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How to Make THE BEST Beef Chili Recipe

This is the best chili recipe with chunky ground beef and beans in a rich sauce loaded with all the classic chili flavors. It's so easy to make!
Course Soup
Cuisine American
Keyword Chili
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 3 hours
Servings 8
Calories 413kcal

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 1 large yellow onion diced
  • 1 medium green bell pepper seeded and diced
  • 2 celery stalks diced
  • 3 garlic cloves pressed or minced
  • 4 ounces tomato paste
  • 3 cups water
  • 15 ounces tomato sauce
  • 2 ½ pounds 80/20 ground beef
  • 4 tablespoons chili powder
  • 2 tablespoons ground cumin
  • 2 teaspoons kosher salt
  • ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 2 15- ounce cans chili beans or kidney beans drained and lightly rinsed
  • 2 tablespoons white vinegar

Instructions

  • Heat the oil in a Dutch oven or large, heavy-bottom pot over medium heat. Add the onion, green bell pepper, celery, and garlic. Cook, stirring frequently until the vegetables start to soften, about 5-7 minutes. Stir the tomato paste into the vegetables and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  • Add the water to the pot and stir well, scraping up any bits from the bottom of the pot. Add the ground beef. Use a wooden spoon to break the beef into small pieces. Add the tomato sauce, chili powder, cumin, cayenne pepper and kosher salt and black pepper then bring to a medium boil. Add the beans. Stir and reduce the heat to a simmer. Cook uncovered for 2-3 hours to reduce and thicken, stirring every so often.
  • Before serving, add the vinegar and taste for seasoning. Serve with shredded cheddar cheese, minced onion, and sliced jalapeño peppers. Refrigerate for up to 4 days or freeze for 4 months.