My Go-To Classic Beef Chili with Beans for Cozy Nights

Is there anything more welcoming on a crisp evening than a big, bubbling pot of Classic Beef Chili with Beans? This isn’t some fancy, overwrought recipe. It’s the kind of hearty, satisfying meal that brings everyone to the table. It’s the dish I make when I need something truly comforting that doesn’t require a whole afternoon to prepare. Perfect for those busy weeknights when you want a healthy dinner that feels like a hug in a bowl.

Why You’ll Love This

You’re going to love this Classic Beef Chili with Beans because it’s the ultimate set-it-and-forget-it kind of meal. It comes together in one pot, making cleanup a breeze. It’s packed with protein and fiber, fitting right into your list of easy healthy dinner ideas. But the real magic is in the leftovers—it tastes even better the next day! It’s a family-friendly, budget-conscious recipe that delivers big, cozy flavor without a lot of fuss. So, so comforting.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 1 tbsp olive oil: For sautéing our veggies.
• 1 large yellow onion, diced: The sweet, savory base of our flavor.
• 1 large green bell pepper, diced: Adds a mild sweetness and great texture.
• 4 cloves garlic, minced: Because what’s a good chili without garlic?
• 2 lbs lean ground beef: The hearty, protein-packed star of the show.
• 3 tbsp chili powder: The essential spice blend for that classic taste.
• 1 tbsp ground cumin: Adds a warm, earthy depth.
• 1 tsp smoked paprika: Gives a subtle smoky hint without any smokehouse.
• 1 tsp dried oregano: A little herbal note to round things out.
• 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (optional): For those who like a bit of a kick.
• 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes: Forms the rich, tangy body of the chili.
• 2 (15 oz) cans kidney beans, drained and rinsed: For that classic bean addition and extra fiber.
• 1 (15 oz) can pinto beans, drained and rinsed: I love the creamy texture these add.
• 2 cups beef broth: Keeps everything wonderfully juicy and flavorful.
• 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar: Our secret weapon for a touch of sweet acidity.
• Salt and black pepper to taste: To make all the flavors pop.

Let’s Get Cooking Step by Step

1. Grab your largest pot or Dutch oven and warm the olive oil over medium heat. Toss in your diced onion and bell pepper. Cook them for about 5-7 minutes, stirring now and then, until they’ve softened up. Add the minced garlic and cook for just one more minute until it smells amazing.
2. Push the veggies to the side and add the ground beef to the center of the pot. Use your spoon to break it up as it browns. This should take about 8-10 minutes. Drain off any excess grease if you need to.
3. Now, sprinkle all those beautiful spices right over the meat—the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, and cayenne if you’re using it. Give it a really good stir and let the spices toast for a minute. It’ll smell incredible.
4. Pour in the crushed tomatoes, drained kidney and pinto beans, beef broth, and balsamic vinegar. Stir everything together until it’s well combined.
5. Bring the pot to a gentle boil, then immediately reduce the heat to low. Cover it with a lid, but leave it slightly ajar. Let it simmer for at least 30 minutes, but if you have the time, let it go for an hour. Stir it occasionally. The longer it simmers, the deeper the flavors get.
6. Give it a taste and season with salt and black pepper until it’s just right for you. And that’s it! Ladle it into bowls and get ready to dig into one of the best easy weeknight dinners.

Classic Beef Chili Cooking Tips

• Don’t rush the browning of the beef. Getting a good sear on the meat adds a ton of flavor to the whole pot.
• Let it simmer! Honestly, the longer you can let this chili hang out on the stove on low heat, the better it will be. The flavors really meld together.
• If your chili seems too thick after simmering, just add a splash more beef broth or even water until it’s your preferred consistency.
• Taste as you go, especially before the final seasoning. Canned tomatoes and broths can vary in saltiness.
• For a playful twist, set up a chili topping bar with shredded cheese, sour cream, diced onions, and corn chips. Let everyone customize their own bowl!

Variations & Substitutions

This recipe is wonderfully flexible. For a lighter take, swap the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken. Not a bean fan? You can absolutely leave them out for a Texas-style chili. If you’re looking for more easy meals, try adding a cup of frozen corn towards the end of cooking or a diced sweet potato at the same time as the broth for extra heartiness. For a richer flavor, a square of dark chocolate stirred in at the end is a game-changer. No beef broth? Vegetable broth works perfectly fine.

Serving Ideas & Pairings

This chili is a complete meal in a bowl, but I love serving it with a wedge of warm cornbread or a handful of tortilla chips for dipping. A simple side salad with a bright vinaigrette helps cut through the richness. For the ultimate cozy night, a grilled cheese sandwich is the perfect partner for dunking. It’s one of those great dinner dishes that stands on its own but plays well with others.

Storage & Reheating

This chili stores like a dream. Let it cool completely, then keep it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. It also freezes beautifully for up to 3 months. To reheat, just warm it gently in a pot on the stove over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. You might need to add a tiny bit of water or broth as it reheats. You can also microwave single portions for a quick lunch.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Can I make this chili in a slow cooker? Absolutely! Just brown the beef and sauté the veggies on the stove first. Then transfer everything to your crockpot and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. It’s a fantastic method for easy dinner ideas when you’re out all day.
• How can I make this spicier? Easy! Add a diced jalapeño (seeds and all) with the bell pepper, use a hotter chili powder, or increase the cayenne. You could also stir in a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce at the end.
• Is this considered one of the healthy dinner recipes? I’d say so! Using lean ground beef and loading it with beans and veggies makes it a balanced meal packed with protein and fiber. It’s a great option for cheap dinners for a family that doesn’t skimp on nutrition.
• My family isn’t big on leftovers. Can I halve this recipe? Of course. Simply cut all the ingredients in half. It will still work perfectly and give you about 4 servings, ideal for a smaller family.