Easy Ground Beef Chili

Savory ground beef, tender beans, juicy tomatoes, warm spices, and perfectly cooked veggies come together in this to-die-for Ground Beef Chili. Ready in just 20 minutes, this dish is perfect for cozy weeknights, fall get-togethers, and meal prepping!

Best ground beef chili recipe

This Ground Beef Chili is the ultimate comfort food. Delicious year round, it’s packed with feel-good flavors such as savory beef, rich beans, and aromatic garlic, onion, pepper, and chili powder. Serve a bowl alongside Buttermilk Cornbread for a filling lunch or in a bread bowl with a side of sweet potato fries, roasted broccoli and brussels sprouts for a well-rounded dinner. 

I’m willing to bet that this chili recipe will be one of the fastest you ever make. Cooked in one pan and made with pantry-staple ingredients, it’s ready to eat in only 20 minutes! Forget about hours of slow cooking or messy cleanup.

To my fellow meal preppers: you’ll want to add this recipe to your repertoire. When the leftovers are stored away and the flavors are left to mingle, the overall dish just gets better. This means that second and even third day chili is even more delicious than when it’s hot and fresh!

How to make chili on the stove

Forget about the Instant Pot or crockpot; this chili’s made in just one large pot on the stove. Follow the three easy steps below and in no time, you’ll have the world’s easiest and best beef chili:

Add the ground beef, minced garlic, onion, and green pepper to your pot or large pan. Cook over medium heat until the beef has browned. 

Pour in the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, both kinds of beans, corn, salt, and chili powder. Stir to combine and then let it simmer over high heat for 10 minutes. 

Serve your chili in deep bowls and top with cheddar cheese or sour cream and enjoy!

Can I make it in a slow cooker?

Absolutely! Making ground beef chili in the slow cooker is perfect for those times when you just want to set it and forget it. Here’s how it’s done:

1. Begin by browning your beef with minced garlic, onion, and green pepper in a skillet over medium heat. 
2. Once the beef is cooked and the veggies are soft, transfer the mixture to a slow cooker and add in the remaining ingredients. Give everything a good stir. 
3. Slow cook your chili on Low for 5 to 6 hours before serving.

Recipe tips and substitutions

• Switch things up as much as you like. Use only one kind of bean instead of two, add extra corn or more bell peppers, or give it a kick of spice with a diced jalapeño!
• Get creative with your toppings! Ground beef chili with beans pairs well with everything from the classic cheddar cheese and sour cream to corn chips and green onions or even cornbread croutons.
• For a super filling version of this chili, try serving it in a bread bowl!

How to store and freeze chili

To store: Place the leftover chili in an airtight container and store in the fridge for up to 3 days.

To freeze: After the chili has cooled, place it in an airtight container or ziploc bag. It freezes well for up to 6 months. 

To reheat: Place the cold or frozen chili in a pot on the stove or into a microwave-safe dish. Add a sprinkle of water and reheat over medium heat or in 30 second increments in the microwave. Stir it often and, once it reaches your desired temperature, enjoy!

What goes well with beef chili?

Because beef chili is such a hearty, savory dish, it tends to pair well with lighter and sweeter sides. Try serving your ground beef chili alongside some strawberry spinach salad and oven-baked corn. 

For a more traditional pairing, serve this ground beef chili with blueberry cornbread muffins, roasted sugar snap peas, and homemade tortilla chips. This well-rounded, sweet, and salty meal is sure to leave everyone who tries it happy and satisfied. 

More hearty dinner recipes to try

• Slow Cooker Meatballs with Spaghetti
• Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup
• Slow Cooker Spare Ribs
• Slow Cooker Minestrone Soup

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Make sure to check out my Web Story recipe!