Ground Beef Chili
A hearty and flavorful ground beef chili packed with beans, vegetables, and bold seasonings. Perfect for gatherings or cozy family dinners, this chili offers a rich, spicy taste with a hint of smokiness. Its robust flavors and satisfying texture make it a crowd-pleaser for chili lovers.
Ingredients
- 3 lb. ground beef ⓘ
- 1 large onion, chopped ⓘ
- 1 medium green pepper, chopped ⓘ
- 2 celery ribs, chopped ⓘ
- 2 (16 oz.) cans kidney beans, rinsed and drained ⓘ
- 1 (29 oz.) can tomato puree ⓘ
- 1 (16 oz.) jar salsa ⓘ
- 1 (14 1/2 oz.) can diced tomatoes, undrained ⓘ
- 1 (10 1/2 oz.) can condensed beef broth, undiluted
- 1 to 2 cups water ⓘ
- 1/4 cup chili powder ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. Worcestershire sauce ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. dried basil ⓘ
- 2 tsp. ground cumin ⓘ
- 2 tsp. steak sauce ⓘ
- 1 tsp. garlic powder ⓘ
- 1 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1 tsp. coarsely ground pepper ⓘ
- 1 1/2 tsp. browning sauce (optional) ⓘ
Instructions
- In a Dutch oven, cook ground beef, chopped onion, chopped green pepper, and chopped celery over medium heat until the meat is no longer pink and vegetables are tender.
- Drain excess fat from the mixture.
- Stir in the rinsed and drained kidney beans, tomato puree, salsa, diced tomatoes, beef broth, water, chili powder, Worcestershire sauce, dried basil, ground cumin, steak sauce, garlic powder, salt, ground pepper, and browning sauce if using.
- Bring the mixture to a boil.
- Reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 30 minutes or until the chili reaches desired thickness.
- Garnish with chopped onion if desired before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For added depth, consider using a mix of ground beef and ground turkey. You can substitute kidney beans with black beans for a different flavor. Adjust the chili powder based on your spice preference, and feel free to add more vegetables like zucchini or corn. If you like smoky flavors, adding a bit of smoked paprika can enhance the dish.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the chili with cornbread or over rice for a hearty meal. Top with shredded cheese, sour cream, or diced avocado for added creaminess. This dish pairs beautifully with Sweet And Sour Meatballs With Rice, making for a comforting and satisfying dinner spread.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover chili in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally, or microwave in short intervals until heated through. For longer storage, freeze in portions for up to 3 months.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Ground Beef Chili contains roughly 302 calories, with 13g protein, 68g carbohydrates, and 6g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (92% of the Daily Value), iron (60% of the Daily Value), and potassium (35% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A and vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 586mg per serving (25% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this chili ahead of time?
Absolutely! This chili actually tastes better the next day as the flavors meld. You can prepare it a day in advance and refrigerate it. Just reheat gently before serving.
Is it possible to make this chili vegetarian?
Yes, you can easily make this chili vegetarian by replacing the ground beef with lentils or a plant-based meat substitute. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth and include additional beans and vegetables for a hearty texture.
How can I thicken the chili if it's too watery?
If your chili is too thin, you can simmer it uncovered for an additional 10-15 minutes to help it reduce. Alternatively, mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with a little water and stir it into the chili to thicken it quickly.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).