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Classic Comfort Food

Featured in Satisfying Hearty Mains.

Create this hearty chili by simmering ground beef, beans, and vegetables in a rich broth made with beer and tomatoes. Ready in just over an hour.

Clare Greco
Updated on Mon, 20 Jan 2025 16:10:31 GMT
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A close-up image of a bowl of chili topped with fresh cilantro, featuring ground meat, beans, and colorful diced vegetables. Pin it
A close-up image of a bowl of chili topped with fresh cilantro, featuring ground meat, beans, and colorful diced vegetables. | recipesbyclare.com

Let me share my favorite chili recipe that's loaded with tender beef beans and the perfect blend of spices! This hearty comfort food is so simple to make but tastes like it simmered all day. I love serving it with fresh cornbread or warm biscuits for the coziest dinner.

What Makes This Chili Special

What I love about this recipe is how it balances rich meaty flavors with just the right amount of spice. The beans make it extra hearty and a splash of beer adds amazing depth. Plus you can easily adjust everything to make it exactly how your family likes it.

What You'll Need

  • The Base: Ground beef (2 pounds), Chili powder and cumin, Fresh onion and garlic, Your favorite beans
  • The Good Stuff: Diced tomatoes and paste, Beef broth, Optional beer for richness, Jalapeño if you like heat

Let's Make Some Magic

Start with Meat:
Brown your beef with onions garlic and spices drain off the fat.
Build Flavors:
Add remaining spices beans tomatoes broth and that optional beer.
Let It Simmer:
Bubble away uncovered until it's thick and perfect.
Make It Your Own:
Taste and adjust those spices until it's just right.
Time to Enjoy:
Load up bowls with your favorite toppings dig in!

My Best Tips

Let it simmer uncovered to thicken naturally. Need it thicker quick? Add a bit of cornmeal. Want more heat? Leave those jalapeño seeds in. Try some taco seasoning for a fun twist.

Make It Perfect

Top with lots of cheese sour cream green onions whatever you love. Keeps great in the fridge for 4 days or freeze it for easy meals later. Perfect for meal prep!

A bowl of hearty chili topped with fresh chopped cilantro, featuring ground meat, beans, and colorful diced vegetables. Pin it
A bowl of hearty chili topped with fresh chopped cilantro, featuring ground meat, beans, and colorful diced vegetables. | recipesbyclare.com

Quick Answers

  • Different meat? Try turkey or pork
  • Too spicy? Skip jalapeños use less powder
  • Chili beans add extra flavor
  • No beer? More broth works great

Pure Comfort Food

This chili recipe has become my go-to for cozy dinners game days or easy meal prep. It's rich hearty and always hits the spot. Give it a try and make it your own family favorite!

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I skip the beer?

Yes, replace with additional beef broth for same liquid ratio.

→ What meat can I use?

Any ground meat works - beef, turkey, pork, or chicken.

→ Can I make this ahead?

Yes, flavors improve next day. Keeps well 3-4 days refrigerated.

→ How can I adjust spiciness?

Adjust jalapeños and chili powder amounts to taste.

→ What toppings work best?

Try cheese, sour cream, onions, jalapeños, cilantro, avocado, or chips.

Ground Beef Chili

A rich, meaty chili featuring ground beef, beans, and vegetables simmered in a flavorful beer and tomato broth. Perfect comfort food.

Prep Time
20 Minutes
Cook Time
45 Minutes
Total Time
65 Minutes

Category: Hearty Mains

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: American

Yield: 8 Servings (8)

Dietary: Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free

Ingredients

01 2 lbs lean ground beef.
02 1 onion, diced.
03 1 jalapeño, seeded and diced.
04 4 cloves garlic, minced.
05 2 1/2 tbsp chili powder, divided.
06 1 tsp cumin.
07 1 green bell pepper, diced.
08 14.5 oz crushed tomatoes.
09 19 oz red kidney beans, drained and rinsed.
10 14.5 oz diced tomatoes with juice.
11 1 1/2 cups beef broth.
12 1 cup beer.
13 1 tbsp tomato paste.
14 1 tbsp brown sugar (optional).
15 Salt and pepper to taste.

Instructions

Step 01

Mix beef with 1 1/2 tbsp chili powder.

Step 02

Brown beef, onion, jalapeño, garlic in large pot. Drain fat.

Step 03

Add remaining ingredients.

Step 04

Bring to boil.

Step 05

Reduce heat and simmer uncovered 45-60 minutes until thickened.

Step 06

Top with favorite garnishes.

Notes

  1. Can substitute extra broth for beer.
  2. Any ground meat works.
  3. Gets better next day.
  4. Serves 1 1/2 cups per person.

Tools You'll Need

  • Large pot.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • None.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 395
  • Total Fat: 17 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 27 g
  • Protein: 29 g