This easy beef chili recipe is a flavorful, protein-packed dish that takes just 45 minutes to prepare. Here, you’ll learn how to make this delicious dish with ease, whether you use the stove-top or slow cooker method!

Table of contents
Why You’ll Love This Easy Beef Chili
If you’re looking for a comforting and delicious meal, packed with protein and nutrients, my beef chili is the perfect choice! This recipe is not just easy to prepare, but it also bursts with flavor using pantry staples! In just 45 minutes, you can whip up this hearty dish that’s perfect for any occasion.
Easy to Make: 5 simple steps make this recipe accessible to cooks of all skill levels.
Bursting with Flavor: A delightful mix of spices and fresh ingredients creates an explosion of taste in every bite!
Hearty: Packed with protein and beans, this chili will leave you feeling satisfied.
Quick Prep: In just 45 minutes, you can serve a delicious home-cooked meal that everyone will love!

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Ingredients
- Lean ground beef
- Yellow onion, diced
- Jalapeño pepper, diced
- Garlic, minced
- Olive oil
- Beef broth
- Fire-roasted diced tomatoes
- Kidney beans
- Pinto beans
- Tomato paste
- Chipotle chili powder – can be substituted for regular chili powder
- Oregano
- Cumin
- Paprika
- Thyme – dried or fresh
- Sugar
- Salt
- Pepper

How to Make This Easy Beef Chili Recipe (Stove Top)
Step 1: In a large pot over medium-high heat, cook ground beef, breaking it up as it browns, about 6-7 minutes. Once cooked through, remove to a separate plate.

Step 2: To the same pot, add the olive oil. Once hot, add the diced onions and sauté for 3-4 minutes. Then, add the minced garlic and jalapeño and sauté for another minute, until fragrant.

Step 3: Add the cooked ground beef back to the pot and stir in the tomato paste, chili powder, sugar, cumin, oregano, smoked paprika, thyme, a pinch of salt, and pepper.

Step 4: Pour in the beef broth, drained beans, and diced tomatoes. Stir and bring to a boil. Turn the heat to low and let the chili simmer for 20-30 minutes.

Step 5: Serve warm and garnish with your favorite toppings. We use cheddar cheese, sour cream, cilantro, green onion, lime, and chips.

Slow Cooker Instructions
Step 1: In a large pot over medium-high heat, cook ground beef, breaking it up as it browns, about 4-5 minutes. Add in the diced onions and sauté with the beef until translucent. Then, add the minced garlic and diced jalapeños. Once fragrant, transfer to the slow cooker.
Step 2: Add all the remaining ingredients to the slow cooker, stir and cook on high for 3-4 hours or low for 6-7 hours.
Step 3: Serve warm and garnish with your favorite toppings. We use cheddar cheese, sour cream, cilantro, green onion, lime, and chips.

Tools You’ll Need
Large Soup Pot: If you’re making this 45 minute chili on the stove top!
Crock Pot: If you are making this dish in the slow cooker.
Tips and Variations
Storage: Store in the refrigerator in an air-tight container for up to 4 days.
Protein: You can use any ground meat in place of beef for this recipe. Try it with ground turkey or ground chicken!
Veggies: Want to add a little more veg to this dish? Don’t be scared to toss in some green bell peppers, carrots, or even celery. You’d want to sauté any extra veggies with the onions.
What to Serve it With: There are so many options for chili! Serve with Fritos or tortilla chips, corn bread, in a bread bowl, chili cheese fries, or even try making chili mac!
Recipe Card
The Best Beef Chili (Stove-Top and Slow Cooker Instructions)
Course: Dinner, SoupsDifficulty: Easy6
servings45
minutesIngredients
1 lb lean ground beef
1 yellow onion, diced
1/2 jalapeño pepper, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 Tbsp olive oil
1.5 cups beef broth
1 15oz can fire-roasted diced tomatoes
1 15oz can of kidney beans
1 15oz can of pinto beans
1 6oz can of tomato paste
2 tsp chili powder
2 tsp oregano
1 tsp cumin
1 tsp paprika
1 tsp thyme
1 Tbsp sugar
Salt
Pepper
Directions
- In a large pot over medium-high heat, cook ground beef, breaking it up as it browns, about 6-7 minutes. Once cooked through, remove to a separate plate.
- To the same pot, add the olive oil. Once hot, add the diced onions and sauté for 3-4 minutes. Then, add the minced garlic and jalapeño and sauté for another minute, until fragrant.
- Add the cooked ground beef back to the pot and stir in the tomato paste, chili powder, sugar, cumin, oregano, smoked paprika, thyme, a pinch of salt, and pepper.
- Pour in the beef broth, drained beans, and diced tomatoes. Stir and bring to a boil. Turn the heat to low and let the chili simmer for 20-30 minutes.
- Serve warm and garnish with your favorite toppings. We use cheddar cheese, sour cream, cilantro, green onion, lime, and chips.
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