Hearty Beef Bean Chili

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This Hearty Beef & Bean Chili is a classic comfort food that’s equal parts nutritious and satisfying. It’s packed with lean ground beef, kidney and black beans, and plenty of vegetables simmered in a rich tomato base with smoky spices. This recipe is a bit of a twist on a classic chili recipe – including vegetables such as bell peppers for extra nutrients, and flavor.

From a nutritional standpoint, this chili delivers an excellent source of protein, fiber, iron, and B vitamins. The combination of beans and beef provides complete amino acids for muscle health, while the beans also add heart-healthy soluble fiber to support digestion and help manage cholesterol.

It’s a perfect make-ahead meal — it freezes beautifully, tastes even better the next day, and can be customized to suit mild or spicy preferences. It’s a great dish during the colder season – and the leftovers taste even better!

Chili is also a fantastic recipe for beginners because it’s so forgiving and customizable. There’s no need for precise timing or advanced cooking skills — you simply brown, sauté, simmer, and taste. You can adjust the spice level, swap beans, or even use ground turkey or lentils for a lighter version. Once everything simmers together, you’ll have a hearty, flavorful meal that feels like it took all day (even though it didn’t!). One person’s chili can taste completely different than another’s – and that’s the beauty of it. It only takes a few steps:

1. Brown the beef – Cook until fully browned and crumbly.
2. Sauté vegetables – Add onions, garlic, and peppers for flavor.
3. Stir in spices – Toast chili powder, cumin, and paprika for depth.
4. Add tomatoes and beans – Simmer everything together.
5. Thicken and season – Let the chili reduce and flavors meld.
6. Serve – Top with cheese, avocado, or fresh herbs.

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Hearty Beef Bean Chili

Nutrition Facts

Nutrient	Amount per Serving
Calories	380 kcal
Protein	27 g
Total Fat	14 g
Saturated Fat	4.5 g
Carbohydrates	34 g
Dietary Fiber	10 g
Sugars	6 g
Sodium	640 mg
Potassium	1050 mg
Iron	25% DV
Vitamin C	45% DV
Calcium	10% DV

Servings: 6

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 1 hour

Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

Difficulty: Easy

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Ingredients

• 1 lb (450 g) lean ground beef
• 1 medium onion (about 150 g), diced
• 1 green or red bell pepper, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 Tbsp (30 mL) olive oil
• 2 Tbsp (30 mL) tomato paste
• 1 can (28 oz / 796 mL) diced tomatoes
• 1 can (19 oz / 540 mL) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 cup (240 mL) beef broth
• 2 Tbsp (15 g) chili powder
• 1 tsp (3 g) ground cumin
• 1 tsp (3 g) smoked paprika
• ½ tsp (2 g) dried oregano
• ½ tsp (2 g) salt, or to taste
• ¼ tsp (1 g) black pepper
• Optional toppings: shredded cheese, avocado slices, sour cream, fresh cilantro

Instructions

1. Brown the beef: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon (about 5–7 minutes). Drain excess fat if necessary.
2. Add vegetables: Stir in diced onion, bell pepper, and minced garlic. Sauté for 4–5 minutes until softened and fragrant.
3. Add tomato paste and spices: Mix in tomato paste, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir for 1–2 minutes to bloom the spices and deepen flavor.
4. Add tomatoes, beans, and broth: Stir in diced tomatoes (with juices), both types of beans, and beef broth. Mix well and bring to a boil.
5. Simmer” Reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for about 45 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chili thickens and flavors develop.
6. Adjust and serve: Taste and adjust seasoning. Add more salt, pepper, or chili powder to your liking. Serve hot with your favorite toppings.

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Tips for Success

• Use lean beef: 90% lean or higher keeps it hearty but not greasy.
• Don’t skip toasting the spices: It enhances aroma and flavor depth.
• Add heat if you like: A pinch of cayenne or diced jalapeño turns it up a notch.
• Make ahead: Chili tastes even better the next day as flavors meld.
• Storage: Keeps up to 5 days in the fridge or 3 months in the freezer.