Beef and Bean Chili

This hearty beef and bean chili is the ultimate comfort food, made with bold flavors and simple, wholesome ingredients. Ground beef is browned and simmered with a rich blend of tomatoes, beans, onion, garlic, and my homemade chili spice blend to create a thick, satisfying chili that’s packed with flavor in every bite. Perfectly seasoned and slow-simmered, this recipe delivers that deep, cozy taste that chili lovers crave, without being overly complicated.

What makes this beef and bean chili a go-to favorite is its versatility and crowd-pleasing texture. The tender beef, soft beans, and thick tomato base come together to create a chili that’s hearty enough for cold nights, game days, or busy weeknight dinners. It’s filling, family-friendly, and easy to customize — whether you like it mild, spicy, or loaded with toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, or fresh onions.

This homemade chili recipe is ideal for meal prep, leftovers, and feeding a crowd. It stores beautifully, tastes even better the next day, and can be made on the stovetop, slow cooker, or Dutch oven. Whether you’re looking for a classic beef chili recipe, a reliable weeknight dinner, or a comforting bowl of clean, homemade food, this beef and bean chili is one you’ll come back to again and again.

Recipe Card

Servings: 6 |

Time: 40 minutes

  • 2 lb ground beef

    1 diced yellow onion

    1 diced bell pepper

    2 stalks celery

    4 minced garlic cloves

    1 diced jalapeño

    1tsp salt

    1 tsp pepper

    1 tbsp beef bullion paste

    2 tbsp tomato paste

    2 tbsp masa

    15.5 oz rinsed red kidney beans

    15.5 oz rinsed pinto beans

    3 tbsp chili seasoning

    1 cup chicken broth

    1 cup beef broth

    22 oz fire roasted tomatoes

    3 oz tomato sauce

    1/2 cup fresh cilantro

    1. Heat 1 tbsp neutral oil in a large heavy pot on medium heat, and sauté the onions, bell peppers, celery, jalapeños and garlic, until softened.

    2. Add the ground beef, crumble and brown.

    3. Add the beef bullion paste, tomato paste, chili seasoning and masa, combine well and cook for 1 minute.

    4. Add the beans, both broths, tomatoes, tomato sauce and cilantro. Stir well and bring to a boil.

    5. Lower to low-medium heat, and simmer for 45 minutes.

    6. Serve hot and top with your favorite toppings.

  • Can adjust the intensity of the heat by adding more jalapeños, or other types of spicy peppers.