Easy Beef Chili Recipe | GirlCarnivore (2024)

Need a foolproof easy beef chili recipe that’s simple but delicious? This one comes together quickly with basic pantry ingredients yet delivers big, bold, crowd-pleasing flavor.

Forget the snow and chilly winter nights; it’s the time of year to gather fanatically around the TV with your closest friends, ready to root your home team on to the final pass! And nothing screams pure comfort food like hearty bowls of chili. Whether you are topping a smoked baked potato, cast chili french fries, or making a chili cheese dog, classic beef chili is the way to go. This recipe is the perfect, easy homemade chili recipe.

Looking for a quick and Easy Chili Recipe to heat things up! This one comes together quickly to feed a crowd!

What Is Beef Chili?

Chili has a rich and intriguing history that traces back to the early 1800s. While its exact origins are a bit unclear, it’s believed to have emerged in the southwestern regions of the United States, such as Texas and New Mexico. This iconic dish likely evolved from the cooking traditions of Spanish settlers who brought with them various spices, including chili peppers. As it gained popularity, chili became a staple among cowboys, miners, and pioneers due to its hearty nature and affordability.

Now, onto the recipe. This beef chili isn’t your basic chili recipe. Yes, it’s made with juicy ground beef, beans, and tomatoes, like traditional chili. But this recipe includes beer, cocoa powder, ketchup, and Worcestershire sauce. These ingredients add a depth of flavor and complexity to the chili.

It’s a comforting and satisfying meal that’s perfect for warming up on chilly days or serving as a crowd-pleasing option at gatherings and events like game day.

Beef Chili Ingredients

• Dried black beans – Be sure to soak the dried beans overnight or simmer for 90 minutes and drain before using.
• Olive oil
• Onion – adds a depth of flavor.
• Ground beef – we use 85% lean beef as it has enough fat for flavor but not too much to make everything greasy.
• Red beans – feel free to use other types of beans if you like, such as kidney beans or pinto beans.
• Beer – adds additional flavor and depth. Use
• Crushed tomatoes – you can also use diced tomatoes for a chunkier texture.
• Ketchup – adds a mild tanginess and umami punch.
• Cocoa powder – adds depth to the chili.
• Chili powder – every classic chili recipe uses chili powder for a kick of spice. If you want a more pronounced chili flavor, use ancho chili powder. If you’re up for it, you can use homemade chili seasoning.
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Red pepper flakes – provide a kick of heat.
• Worcestershire sauce – provides subtle umami vibes.
• Toppings: avocado, sour cream, shredded cheese, red onion

How to make the best beef chili

What to Serve With Easy Beef Chili

Since chili is a heartier dish, it’s perfect for pairing with lighter side dishes like air fryer sweet potato fries or roasted butternut squash.

Leftovers & Reheating

Store leftover chili in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. It can also be frozen for up to 6 months.

To reheat, place a small pot on the stove on medium heat. Reheat from the fridge or frozen.

More Chili Recipes

• White Chicken Chili
• Butternut Squash Chili
• Slow Cooker Turkey Chili
• Colorado Green Chili

Elevate game day or make chilly days a little more bearable with easy beef chili.

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