Print

The Ultimate Award-Winning Beef and Bean Chili

Close-up of a rich, steaming bowl filled with the best chili recipe, featuring ground meat and dark red kidney beans.
Print Recipe
Save Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Make the best chili you will ever taste. This hearty recipe uses a secret spice blend and slow simmering to create deep, rich flavor perfect for game day or cozy winter dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 lbs ground beef (80/20 recommended)
  • 1 large yellow onion, diced (optional, see notes)
  • 1 green bell pepper, diced
  • 2 (15 ounce) cans kidney beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 (15 ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
  • 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
  • 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
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

Instructions

  1. Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy pot over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook, breaking it apart, until fully browned. Drain off excess grease.
  2. If using onion and bell pepper, add them to the pot with the beef and cook until softened, about 5 to 7 minutes.
  3. Stir in the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, cocoa powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly, until the spices are fragrant. This step builds flavor depth.
  4. Add the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, beef broth, kidney beans, and black beans to the pot. Stir everything together well.
  5. Bring the chili mixture to a simmer. Once simmering, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot partially (leaving a small gap for steam to escape), and let it cook for at least 1.5 hours, stirring occasionally. For the best flavor, simmer for 3 hours.
  6. Taste the chili before serving. Adjust salt or cayenne pepper as needed.
  7. Serve hot with your favorite toppings.

Notes

  • For a richer, deeper flavor profile that some award-winning recipes use, omit the onion and rely on the spices and cocoa powder for complexity.
  • If you prefer a no-bean chili, omit the kidney and black beans and add 1 cup of water or extra beef broth.
  • This chili tastes even better the next day. Make it ahead for easy serving.
  • For a Pioneer Woman style richness, you can add 1/4 cup of your favorite BBQ sauce during the simmering stage.

Nutrition

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