This hearty and healthy Easy Beef and Bean Chili is packed with protein and fiber. It’s a one-pot comfort meal, perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends. Loaded with ground beef, beans, tomatoes, and warming spices, this chili is a flavorful, satisfying, and wholesome dish the whole family will enjoy.
Recipe Tips and Tricks
- Layer Your Spices: Toast your spices in the pan before adding liquids to enhance their flavor.
- Control the Heat: Adjust the level of spiciness by adding more or less chili powder or red pepper flakes.
- Simmer for Depth: Let the chili simmer for at least 30 minutes for the flavors to meld beautifully.
- Thicken Naturally: If you prefer thicker chili, mash a portion of the beans before adding them.
- Fresh Toppings: Top with avocado, cilantro, cheese, or a dollop of Greek yogurt for added creaminess and flavor.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Easy Beef and Bean Chili is the ultimate comfort food with a healthy twist. Packed with lean protein, hearty beans, and a medley of spices, it’s satisfying and nutritious. Perfect for meal prep or family dinners, it’s versatile enough for everyone’s tastes. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or warming up on a cold night, this chili’s bold flavors and simple preparation will make it a go-to favorite.
Easy Beef and Bean Chili
A hearty, flavorful, and healthy chili with beef, beans, and spices. Perfect for meal prep or cozy weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef (lean)
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 cup beef broth
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 2 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Prepare the Ingredients: Dice the onion, garlic, and bell pepper. Rinse and drain the beans.
- Cook the Beef: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Sauté the Vegetables: Add the onion, garlic, and bell pepper to the pot. Sauté for 5 minutes until softened.
- Add Spices: Stir in chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 1 minute to toast the spices.
- Combine Ingredients: Add the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, beef broth, black beans, and kidney beans. Stir well to combine.
- Simmer: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. For thicker chili, mash some of the beans or let it cook uncovered for 10 more minutes.
- Serve: Ladle into bowls and top with your favorite garnishes such as shredded cheese, sour cream, or cilantro.
Notes
- Serve with cornbread or tortilla chips for a complete meal.
- This recipe is gluten-free if you ensure all ingredients (like broth) are certified gluten-free.
Nutrition Information
Yield
4Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 504Total Fat 24gSaturated Fat 8gTrans Fat 1gUnsaturated Fat 13gCholesterol 101mgSodium 1101mgCarbohydrates 36gFiber 7gSugar 14gProtein 39g
The recipes and nutritional information on Yum Tonight are for informational purposes only. Always consult a healthcare provider for personalized dietary advice.
Ingredients Notes
- Ground Beef: Use lean or extra-lean ground beef to keep the dish healthier. For a vegetarian option, replace it with plant-based crumbles or extra beans.
- Beans: Kidney and black beans add texture and protein. Feel free to use pinto or cannellini beans for variety.
- Tomatoes: Canned diced tomatoes provide a rich, tangy base. For added depth, use fire-roasted tomatoes.
- Spices: Chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika are essential for bold flavor. Add cayenne for a spicier kick.
- Vegetables: Onion, garlic, and bell peppers enhance the dish with fresh flavors and nutrients.
Variations and Substitutions
- Vegetarian Version: Swap ground beef with crumbled tofu, tempeh, or an extra can of beans.
- Spice It Up: Add jalapeños, chipotle peppers, or hot sauce for extra heat.
- Different Beans: Use chickpeas, navy beans, or lentils instead of traditional beans for a unique twist.
- Add Grains: Stir in cooked quinoa or rice for added bulk.
- Flavor Boost: Add a splash of Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, or a dash of cocoa powder for complex flavors.
Storage Options
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Portion into freezer-safe bags or containers and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Reheating: Warm on the stovetop over medium heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or broth if needed.
Dish Gallery
Please share this Easy Beef and Bean Chili with your friends and do a comment below about your feedback.
We will meet you on next article.
Until you can read, Creamy Garlic Chicken and Rice