There’s nothing like a bowl of the best beef chili to warm you up from the inside out. This hearty, one-pot meal is loaded with perfectly seasoned ground beef, tender beans, rich tomato flavor, and a touch of sweetness from a secret ingredient—maple syrup! Whether you’re prepping for a cozy night in or feeding a hungry crowd, this chili checks all the boxes: bold, savory, just the right amount of spice, and incredibly easy to make. It’s comfort food that’s as satisfying as it is simple.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- 🥣 Deep, developed flavor thanks to a mix of seasonings and maple syrup
- ⏱️ Ready in under 45 minutes – or simmer longer for more richness
- 🫘 Protein-packed and filling – with beef, beans, and tomatoes
- 🔁 Versatile – stove, slow cooker, or Instant Pot
- 🧊 Great for leftovers – even better the next day!
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef (85/15 recommended)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) pinto beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes (fire-roasted, if possible)
- 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
- 1 cup beef broth or water
Chili Seasoning
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 2 teaspoons cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon oregano
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Sauté aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion and cook until soft, about 3–4 minutes. Add garlic and cook 1 more minute.
- Brown the beef: Add ground beef. Break apart and cook until browned. Drain excess grease if needed.
- Add flavor: Stir in chili powder, cumin, paprika, oregano, cayenne, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1 minute to bloom the spices.
- Combine ingredients: Add beans, tomatoes, tomato sauce, paste, maple syrup, and broth. Stir well to combine.
- Simmer: Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce to low and simmer uncovered for 20–30 minutes. Stir occasionally.
- Taste and serve: Adjust salt or spice to taste. Serve hot with toppings of choice.
Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Servings: 6
- Estimated Cost: $12–15
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving – Approximate)
- Calories: 367
- Protein: 23g
- Carbs: 28g
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Fiber: 8g
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 710mg
Tips & Variations
Tips
- Want a thicker chili? Simmer uncovered longer or mash some beans.
- Like it spicy? Add diced jalapeños or extra cayenne.
- Use fire-roasted tomatoes for a smoky base flavor.
Variations
- 🦃 Turkey Chili: Swap ground beef for turkey or chicken
- 🌶️ Vegetarian: Leave out meat, double the beans
- 🍫 Mole-style: Stir in 1 tsp cocoa powder for depth
- 🧂 Low-sodium: Use no-salt-added canned goods and adjust seasoning manually
FAQs
Can I make this in the slow cooker?
Yes! Brown the beef first, then add everything to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6–8 hours or high for 3–4 hours.
How about the Instant Pot?
Use sauté mode to brown beef and onion. Add remaining ingredients, seal, and cook on high pressure for 8 minutes with a quick release.
Can I freeze leftovers?
Absolutely! Freeze cooled chili in airtight containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight and reheat on the stove.
What are the best toppings?
Fritos, shredded cheese, sour cream, hot sauce, jalapeños, chopped onion, or avocado.
Best Beef Chili
Equipment
- Large pot or Dutch oven
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- – Can opener
- Measuring spoons
- Ladle for serving
Ingredients
- Main Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion diced
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 can kidney beans
- 1 can pinto beans
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 can tomato sauce
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tbsp maple syrup
- 1 cup beef broth
- Seasoning Blend
- 1 tbsp chili powder
- 2 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp oregano
- ¼ tsp cayenne pepper
- Salt & black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat oil in a large pot. Sauté onion until translucent, then add garlic.
- Add ground beef. Brown and break up until fully cooked. Drain excess grease.
- Add seasonings and cook 1 minute.
- Stir in beans, tomato products, maple syrup, and broth.
- Simmer 20–30 minutes, uncovered.
- Adjust seasoning and serve hot with toppings.
Notes
Conclusion
If you’re looking for a foolproof, flavor-packed chili recipe that lives up to the name, this truly is the best beef chili. It’s meaty, satisfying, and packed with a perfect balance of savory and subtle sweetness. Whether it’s game day, a weeknight dinner, or meal prep Sunday, this chili brings serious comfort with very little effort. Pair it with cornbread or tortilla chips and watch it disappear!