Description
A hearty, homemade chili that delivers the same flavor-packed comfort as the fast-food favorite—but better. Loaded with ground beef, beans, and spices, this easy dinner recipe is perfect for meal prep, chilly nights, or game-day cravings. Whether you’re looking for a quick dinner idea, cozy comfort food, or a make-ahead meal, this healthy and satisfying chili covers it all.
Ingredients
2 pounds ground beef
1 large onion, chopped
2 ribs celery, chopped
1 green bell pepper, chopped
2 cans (14.5 ounces each) diced tomatoes
1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
1 can (15 ounces) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
1 can (15 ounces) pinto beans, drained and rinsed
3 tablespoons chili powder
1 tablespoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
½ teaspoon black pepper
2 cups water or beef broth
Instructions
1. Brown the ground beef in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Break it into crumbles and cook until no longer pink. Drain excess grease if needed.
2. Add chopped onions, celery, and green bell pepper. Sauté for 5–7 minutes until vegetables are softened.
3. Stir in diced tomatoes with juices, tomato sauce, kidney beans, and pinto beans.
4. Add chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly to distribute the spices.
5. Pour in the water or beef broth. Bring mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 45 minutes, stirring occasionally.
6. Uncover and simmer another 15 minutes to thicken slightly, or mash a few beans if a thicker texture is desired.
7. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed before serving.
Notes
For deeper flavor, make the chili a day ahead—it tastes even better after resting overnight.
Swap ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a lighter or vegetarian version.
Don’t skip the simmer—slow cooking melds the flavors and softens the beans to perfection.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Dinner
- Method: One-Pot
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ½ cups
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 840mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 26g
- Cholesterol: 65mg