Ultimate Chili Recipe: Hearty Comfort in Every Bite

When comfort food calls, nothing satisfies quite like a bowl of the Ultimate Chili Recipe. Made with hearty ground beef, a duo of beans, fire-roasted tomatoes, and bold spices, this chili delivers layers of flavor in every spoonful. Whether you’re prepping for game day, a chilly weeknight dinner, or a crowd-pleasing potluck, this no-fuss, deeply satisfying recipe is always a win.
Simple to make, endlessly customizable, and packed with protein—this is the chili you’ll turn to again and again.

❤️ Why You’ll Love This Recipe

this recipe

• One-pot wonder for easy cooking and cleanup
• Rich, savory flavor from simmered spices and beef
• Hearty and filling—a complete meal in a bowl
• Perfect for meal prep and freezer-friendly
• Great base for toppings and variations

🛒 Ingredients

• 1 lb lean ground beef
• 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained
• 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained
• 2 cans (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with juice
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 cup bell peppers, chopped (any color)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp chili powder
• 2 tsp ground cumin
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Optional toppings: sour cream, shredded cheddar, green onions, jalapeños

👩‍🍳 Instructions

1. Sauté the aromatics
   Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook for 5 minutes until soft. Add garlic and cook for 1 more minute.
2. Brown the beef
   Add the ground beef to the pot and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned (about 6–8 minutes). Drain excess fat if needed.
3. Add veggies and spices
   Stir in chopped bell peppers, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Cook 2–3 minutes to toast the spices.
4. Add beans and tomatoes
   Pour in kidney beans, black beans, and diced tomatoes with juice. Stir well.
5. Simmer
   Reduce heat to low. Cover partially and simmer for 30–40 minutes, stirring occasionally.
6. Serve
   Taste and adjust seasoning. Ladle into bowls and top with your favorite toppings.

⏱️ Recipe Details

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Servings: 6–8
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American, Comfort Food

🧮 Nutrition Facts (Per 1-Cup Serving)

• Calories: 320
• Total Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 10g
• Protein: 22g
• Sodium: 650mg
• Cholesterol: 70mg

💡 Tips & Variations

• Add 1 oz dark chocolate for richness
• Stir in 1/2 cup of beer or broth while simmering for depth
• Make it spicy with diced jalapeños or chipotle
• Use lentils or plant-based meat for a vegan version
• Let it rest overnight for even better flavor
• Top with avocado, tortilla chips, or cornbread croutons

❓ FAQs

Can I make this chili in advance?
Yes! It tastes even better the next day.

Can I freeze this chili?
Absolutely—store in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months.

What’s the best beef to use?
Lean ground beef (85% or higher) works best for less grease.

Can I cook this in a slow cooker?
Yes. After browning beef and aromatics, transfer everything to a slow cooker. Cook on LOW for 6–7 hours.

Ultimate Chili Recipe

A rich and hearty chili made with beef, beans, and bold spices. Easy to prep and perfect for any occasion—this is the only chili recipe you need.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 40 minutes mins

Total Time 55 minutes mins

Servings: 6

Course: Soup

Cuisine: American

Calories: 321

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• – 1 lb lean ground beef
• – 1 can 15 oz kidney beans, drained
• – 1 can 15 oz black beans, drained
• – 2 cans 14.5 oz diced tomatoes (with juice)
• – 1 medium onion diced
• – 3 garlic cloves minced
• – 1 cup chopped bell peppers
• – 2 tbsp olive oil
• – 2 tbsp chili powder
• – 2 tsp ground cumin
• – Salt and pepper to taste
• – Optional toppings: sour cream shredded cheddar, jalapeños

Equipment

• Large pot or Dutch oven
• Cutting board and knife
• Wooden spoon or spatula

Method

 

1. In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion and cook 5 minutes.
2. Add garlic and cook 1 minute more.
3. Add ground beef and cook until browned. Drain excess fat.
4. Stir in bell peppers, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Cook 2–3 minutes.
5. Add beans and tomatoes. Stir well.
6. Simmer on low, partially covered, for 30–40 minutes.
7. Serve hot with desired toppings.

Notes

– For deeper flavor, add dark chocolate or a splash of beer
– Make ahead for richer taste the next day
– Vegan: substitute meat with lentils or plant-based crumbles

🏁 Conclusion

The Ultimate Chili Recipe is the gold standard when it comes to comfort in a bowl. It’s rich, flavorful, and satisfying, and easily adapts to your taste. Whether loaded with toppings or kept classic, this chili always hits the spot. Cozy up, grab a spoon, and make a big batch—you’ll be glad you did.