• Main Dishes | Soups + Stews
  • Chili Recipe

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    This slow cooked beef chili recipe is a hearty and delicious meal packed full of flavor. Cooked on the stovetop in one pot, this chili is perfect comfort food and it’s great for meal prep and freezer meals.

    best beef chili in a clay bowl

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    If I have to choose a favorite winter meal, this classic chili recipe would be on the top of my list. It’s one of my favorite comfort foods! Flavorful, hearty and spicy meal for those cold winter days. My husband who is my official taste tester loves it too, he always has seconds when I make it.

    To see the short snapshot of this recipe, check out the web story here.

    If you love this recipe, be sure to check out this Instant Pot White Chicken Chili recipe as well.

    Why you will love this Chili recipe

    • Healthy: This homemade chili recipe is loaded with wholesome ingredients (beans, vegetables, lean beef, and spices) and it has tons of fiber, protein, and lots of flavor in one bowl.
    • Amazing for meal prep or freezing: This easy recipe makes a large batch of chili and it’s perfect if you want to meal prep for the week or if you want to freeze some for later.
    • Crowd-pleaser: A fuss-free recipe to make for a large crowd. It can easily be doubled. Everyone will love it.
    chili with beans in a clay bowl

    Chili Ingredients

    Don’t be scared by the long ingredients list. Half of the items here are spices, and the rest are basic ingredients that you probably already have in your fridge and pantry.

    • Extra virgin olive oil: for sauteing the vegetables.
    • Vegetables: Onion, garlic cloves, bell pepper, tomatoes
    • Ground beef: Use good quality ground beef. I used 90% lean ground beef.
    • Kidney beans: You can use canned or cooked kidney beans.
    • Beef broth: If you don’t have beef broth you can use vegetable broth or even water.
    • Tomato paste: It adds so much delicious savory flavor.
    • Seasonings (Chili powder, Chipotle powder, Salt and pepper, Paprika, Ground cumin, Red pepper flakes): You can adjust the chili powder and the red pepper flakes depending on how spicy you like it. The seasonings in this recipe are mildly spicy.
    • Dark chocolate: this secret ingredient adds depth. Don’t worry the recipe is not going to taste sweet.
    chili ingredients on a board

    How To Make Homemade Chili

    1. Add 1 Tbsp olive oil to the pan and add ground beef to the pan and brown the beef stirring occasionally. Transfer to a plate.
    2. Add chopped onion and bell peppers to the pot and saute until they are tender. Add minced garlic, and saute for 30 seconds until fragrant.
    3. Add the browned ground beef to the pot and mix with the vegetables.
    4. Add the finely chopped tomatoes, kidney beans, 2 Tbsp organic tomato paste, and the spices – 1 tsp chili powder, 1/2 tsp chipotle powder, 3 tsp salt, 1 tsp black pepper, 1 tsp paprika, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1/2 tsp dried marjoram, and 2 tsp red pepper flakes.
    5. Add beef stock and bring to a boil. Boil for about 5 minutes. Reduce to medium-low heat and simmer for about 1 hour.
    6. Add my secret ingredient, 2 oz of dark chocolate, and stir to combine. Adjust the seasonings if necessary and serve warm over rice with your favorite toppings.
    making the best chili recipe - process shots of each step

    Recipe Variations

    • This simple chili recipe is great served as a soup too. Just add 2 cups of stock instead of 1 cup.
    • You can also use ground chicken or turkey in this recipe if you prefer.
    • If you are in a hurry, you can use canned crushed tomatoes.
    • Add extra chili flakes if you want a spicier dish.

    Perfectly Spiced

    I would say if you want the best chili, don’t skimp on the spices, each one of them adds to the final hearty flavor of this recipe. The chipotle powder adds a smokey dimension, enhancing all of the other flavors.

    close up of chili recipe with shredded cheese and onions

    Storing

    This healthy chili recipe is so perfect to make ahead of time for meal prep and freezer meals.

    • Refrigerate: Let it cool to room temperature and then transfer it to an airtight container. Keep it in the fridge for up to 5 days.
    • Freeze: You can also freeze it for up to 3 months. Once it cools down, transfer it to a freezer-safe container or zip lock bag. Lay it flat on a baking sheet, and once frozen, store the zip lock bags flat in the freezer.
    • Reheat: Thaw frozen chili in the fridge overnight and reheat it on the stovetop to serve.
    top shot of homemade chili in bowls

    What do you serve it with?

    I like to serve this bean chili over rice, topped with sliced green onion and cornbread muffins. You can of course serve this with cauliflower rice or as a soup with crackers as well.

    You can also have fun with lots of different chili toppings. Try it with:

    • Sliced avocado
    • Sour cream
    • Shredded cheese
    • Sliced jalapeno
    • Guacamole
    • Saltine crackers
    • Tortilla strips
    • Lime wedges
    comfort food with beef recipe

    TIPS FROM NELI’S KITCHEN

    Recipe Tips and Notes

    • Make this easy chili recipe in a dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pan. They distribute the heat more evenly so that you don’t get hotspots that can burn.
    • Don’t skimp on the spices, each one of them adds so much unique flavor and really takes it to the next level.
    • Check that your spices aren’t stale before you use them. Rub a little between your fingers and they should release an aroma. If they don’t, time to buy new ones!
    • Bloom the spices by sauteeing them with the onions for the last 30 seconds. This adds even more flavor.
    • The Chili thickens as it cools down or after it has been refrigerated for a few hours.
    • Add 2 cups of beef stock/water if you want to serve it as a soup.
    • An easy trick how to peel tomatoes quickly is to slice a shallow “X” at the bottom of each tomato and place them for 30 to 60 seconds in boiling water. Then transfer them using a slotted spoon to a bowl with ice water and once cooled peel the tomatoes using a paring knife. 

    More Beef Recipes

    best beef chili in a clay bowl
    5 from 12 votes
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    Chili Recipe

    This slow cooked beef chili recipe is a hearty and delicious meal packed full of flavor. Cooked on the stovetop in one pot, this chili is perfect comfort food and it's great for meal prep and freezer meals.
    Prep Time 15 minutes
    Cook Time 1 hour 40 minutes
    Total Time 1 hour 55 minutes
    Servings 10 people
    Calories 189kcal

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    INGREDIENTS

    INSTRUCTIONS

    • Add 1 Tbsp olive oil to the pan and add ground beef to the pan and brown the beef stirring occasionally. Transfer to a plate.
    • Add chopped onion and bell peppers to the pot and saute until they are tender. Add minced garlic, and saute for 30 seconds until fragrant.
    • Add the browned ground beef to the pot, the finely chopped tomatoes, kidney beans, 2 Tbsp organic tomato paste and 1 cup of beef stock.
    • Add the spices – 1 tsp chili powder, 1/2 tsp chipotle powder, 3 tsp salt, 1 tsp black pepper, 1 tsp paprika, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1/2 tsp dried marjoram and 2 tsp red pepper flakes. And of course add my secret ingredient, 2 oz of dark chocolate.
    • Bring to a boil and boil for about 5 minutes. Reduce to medium low heat and simmer for about 1 hour.
    • Adjust the seasonings if necessary and serve warm over rice.

    TIPS & NOTES

    • Make this chili recipe in a dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pan. They distribute the heat more evenly so that you don’t get hotspots that can burn.
    • Don’t skimp on the spices, each one of them adds so much unique flavor and really takes this chili to the next level.
    • Check that your spices aren’t stale before you use them. Rub a little between your fingers and they should release an aroma. If they don’t, time to buy new ones!
    • Bloom the spices by sauteeing them with the onions for the last 30 seconds. This adds even more flavor.
    • The Chili thickens as it cools down or after it has been refrigerated for a few hours.
    • Add 2 cups of beef stock/water if you want to serve it as a chili soup. 
    • An easy trick how to peel tomatoes quickly is to slice a shallow “X” at the bottom of each tomato and place them for 30 to 60 seconds in boiling water. Then transfer them using a slotted spoon to a bowl with ice water and once cooled peel the tomatoes using a paring knife.

    NUTRITION

    Calories: 189kcal | Carbohydrates: 8g | Protein: 10g | Fat: 13g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Cholesterol: 32mg | Sodium: 817mg | Potassium: 388mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 1305IU | Vitamin C: 36mg | Calcium: 27mg | Iron: 2mg
    Course Main Course
    Cuisine American
    Keyword Beef Chili, Chili, healthy chili recipe
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    Comments

    5 stars
    Looks very tasty. I will definitely try.

    Kassandra

    5 stars
    Delicious recipe. Quick and easy to make too which I love. Thank you.

    I would like to point out though that 1/2 tsp dried marjoram is not in the list of ingredients. It is only mentioned in the instructions. I’ll add it next time!

    Chris David

    Really delicious recipe. I love it yummy!!! It’s really awesome

    Edyta

    5 stars
    There’s nothing better than comforting chili on cold winter evenings. I love this recipe, especially the addition of chocolate. Super delicious!

    Vicky

    5 stars
    I have to try this just to see how the dark chocolate works out. I am very intrigued by your secret ingredient. I also like your addition of the peppers as it makes the dish more filling and just so colorful and pretty!

    Tara

    5 stars
    We love this extra spicy chili!

    Lauren Vavala | DeliciousLittleBites

    5 stars
    There is nothing like a warm bowl of chili on a chilly day! It’s just now getting to feel like winter around here and I want ALL the chili – can’t wait to make this recipe!

    Cheese Curd In Paradise

    5 stars
    I am so wanting to try this recipe after reading that you use dark chocolate. I have not tried this before, but I bet it adds wonderful flavor to the chili!

    Julia

    5 stars
    Chocolate in a chili? Now I must give it a go! 🙂

    Demeter

    5 stars
    I love how you intensified the flavors by adding dark chocolate! Such a great idea!

    Bintu | Recipes From A Pantry

    5 stars
    This looks incredible! Chili is one of our favourite family dishes.

    Kate

    5 stars
    What a great looking chilli! I love secret ingredient of chocolate 🙂

    Danielle Wolter

    5 stars
    I love a good chili, especially during the cooler months! There are some great flavors here – the dark chocolate is an interesting kick. I’ll def have to try it.

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