Why You’ll Love this Hearty Beef Chili
Whether you’re craving comfort food on a chilly evening or need a crowd-pleasing meal for game day, this beef chili recipe is about to become your new go-to.
I’m obsessed with how simple it is—just toss everything in the crockpot and walk away. No babysitting required.
The combination of lean ground beef and kidney beans creates the perfect protein-packed meal that sticks to your ribs.
And can we talk about that green pepper? It adds the fresh pop of flavor that takes this from good to can’t-stop-eating-it delicious.
Who needs fancy ingredients when classics work this well?
What Ingredients are in Hearty Beef Chili?
The beauty of this beef chili recipe lies in its simplicity and accessibility. You don’t need a pantry full of exotic spices or hard-to-find ingredients to create a meal that tastes like it’s been simmering all day (even though, well, it has been).
The ingredient list is straightforward but delivers big on flavor, which is exactly what I look for in a reliable weeknight recipe that can double as weekend comfort food.
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 2 (19 ounce) cans kidney beans, drained
- 1 (796 ml) can tomato sauce
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 green pepper, chopped
What I love about these ingredients is how customizable they can be based on what you have on hand. Not a fan of kidney beans? Black beans or pinto beans work beautifully too.
Want to kick up the heat? Add some diced jalapeños or a dash of cayenne to the mix. And while the recipe doesn’t specify, I always recommend browning the beef before adding it to the crockpot—those caramelized bits add depth of flavor that makes people wonder what your secret ingredient might be.
Trust me, nobody needs to know how effortless this actually was to throw together.
How to Make this Hearty Beef Chili
Making this hearty beef chili couldn’t be easier—it’s the ultimate “set it and forget it” recipe that delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort.
Start by taking your 1 pound of lean ground beef and, though the recipe doesn’t explicitly state this step, I strongly recommend browning it in a skillet first. This quick extra step creates those delicious caramelized bits that add incredible depth to your final dish.
Once browned, drain any excess fat to keep your chili from becoming greasy.
Now comes the truly simple part. Add your browned beef to your crockpot along with 2 cans (19 ounces each) of drained kidney beans, 1 can (796 ml) of tomato sauce, 2 tablespoons of chili powder, and 1 chopped green pepper.
Give everything a good stir to combine all those beautiful ingredients. No need for precision here—this is rustic cooking at its finest.
Put the lid on your crockpot, set it to low, and let the magic happen for 6-8 hours. The longer it cooks, the more the flavors meld together, creating that distinctive chili taste we all crave when the weather turns cool.
And that’s it! No fussing, no checking, no stirring required. The slow cooker does all the work while you go about your day, knowing that dinner is practically making itself.
Hearty Beef Chili Substitutions and Variations
While this basic beef chili recipe delivers reliable comfort food every time, don’t feel like you need to stick rigidly to the ingredient list. I often swap ground turkey for beef when I’m cutting calories, or add a dash of cocoa powder for depth—trust me, it’s a game-changer.
Not a fan of kidney beans? Black or pinto beans work beautifully. For heat lovers, toss in a diced jalapeño or cayenne pepper.
Vegetarians in your life? Replace the meat with extra beans or crumbled tofu.
My personal favorite variation? Adding a splash of coffee to the sauce. Sounds weird, tastes amazing.
What to Serve with Hearty Beef Chili
Three perfect accompaniments can transform a simple bowl of beef chili into a complete meal experience.
I always serve warm cornbread with a pat of melting butter—the sweetness balances the spice perfectly. Trust me, nothing soaks up those rich chili juices better.
A fresh green salad with lime vinaigrette adds brightness and crunch.
Think crisp romaine, avocado chunks, and maybe some radishes for color.
And don’t forget the toppings bar!
Shredded cheese, sour cream, diced onions, sliced jalapeños—let everyone customize their bowl. My family fights over the last of the cheese, every single time.
Final Thoughts
This hearty beef chili recipe has become my go-to comfort food for good reason. It’s incredibly simple to prepare, yet delivers complex flavors that develop beautifully in the slow cooker.
I’ve served it countless times, from casual family dinners to game-day gatherings, and the pot is always scraped clean.
What I love most? The versatility. Sometimes I add a dash of cocoa powder for depth, or toss in corn when I’m feeling adventurous.
Can you imagine anything more satisfying after a long, cold day? The leftovers—if you’re lucky enough to have any—taste even better the next day.
