This Beef and Bean Chili is full of delicious, smoky flavor. So simple to make it can barely be considered a recipe. This recipe is slow cooker or stove top friendly.
My husband LOVES chili. It is probably second to steak, steak is definitely his favorite food.
Because of his love for chili, I have made many, many pots of chili. It’s nice that it’s a fairly budget friendly meal as well.
I have not always been a fan of chili. I don’t remember having chili all the time as a child, so I don’t think it’s that I was tired of it, I think it was more I had never had chili that was just SO GOOD. None of it was bad necessarily, it just didn’t wow me and chili just wasn’t my thing.
My taste buds have either changed, or I’ve just finally found a chili recipe that I actually like.
And, really, it’s so simple that I’m not sure if it can be classified as a “recipe”.
I’ve made the chili recipe that’s on the back of the chili seasoning packets, I’ve made chili by just throwing things in a pot, I’ve made a friend’s detailed and definitely from scratch chili, and I’ve tried a few other recipes I’ve found around the web.
But then one day I realized that the biggest thing I didn’t like about chili was the thickness of most chilis. I prefer chili that is soupier. So I came up with this recipe on my own and it’s been a regular meal on our rotation. Especially in the fall and winter months.
Do you love beef & bean chili or do you prefer something different? Tell me in the comments below ↓.
Beef and bean chili. This chili is soupier, and not as thick as some chili recipes. So simple to make that it's hardly a recipe.
- 1 1/2-2 lbs ground beef
- 1 tsp garlic salt
- 1 tsp onion salt
- 1/2 tsp pepper
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 2 tsp chili powder more if you like it spicy!
- 2 cans pinto beans
- 2 cans kidney beans
- 2 cans diced tomatoes
- 1/2-1 cups beef broth
Brown ground beef in skillet, add all seasonings to the meat, drain.
- While the beef is browning open the beans and tomatoes (don't drain anything!) and pour them into a pot.
Add the beef to the pot with the beans and tomatoes. Stir everything together.
Now, depending on how much liquid there is in the beans and tomatoes and how "soupy" you like your chili will depend on how much beef broth to add. I like mine to have plenty of juice but I don't want it to be chili flavored hamburger soup either.
- Heat through till it's bubbly.
Serve with your favorite toppings! We like shredded cheddar cheese and sour cream.
- This recipe is slow cooker friendly. After browning the beef, add everything to a slow cooker and cook on high for 4-5 hours.
- Chili is usually better the 2nd day so I like to make it one day, let it cool, and refrigerate overnight before heating through and serving.
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Sri Mallya says
Your chili recipe looks so flavorful and delicious. Perfect for the weather here. Pinned to try this soon.
Carrie Ditton says
What a great way to warmup on a chilly night! I love a quick and easy dinner option. Pinned!
Karyl Henry says
I agree with you on chili. I’ve had it a lot, and very few “wow” me, and it is usually so thick. My friend makes an amazing venison chili that I love. This version looks really delicious as well, and I’m excited to give it a try
Michelle says
Oh, I love a good chilli, it’s the perfect winter comfort food. Your version sounds delicious and I like my chilli more on the soup side too, will have to try this soon x
Kelly Anthony says
I can’t believe we ever used to buy canned chili. Homemade chili is so easy to make and tastes so much better! Thank you for this recipe 🙂
Veena Azmanov says
I love homemade chili. I have not made some in ages. Looking at this makes me wanna make some this week. Looks so good.
Sherri says
The best thing about chili is how versatile it is! Love your beef and bean version! And of course, all that glorious cheddar cheese on top! 🙂
Denise says
I do enjoy chili, and I too have made it many ways, and I will try yours! Its such a comforting dish, especially now in the winter.
Shelley says
Mmmmm … it’s definitely chili season, at least here in Ohio! Such ultimate comfort food. And, oh my goodness – this really is such a simple, easy chili recipe – just perfect for busy nights! How interesting that, after all the different chili recipes you’ve tried through the years, you finally realized that you just needed to create your own version that has that soupy consistency you really wanted. Problem solved! Thank you for sharing this wonderful recipe – I love trying new chilis and I’m definitely pinning to share, too!
Anna says
Hey thank you so much!!!
KarenH says
I don’t fix chili all that often but made a pot today and used a can of Hunt’s seasoned diced tomato sauce for chili. It was really good and couldn’t be easier. It cooked down to be pretty thick but I had double the amount of beef meant for a single can and didn’t add beans. If I make it again I’ll puree the sauce first so there aren’t pieces of diced tomatoes in it.