yours turn out?

  • Reply
    Gabbie
    November 17, 2021 at 1:08 am

    5 stars
    Wow this is the best chili ever! Can’t wait for leftovers 🙂 Super easy to make and so much flavor!

  • Reply
    BHS
    November 1, 2021 at 3:06 pm

    5 stars
    So flavorful!! Warms you up from the inside out!

  • Reply
    Judith McCann
    October 27, 2021 at 5:16 pm

    5 stars
    I am known for sending great chili to deer camp every year, but this year’s was hands down….THE BEST!!! I used this recipe (I know you keep it healthy ❤️) and my husband said it got amazing comments!!
    I even got a couple of text messages! Best chili I have ever eaten, without a doubt!! ❤️
    ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

  • Reply
    Frances Ward
    October 25, 2021 at 11:32 pm

    5 stars
    This was excellent! Thank you! Instead of sugar I added a couple of squares of dark chocolate.

  • Reply
    Blair P.
    October 25, 2021 at 7:26 pm

    Do you think this recipe is too spicy for little ones?

    • Reply
      Alex
      October 26, 2021 at 2:48 pm

      My girls actually ate this as-is, but if your kids have a sensitive palate, I recommend leaving out the hot sauce and jalapeno. You can always top your serving with hot sauce!

  • Reply
    Hannah T
    October 25, 2021 at 2:06 pm

    Going to make this tonight! Is it too spicy for kiddos? Or can a dollop of sour cream fix that?
    Thanks for all the yummy meals!!

    • Reply
      Alex
      October 25, 2021 at 5:12 pm

      both of my girls enjoyed it as is and didn’t complain about the spice. They did serve it over fritos and a big dollop of sourcream on top 😉

  • Reply
    Ashley
    October 22, 2021 at 1:54 am

    Do you think ground Turkey would be good as a substitute or should I stick with the beef?

    • Reply
      Alex
      October 22, 2021 at 8:40 pm

      Beef is most delicious– but it will still taste fab with turkey!

  • Reply
    Lori
    October 18, 2021 at 11:10 pm

    5 stars
    Just made this for dinner.So yummy!!

  • Reply
    Nicole Thompson
    October 18, 2021 at 5:43 pm

    Delicious! Could I make this in an instant pot?

    • Reply
      Alex
      October 18, 2021 at 9:05 pm

      definitely! I would saute the veggies + brown the meat first in the IP. Add the remaining ingredients, seal, and cook for 25 minutes on HP.

      • Reply
        Elizabeth MacDonald
        December 15, 2021 at 12:22 am

        Can i halve the recipe? Looks SO good!

        • Reply
          Alex
          December 15, 2021 at 8:49 pm

          sure!! will still work great!

      • Reply
        Katey Deas
        February 22, 2023 at 12:03 am

        5 stars
        I am no stranger to chili recipes. I love chili and force it upon my family time after time. This was hands down the best chili ever and everyone was in agreement! Not too spicy for the kids and just such great flavors. Bravo! Can’t wait to make again and again and again!

        • Reply
          Alex
          February 22, 2023 at 12:44 am

          yay yay yay!!!

    • Reply
      Sarah
      January 21, 2022 at 2:03 am

      5 stars
      I’ve made this so many times and it is hands down the BEST chili I’ve ever made. I keep coming back for more and sharing this recipe with all my friends. I’m not a fan of spicy so I hold the jalapeño and hot sauce and it is still so flavorful and perfect without the heat.

  • Reply
    zee
    October 18, 2021 at 3:57 pm

    5 stars
    I’ve never been huge on chili, but this recipe is a game changer. SO GOOD!! THANK YOU!!

  • Reply
    SR
    October 18, 2021 at 12:26 am

    5 stars
    This was delicious! I’m only cooking for one so I halved it (which was easy) and will likely freeze half of that too. Going to be a great freezer addition!

  • Reply
    Wendy Zogg
    October 17, 2021 at 10:24 pm

    5 stars
    This was another home run! Thanks for feeding my family every night!
    Can’t wait for the new cookbook. I have ordered one for myself, friends and family for Christmas.

    • Reply
      Laura
      October 19, 2021 at 8:25 pm

      Trying this recipe this weekend for a chili cook off!! Any thoughts on crystal hot sauce?

      • Reply
        Alex
        October 20, 2021 at 7:57 pm

        Crystal’s is good– but keep in mind that it’s a Louisiana style hot sauce so it has that distinct flavor– a more mexican/texan-style hot sauce is best but Crystal’s would be great too!

  • Reply
    Gracie
    October 17, 2021 at 8:20 pm

    It says add 1 tbs of salt in directions when I think it’s supposed to be 1 tsp.

    • Reply
      Alex
      October 18, 2021 at 11:54 am

      oops! so sorry about that typo.

  • Reply
    Erica
    October 15, 2021 at 9:19 pm

    Can’t wait to try!! Frank’s hot sauce would work?

    • Reply
      Alex
      October 16, 2021 at 12:44 pm

      I wouldn’t use franks– as it has too much of a buffalo flavor!

      • Reply
        Erica
        October 16, 2021 at 4:58 pm

        5 stars
        Found tapatio in my pantry (husband loves hot sauce 🤣). This recipe is literally FIRE. Never tried a recipe of yours I didn’t like

      • Reply
        Erica
        October 16, 2021 at 4:59 pm

        5 stars
        Found tapatio in our pantry (husband loves all hot sauce 😂). This recipe is literally FIRE. Haven’t tried a recipe of yours I don’t love!!

    • Reply
      Paige
      November 16, 2022 at 1:46 am

      5 stars
      This was so good. I have to admit I was nervous while adding the seasoning amount 😂 but I should have known to trust you! My husband said this chili could compete with his mom’s, which is a huge compliment. He’s already so excited for leftovers… I didn’t have a poblano, so I just omitted it. I also used jarred jalapeños. Even with both changes, it was still delicious!

  • Reply
    Hannah
    October 14, 2021 at 12:48 am

    5 stars
    The perfect chili! I wanted to make this so badly but didn’t want to go to the store to grab the few ingredients I was missing (bell pepper and poblano) so decided to give it a try anyways with a little extra jalapeño and it turned out great! I did it in my instantpot and it couldn’t have been easier. Can’t wait to try it again with all the ingredients!

  • Reply
    Darlene Addison
    October 13, 2021 at 1:01 am

    Could you do this in the crockpot?

    • Reply
      Alex
      October 13, 2021 at 1:58 am

      yes! I would just saute the onions/veggies and brown the meat first. Then transfer all to the crockpot, add remaining ingredients, cook on low all day. Finish with the beans at the last 30 mins! 🙂

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