This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.
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!
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!
LOVE THIS RECIPE? HERE ARE SOME OTHER GREAT CHILI RECIPES:
Whole30/Paleo Chili (no beans!)
Beef and Bean Chili
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
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
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.
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!
I used pinto beans and it turned out so tasty! Will for sure make again!
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!
I’m using Impossible Meat, anything you think I should add/change?
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.
I’m trying this week with beyond meat. How did yours turn out?
I’ve made this recipe twice – once with beef, once with impossible beef and both times it came out delicious! A total crowd pleaser!
Wow this is the best chili ever! Can’t wait for leftovers 🙂 Super easy to make and so much flavor!
So flavorful!! Warms you up from the inside out!
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!! ❤️
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This was excellent! Thank you! Instead of sugar I added a couple of squares of dark chocolate.
Do you think this recipe is too spicy for little ones?
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!
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!!
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 😉