Hi👋 I’m MARILYN, a 34-year-old from the United Kingdom. Cooking is my passion, and I love sharing delicious, easy-to-follow recipes. Join me on marilynrecipes.com to explore a world of culinary delights, from comforting classics to innovative creations. Let’s make cooking fun and enjoyable for everyone! Cooking is about more than just food it’s about sharing stories and making memories.
One of my fondest childhood memories is coming home after school to the warm, spicy aroma of my mum’s chili simmering on the stove. That smell alone could make any day brighter. Today, I’m sharing my Ground Beef Chili Recipe, a dish that has been passed down through my family and adapted with my own little touches. This recipe is perfect for cozy evenings, family gatherings, or whenever you crave something hearty and full of flavor. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting out, this Ground Beef Chili Recipe is simple, comforting, and absolutely delicious.
I’ve made this chili countless times, and each time it brings a little warmth to my kitchen and my heart. The combination of tender ground beef, savory spices, and rich tomato base makes it a recipe that everyone loves. By the end of this post, you’ll see why I’m so passionate about sharing this Ground Beef Chili Recipe with you.
Why I Love Making This Recipe
There’s something incredibly satisfying about a big pot of chili bubbling away on the stove. I love how versatile it is you can make it mild for the kids, or give it a little extra kick for adults. This Ground Beef Chili Recipe is my go-to comfort food because it’s easy to make, packed with flavor, and always brings people together.
Cooking chili reminds me of lazy Sunday afternoons with my family. My kitchen fills with the scent of garlic, onions, and paprika, and everyone gathers around, eager for a taste. The best part? It’s a one-pot meal that’s filling, budget-friendly, and perfect for meal prep.
Ingredients & Little Kitchen Secrets
Here’s what you’ll need for this delicious Ground Beef Chili Recipe:
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 1 can (14 oz/400g) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (15 oz/425g) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 cup beef broth
- 2 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Fresh cilantro or parsley for garnish
Little kitchen secrets: I always sauté the garlic and onions first to deepen their flavor before adding the beef. Also, simmering the chili slowly allows all the spices to meld together, giving it a richer taste.
How I Make It, Step by Step
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add chopped onions and cook for 3–4 minutes until soft.
- Stir in minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon.
- Mix in diced red and green bell peppers, cooking for 2–3 minutes.
- Stir in tomato paste, diced tomatoes, and beef broth.
- Add chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, cayenne (if using), salt, and black pepper.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and let it simmer for 25–30 minutes.
- Add kidney beans and simmer for another 10 minutes.
- Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
How I Serve It at Home
I love serving my Ground Beef Chili Recipe with a side of warm cornbread or over a bed of fluffy rice. Some sour cream and shredded cheddar on top add a creamy, indulgent touch. For extra freshness, sprinkle chopped cilantro or parsley before serving. This chili is also amazing in tacos or baked potatoes it’s incredibly versatile!
Storage, Reheating & Make-Ahead Tips
This chili tastes even better the next day! I usually store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth if it thickens too much.
You can also freeze chili in portioned containers for up to 3 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. Make-ahead tip: chili actually improves in flavor if made a day in advance the spices have more time to develop.
100-Word Short Version
This Ground Beef Chili Recipe is my go-to comfort food. I brown ground beef with onions and garlic, then simmer with diced tomatoes, kidney beans, bell peppers, and a blend of spices. Slow cooking brings out the rich flavors, making it hearty and satisfying. Serve it with cornbread, rice, or topped with cheddar and sour cream. Leftovers keep well in the fridge or freezer, making it perfect for meal prep. Every spoonful is warm, flavorful, and perfect for family dinners. It’s simple, cozy, and always a hit with everyone at my table.
Recipe Card Section
⏱️ Time
- Prep: 15 minutes
- Cook: 45 minutes
- Total: 1 hour
🛒 Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 1 can (14 oz/400g) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (15 oz/425g) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 cup beef broth
- 2 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Fresh cilantro or parsley for garnish
👩🍳 Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add chopped onions, cook 3–4 minutes until soft.
- Stir in garlic, cook 1 minute.
- Add ground beef, cook until browned.
- Mix in bell peppers, cook 2–3 minutes.
- Stir in tomato paste, diced tomatoes, and broth.
- Add spices, salt, and pepper.
- Bring to boil, reduce heat, simmer 25–30 minutes.
- Add kidney beans, simmer 10 minutes.
- Adjust seasoning, garnish, and serve.
📝 Notes
- Sauté garlic and onions first for deeper flavor.
- Simmer slowly to blend spices.
- Leftovers keep well in fridge or freezer.
- Add sour cream or cheese when serving for extra creaminess.
🍽️ Nutrition (per serving)
- Calories: 350
- Protein: 25g
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 7g
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 600mg
Ground Beef Chili Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Simmer
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Ground Beef Chili Recipe is a cozy, hearty classic perfect for family dinners. Tender ground beef, kidney beans, bell peppers, and rich spices come together in a flavorful, comforting chili that’s easy to make and always satisfying.
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 1 can (14 oz/400g) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (15 oz/425g) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 cup beef broth
- 2 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Fresh cilantro or parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add chopped onions, cook 3–4 minutes until soft.
- Stir in garlic, cook 1 minute.
- Add ground beef, cook until browned.
- Mix in bell peppers, cook 2–3 minutes.
- Stir in tomato paste, diced tomatoes, and broth.
- Add spices, salt, and pepper.
- Bring to boil, reduce heat, simmer 25–30 minutes.
- Add kidney beans, simmer 10 minutes.
- Adjust seasoning, garnish, and serve.
Notes
Sauté garlic and onions first for deeper flavor. Simmer slowly to blend spices. Leftovers keep well in fridge or freezer. Add sour cream or cheese when serving for extra creaminess.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 7g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Conclusion
Making this Ground Beef Chili Recipe always brings comfort and warmth to my kitchen. It’s simple, full of flavor, and perfect for sharing with family and friends. Every time I make it, I’m reminded that cooking isn’t just about food it’s about making memories, creating cozy moments, and sharing love through every bite. I hope this recipe becomes a cherished favorite in your home too.