Print

The Ultimate Award-Winning Beef and Bean Chili

Close-up of a white bowl filled with thick, rich chili featuring ground meat and kidney beans, part of the best chili recipe.
Print Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

This is the best chili recipe you will ever make, delivering deep, rich flavor perfect for game day or a cozy winter dinner. We combine simple ingredients with a secret spice blend for championship taste.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 lbs ground beef (80/20 recommended)
  • 1 large yellow onion, chopped
  • 1 green bell pepper, chopped
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
  • 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
  • 1 (15 ounce) can kidney beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 (15 ounce) can pinto beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 cup beef broth
  • 1/4 cup chili powder
  • 2 tablespoons ground cumin
  • 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon unsweetened cocoa powder (secret ingredient)
  • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to heat preference)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

Instructions

  1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Drain off excess fat.
  2. Add the chopped onion and bell pepper to the pot with the beef. Cook until the vegetables soften, about 5 to 7 minutes.
  3. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  4. Add the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, cocoa powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Stir well and cook for 2 minutes to toast the spices. This step builds deep flavor.
  5. Pour in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, beef broth, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir everything together.
  6. Bring the mixture to a simmer. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it cook for at least 1 hour, stirring occasionally. For the best results, simmer for 2 to 3 hours.
  7. Stir in the rinsed and drained kidney beans and pinto beans during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
  8. Taste the chili and adjust salt, pepper, or cayenne as needed before serving.

Notes

  • For a thicker chili, remove the lid during the last 30 minutes of simmering to allow some liquid to evaporate.
  • If you prefer a no bean chili option, simply omit the kidney and pinto beans. The flavor base remains award-winning.
  • This chili tastes even better the next day, making it a perfect make ahead chili recipe for game day gatherings.
  • To achieve Pioneer Woman style richness, you can substitute 1/2 cup of strong brewed coffee for 1/2 cup of the beef broth.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://delishdiarist.com/best-chili-recipe/