Hamburger Chili Recipe (2024)

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One of the best QUICK and EASY dinner ideas the whole family will love! A hearty, easy hamburger beef chili recipe that comes together in just a little over 30 minutes. Enjoy a high-protein dinner that’s low in fat and packed with fiber! It’s the perfect easy dinner idea for any night of the week.

Hamburger Chili Recipe (1)

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Chili Recipe with Ground Beef

I love homemade chili. This is if you want to talk about easy beef recipes for dinner! A great chili recipe like this one checks all the boxes. It’s one of the best cold-weather recipes and dinner recipe ideas you can make!

When it gets chilly outside, or I’m throwing a party where I need crowd-feeding recipes, this thick chili recipe is always on my mind. I look for opportunities to make it! It’s one of my favorite ground beef dinner ideas.

This classic chili recipe is great because it’s packed with protein, fiber, and, most importantly, flavor! This easy chili recipe has everything you could want: onions, peppers, beef, two kinds of beans, tomatoes, and the perfect seasoning blend.

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Beef Chili Ingredients

  • beef broth – or chicken broth,no salt added
  • onion,chopped
  • red bell pepper or orange bell pepper, seeded and chopped
  • garlic,minced
  • lean ground beef
  • dried oregano
  • dried cumin
  • chili powder
  • ground black pepper
  • cayenne pepper
  • pinto beanscanned – no salt added, rinsed and drained
  • black or red kidney beanscanned – no salt added, rinsed and drained
  • diced tomatoescanned – no salt added
  • Optional: shredded cheese and cilantro for garnish

For the broth, you can use either chicken or beef broth. I recommend using beef if you have it, as it complements the flavors of this meat chili recipe very well, but either will work and taste great.

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Best Chili Recipe Spices

  • dried oregano
  • ground cumin
  • chili powder
  • ground black pepper
  • cayenne pepper

Our stovetop chili recipe is mild chili, but if you prefer a hot and spicy chili, you only have to increase how much spice you use. You can add some red pepper flakes for a little extra kick; just be careful not to overdo it!

How to Make Hamburger Chili

  1. Warm up beef or chicken broth in a large pot (capable of holding at least 3 liters) at medium-high heat. Add chopped onion, seeded and chopped bell pepper, and minced garlic to the pot, stirring occasionally until the vegetables soften.
    Hamburger Chili Recipe (4)
  2. Add ground beef. Using a wooden spoon, break down the meat until the beef is in small pieces and cooked.
    Hamburger Chili Recipe (5)
  3. Stir in the spices, beans, and tomatoes.
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  4. Bring to a boil for approximately 5 minutes, then reduce heat to a simmer and cover for 20 minutes.
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  5. Serve in bowls and top with cheese and cilantro if you like, and serve!

This recipe is also delicious when made with ground turkey.

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This easyground beef chili recipe is a quick, comforting, and filling meal perfect for serving the entire family.The best part? You make everything from the tomato sauce for chili to the chili meat itself all in one pot!

Another thing I love about this quick, easy chili recipe is that it takes only a little over 30 minutes to make. It’s perfect for cooking up without much prep or thought beforehand, so it’s one of my favorite ideas for supper!

Chili Recipe with Ground Beef Toppings

  • shredded cheddar cheese
  • cilantro or parsley
  • green onion
  • Greek yogurt
  • sour cream
  • crushed tortilla chips
  • avocado
  • jalapeño
  • hot sauce

Enjoy this hearty ground beef chili with toppings of your choice.

When I’m done cooking my meat chili recipe, I always top it off with shredded cheese. I use a Monterey Jack or cheddar blend, but you can top it off with your favorite cheese. White cheese is especially delicious over this bean chili recipe – you could even try Queso Fresco or Cotija cheese!

Cilantro is optional but adds a little color and a pop of extra flavor. If you prefer, you could add a little parsley or sliced green onions instead.

Best Ground Beef Chili Recipe Tips

  • Prep ahead of time: Before cooking, prepare the ingredients, such as measuring out spices and chopping the veggies.
  • Chop veggies to the same size: Make sure to chop the onion and bell pepper into a similar size so they’ll soften simultaneously while cooking. I like to chop them to about the size of a nickel.
  • Lean ground beef: For best results, we recommend lean ground beef to make this a low-fat meal.
  • Spice or tone it down: Change the spices or make it as mild or hot as you like. I find this chili mild to medium spicy in the heat department, making it perfect to serve to my family, but you can make this a spicy chili recipe by adding more pepper.
  • Add some chili toppings: Spruce up this simple chili with additional toppings. I like to add shredded cheese, fresh cilantro, tortilla chips, and a generous dollop of Greek yogurt to my chili. Greek yogurt is a great low-fat, high-protein substitute for sour cream.

Try serving this recipe with ground beef over a bed of greens or perfect Portuguese rice. I love serving my chili beef over rice – the flavors blend so well!

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Storing Hamburger Chili

  1. Allow the chili to cool down.
  2. Portion it into airtight containers.
  3. Label with the date and store in the fridge for 3-4 days or in the freezer for 2-3 months.

Reheating Hamburger Chili

From the Refrigerator:

  1. Microwave: Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between until hot.
  2. Stovetop: Warm over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally.

From the Freezer:

  1. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight.
  2. Reheat using the methods above.

What to serve with Chili

  • Cornbread Casserole
  • Baked Potato
  • Sweet Potato Recipe
  • Instant Pot Rice

Hamburger Chili Recipe FAQs

Can you freeze chili?

Yes, chili can be frozen! Cool your ground beef chili completely, and store it in anair-tight container for up to 3 months. Just thaw and reheat to enjoy!

How long is chili good for in the refrigerator?

Chili may be refrigerated and enjoyed for up to 5 days. In my opinion, this mild chili recipe tastes even better the second day after reheating it.

Chili Recipes

  • Slow Cooker Vegetarian Chili
  • One-Pot Chili Mac and Cheese
  • Chicken Chili

Recipe

Hamburger Chili Recipe (10)

Hamburger Chili Recipe

Isabel Laessig

A QUICK and EASY dinner recipe the whole family will love! My Hamburger Chili Recipe comes together in just over 30 minutes! Enjoy this hearty dinner idea using ground beef that’s low in fat and packed with protein and fiber too! Perfect for any night of the week!

5 from 7 votes

Print Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 35 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 6

Calories 330 kcal

Ingredients

  • ¼ cup beef broth or chicken broth no salt added
  • 1 onion chopped
  • 1 bell pepper seeded and chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 lb lean ground beef
  • 2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried cumin
  • 1 tablespoon chili powder
  • ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 14 oz pinto beans canned, no salt added, rinsed and drained
  • 14 oz black beans canned, no salt added, rinsed and drained
  • 28 oz diced tomatoes canned, no salt added
  • Optional: shredded low-fat cheese and cilantro for garnish

Cooking Conversions

See our Cooking Conversions Chart for help converting measurements!

Instructions

  • In a large pot (capable of holding at least 3 liters) at medium-high heat, warm up the broth. Add the onion, bell pepper, and garlic to the pot, stirring occasionally until the vegetables soften.

    ¼ cup beef broth or chicken broth, 1 onion, 1 bell pepper, 2 cloves garlic

    Hamburger Chili Recipe (11)

  • Add the ground beef. Using a wooden spoon, gently break down the meat until the beef is in small pieces and cooked through.

    1 lb lean ground beef

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  • Stir in the spices, beans, and tomatoes.

    2 teaspoon dried oregano, 1 teaspoon dried cumin, 1 tablespoon chili powder, ½ teaspoon ground black pepper, ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper, 14 oz pinto beans, 14 oz black beans, 28 oz diced tomatoes

    Hamburger Chili Recipe (13)

  • Bring to a boil for 5 minutes, then reduce heat to a simmer and cover for 20 minutes.

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  • Top with cheese and cilantro if you like. Serve and enjoy!

    Optional: shredded low-fat cheese and cilantro for garnish

    Hamburger Chili Recipe (15)

Notes

  • Prepare the ingredients, such as measuring out spices and chopping the veggies, before you start cooking.
  • Make sure to chop the onion and bell pepper into a relatively similar size and shape so that the vegetables will soften at the same time you cook it. I like to chop the vegetables into a medium chop (about the size of a nickel).
  • Change up the spices or make it as mild or hot as you like. I find this chili mild to medium spicy in the heat department (I’m a heat wimp though), making it perfect to serve to my family. Adjust the spice amounts to suit your family’s heat preferences.
  • Spruce up this simple chili with additional toppings at the end. I like to add shredded cheese, fresh cilantro, tortilla chips, and a generous dollop of Greek yogurt to my chili. Greek yogurt is a great low-fat, high protein substitute for sour cream.
  • Serve it on top of greens (like spinach) or in a lettuce wrap.

Nutrition

Calories: 330kcalCarbohydrates: 42gProtein: 29gFat: 5gSaturated Fat: 1gCholesterol: 46mgSodium: 107mgPotassium: 1154mgFiber: 14gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 1235IUVitamin C: 39.8mgCalcium: 115mgIron: 6.6mg

Keyword Beef Chili Recipe, chili recipes with ground beef, ground beef chili, hamburger chili

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About Isabel Laessig

Hi! I’m Isabel Laessig, also known as Family Foodie, creator of Sunday Supper Movement and author of the Boujee Steak Cookbook. Sunday Supper is my mission to bring family back around the dinner table. Join me in making family meal-time a tradition to celebrate!

» About Me

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Anne @ Webicurean says

    Yum! yum! One our favorites!

    Reply

    • Marion Myers says

      Delicious AND easy too! A great combo!!

      Reply

Let us know what you think or ask a question about the recipe!

Hamburger Chili Recipe (2024)

FAQs

What is the secret to really good chili? ›

Rumi Spice's top tips for making chili:
  • Brown the Meat.
  • Don't Forget Vegetables.
  • Elevate with Extra Flavor.
  • Only Add Flavorful Liquids.
  • Opt for Dried Beans.
  • Season Early and Often.
  • Add Some Acidity at the End.
  • Top It Off.

Do you cook hamburger before making chili? ›

Raw meat and pot of chili are two things that just don't belong together. If the recipe includes any type of ground meat, bacon, chorizo, or cubes of beef, it should always be browned first. Try this: The first order of business before adding anything else to the pot is to brown any meat in your recipe.

What is the most important spice in chili? ›

Most Common Chili Spices. Cumin, Chile Powders, and Paprika are the most common spices in chili followed by garlic, onion, coriander, Mexican oregano, and bay leaves. These ingredients can be combined to create a savory and well-balanced pot of top notch comfort food.

What secret ingredient will deepen the flavor of your chili? ›

Stir some puréed pumpkin into your chili just after sautéing your aromatics (onions, garlic, etc...) and before adding any liquid. This will deepen and sweeten its flavor, making it a great balance for all the chile peppers and heat.

What adds the most flavor to chili? ›

If you want more of a smoky flavor, add cumin, Spanish paprika, ancho chili powder, or a combination. If you are looking for more heat, add cayenne, crushed red pepper, or Hungarian paprika. If it's too spicy add a little brown sugar and some sweet paprika.

Does Wendy's use leftover hamburger for chili? ›

He even asked himself, “what do you do with the leftover hamburger?” The answer was simple: combine the beef we use for our hamburgers with a hearty helping of vegetables, chili beans and a dash of spice.

What is chili magic? ›

Where there's chipotle smoke, there's chili fire. Bush's® Chili Magic® Campfire Style brings tender pintos together with smoky chipotle and green bell peppers for quick, unforgettable chili any night of the week.​ Available in: 15.5 oz.

Why do you put butter in chili? ›

Butter smooths out the bitterness and adds its unique richness, making you take another bite without quite knowing why. A dash of sugar and vinegar gives a sweet-sour flavor that also makes the sauce rounder and more satisfying.

What not to put in chili? ›

Beans and non-vegetable fillers such as rice and pasta are not allowed." If that sounds a bit uptight, the ICS's Homestyle Chili competition defines chili as: "any kind of meat, or combination of meats, and/or vegetables cooked with beans, chili peppers, various spices, and other ingredients.

Why put baking soda in ground beef? ›

However, by gently tossing a baking soda solution with the meat (about ¾ teaspoon baking soda to 2 tablespoons water for 2lbs of grind) and letting sit for 15 to 20 minutes before cooking, beef loses less liquid, browns faster and tastes better.

Should I drain hamburger meat for chili? ›

Cook, stirring with wooden spoon to break up the meat, until the beef is browned, 10 to 12 minutes. The beef will release a lot of fat and liquid — do not drain it; you'll skim the fat off at the end.

Why would you put vinegar in chili? ›

With only about 1 tablespoon per pot added toward the end of the cooking process, the vinegar will make the flavors more vibrant without overwhelming the dish with its biting tang. Through just a splash, everything becomes a little brighter, and the chili's flavors are more balanced.

Do you need tomato paste for chili? ›

Tomato paste may come in a small can (or tube), but it packs a powerful punch and is an essential flavor building block for dishes like chili and beef stew.

What does paprika do to chili? ›

Imagine, you can combine different dried powders into combinations Nature can't provide. One of the most popular chili powders in the world is a bright red spice called "Paprika". The spice offers up a vibrancy in color and a bit of subtle flavor without a lot of heat.

What makes can chili taste better? ›

Professional chefs shared their favorite ways to turn a can of chili into a tastier option. Cocoa, beer, and cinnamon are ingredients that'll boost the flavor of your dish. Fresh toppings are an easy way to add new flavor and texture to the premade meal.

What is a good additive for chili? ›

Cinnamon is a fairly common addition to chili, but you can also use small amount of nutmeg, cloves, allspice, and other sweet spices to make it more aromatic. Even a bit of star anise can enhance the beefy, spicy flavor of chili without being too licorice-forward (add too much, though, and it may taste more like pho).

What is the secret to competition chili? ›

Additional Depth of Flavor

Ingredients like tomato paste, cinnamon, coffee and liquid smoke can all add flavor hints that will make your chili cook-off entry unique. Roast your vegetables and use broth or beer instead of water for even more flavor in your pot.

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