Name: Ground Beef Chili with Beans Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 55 min
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 medium yellow onion, chopped; 1 medium green bell pepper, chopped; 2 stalks celery, chopped; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 Tablespoon tomato paste; 3 Tablespoons chili powder; 1 Tablespoon ground cumin; 1 Tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder; Kosher salt, to taste; Freshly ground black pepper, to taste; 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar; 4 Tablespoons olive oil; 1 1/2 pounds ground beef (80/20); 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes; 1 (15-ounce) can kidney beans, with liquid (dark or light); 1 (15-ounce) can pinto beans, with liquid; Shredded cheddar cheese; Thinly sliced scallions

Jump to Recipe· 4.2 from 1 review

If you’re looking for a hearty, comforting meal that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day, you have to try this Ground Beef Chili with Beans Recipe. Packed with rich, savory flavors and a perfect balance of spices, this chili is incredibly easy to make yet delivers complex depth that keeps everyone coming back for seconds. The tender ground beef blends beautifully with tender beans and a sauce enhanced by a hint of cocoa powder and tangy apple cider vinegar, making it a standout weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleaser at gatherings.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A white pot sits on a white marbled surface filled with sautéed chopped green bell peppers and onions, showing a soft, translucent texture. On top of the vegetable mix are three distinct piles of spices in powder form: a reddish-brown heap of chili powder, a medium brown pile of cumin, and a lighter brown mound of cocoa or another dark spice. The vegetables form the base layer with the colorful spices neatly arranged on one side. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

These ingredients are simple staples that come together to create the perfect harmony of taste, texture, and vibrant color in your chili. Each element plays a vital role, from the browned beef providing richness, to the beans adding creaminess and fiber, to the spices that create the signature warmth.

Olive oil: Provides the perfect base for sautéing vegetables and browning beef with a subtle fruity note.

Yellow onion: Adds sweetness and depth when softened, creating a savory foundation.
Green bell pepper: Brings a fresh, slightly sweet flavor and a splash of bright color.
Celery: Adds a mild crunch and an earthy undertone.
Garlic: Infuses the dish with aromatic pungency, rounding out the savory profile.

Tomato paste: Builds umami and thickens the sauce while lending a slightly tangy richness.
Chili powder: The soul of the dish, delivering smoky, spicy warmth.
Ground cumin: Provides an earthy, nutty flavor that complements the chili powder perfectly.

Unsweetened cocoa powder: Adds unexpected depth and a subtle complexity that enhances the overall flavor.
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper: Balance and elevate every ingredient’s natural taste.
Ground beef (80/20): The hearty protein that grounds the chili with its rich, beefy flavor.

Crushed tomatoes: Form the rich, red base of the sauce, lending acidity and body.
Kidney beans: Offer meaty texture and absorb flavorful juices beautifully.
Pinto beans: Bring softness and a mild, buttery flavor for contrast.

Apple cider vinegar: Adds a bright tang that livens up the chili and ties all the flavors together.
Shredded cheddar cheese: For melty, savory topping that adds richness upon serving.
Thinly sliced scallions: Provide a fresh, crisp garnish that adds a pop of color and mild onion flavor.

How to Make Ground Beef Chili with Beans Recipe

Step 1: Sauté Aromatics

Start by heating olive oil in a large heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Toss in the chopped onion, green bell pepper, and celery with a pinch of salt. Let them cook, stirring occasionally, until they soften and release their fragrant aroma, about 6 to 7 minutes. This step builds the flavorful base that forms the heart of your chili.

Step 2: Add Garlic and Tomato Paste

Stir in the minced garlic and tomato paste, cooking for about a minute until the tomato paste darkens just a bit and deepens in aroma. This step intensifies the sauce’s richness and sets the stage for the spices to shine.

Step 3: Toast the Spices

Sprinkle the chili powder, ground cumin, and unsweetened cocoa powder over the mixture. Stir constantly as you cook for about 30 to 60 seconds. This gentle toasting unleashes the essential oils in the spices, enhancing the chili’s signature warmth and complexity. Be careful to lower the heat to avoid scorching.

Step 4: Brown the Ground Beef

Add your ground beef right on top, seasoning generously with salt and pepper. Break it apart with a wooden spoon and cook until it’s fully browned and no pink remains, roughly 6 minutes. This step locks in savory richness and melds the beef flavor with the sautéed vegetables and spices.

Step 5: Combine Tomatoes and Beans

Pour in the crushed tomatoes along with half a can of water (using the empty tomato can to scoop it up helps you get every bit of sauce). Stir in the kidney and pinto beans with their liquid as well. Bring everything to a boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer. Let it cook uncovered for 30 to 40 minutes, stirring occasionally so it thickens and develops that chunky, satisfying texture.

Step 6: Final Seasoning Touches

Once your chili has thickened beautifully, stir in the apple cider vinegar for a fresh tang that brightens the deep flavors. Taste the chili and adjust salt and pepper as needed. Now you’re ready to serve a bowl of pure comfort!

How to Serve Ground Beef Chili with Beans Recipe

A light blue handled bowl filled with a thick chili, showing three visible layers: a base layer of rich, dark brown cooked ground meat mixed with red kidney beans and white beans, middle layer of chunky tomato pieces and diced green peppers, and a top layer of shredded orange cheddar cheese sprinkled with small green onion slices. A silver spoon is placed inside the bowl, partially submerged in the chili. The bowl sits on a white textured cloth over a white marbled surface, with small bowls of shredded cheddar, seasoning mix, and chopped green onions softly blurred in the background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Top your chili with shredded cheddar cheese and thinly sliced scallions to add melty richness and a pop of freshness. These garnishes not only enhance flavor but also create an inviting presentation that makes every spoonful exciting.

Side Dishes

Pair this chili with warm cornbread for a classic combination, or offer a side of tortilla chips to scoop up every last drop. A crisp green salad brings a refreshing contrast, balancing the hearty richness of the chili.

Creative Ways to Present

Get creative by serving your Ground Beef Chili with Beans Recipe over a baked potato for a loaded chili potato, or spoon it into warm flour tortillas for chili tacos. Even topping a plate of nachos with this chili creates a fun twist perfect for entertaining.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This chili stores beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors even deepen overnight, making leftovers delightfully satisfying.

Freezing

Ground Beef Chili with Beans Recipe freezes exceptionally well. Portion it into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 3 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stove over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. You can add a splash of water or broth if the chili has thickened too much. Leftover chili also reheats wonderfully in the microwave.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of beans in this chili?

Absolutely! While kidney and pinto beans are traditional and offer great texture, black beans or cannellini beans can be excellent substitutes that blend well with the spices and meat.

Is this chili spicy, and can I adjust the heat?

This Ground Beef Chili with Beans Recipe has a moderate warmth from chili powder but aren’t overwhelmingly spicy. You can easily tailor the heat by adding more chili powder, cayenne pepper, or a dash of hot sauce if you want a kick.

Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker?

Yes! After browning the beef and sautéing veggies, transfer everything to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours for a hands-off meal with beautifully melded flavors.

Why is there cocoa powder in the chili?

The unsweetened cocoa powder adds a subtle depth and richness to the chili’s flavor profile without overpowering it. It enhances the savory notes and gives the chili a uniquely satisfying complexity.

What is the purpose of apple cider vinegar in the chili?

Apple cider vinegar adds a bright, tangy finish that cuts through the richness of the meat and beans, balancing the flavors and giving the chili a lively edge that keeps each bite exciting.

Final Thoughts

Making this Ground Beef Chili with Beans Recipe is like inviting warmth and comfort right into your kitchen. Rich, hearty, and full of layered flavors, it’s one of those dishes that brings people together around the table. Whether it’s a casual weeknight dinner or a meal to impress friends, this chili will quickly become your go-to favorite. So grab your pot, gather your ingredients, and get ready to savor every delicious bite!