simple ground beef chili recipe
The Best simple ground beef chili recipe
I’ve been making this simple ground beef chili recipe for years, and it’s a staple in our household. It’s a classic dish that originated in the American West, where cowboys would cook up large quantities of chili over an open flame.
The rich flavor of the beef, combined with the depth of the tomatoes and the spices, is a perfect combination that never fails to satisfy. My kids love helping me make it, and they always get excited when they see the big pot of chili simmering on the stove.
We like to serve it with some crusty bread or over rice, and it’s a meal that’s easy to customize to everyone’s tastes. Whether we’re having a family dinner or just a quick weeknight meal, this chili is always a hit.
I’ve tried many variations over the years, but this basic recipe is still my favorite – it’s easy to make and always turns out delicious. One of the best things about this recipe is how versatile it is – we can make it in big batches for special occasions or just enough for a quick weeknight meal.
And because it freezes so well, we can make extra and have leftovers for later. I love that this recipe has become a part of our family traditions, passed down from generation to generation.
My grandmother used to make it for me when I was a kid, and now I make it for my own family.
Simple Ground Beef Chili
A hearty and comforting classic chili recipe made with ground beef, beans, and a blend of spices. This simple chili is perfect for a quick and satisfying meal.
🥘Ingredients
For the Chili
👨🍳Directions
🔧Equipment
📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)
📝Notes
I always recommend making extra of this simple ground beef chili recipe because it freezes so well – just portion out individual servings into freezer-safe containers and thaw as needed.
When reheating, be sure to add some water or broth to prevent the chili from drying out.
This recipe also makes a great base for other meals – try adding some pasta or rice noodles for a fun twist on traditional chili mac.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Ground Beef Chili
Q: What type of ground beef should I use?
I prefer to use 80/20 ground beef for this recipe – the higher fat content gives the chili a richer flavor and texture. You can also use leaner ground beef if you prefer, but keep in mind that it will be slightly less flavorful.
Q: Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can definitely make this recipe in a slow cooker! Simply brown the ground beef and cook the onions before adding them to the slow cooker with all the other ingredients. Let it cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
Q: How do I adjust the seasoning if I’m using canned diced tomatoes with green chilies?
If you’re using canned diced tomatoes with green chilies, you may want to reduce the amount of chili powder and cumin called for in this recipe. Start with half the amount and taste as you go – you can always add more seasoning but it’s harder to remove excess.
Q: Can I add beans to this recipe?
Yes, you can add beans to this recipe if you like! Kidney beans or black beans work well – simply add them to the pot along with the other ingredients and simmer until they’re tender.
Q: How long does this recipe take to cook?
This recipe takes about 30 minutes to cook on the stovetop – browning the ground beef takes about 10 minutes, then you’ll need about 20 minutes for everything to simmer together.
