Brown's Hearty Beef Chili

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A robust, slow-cooked chili loaded with tender beef, beans, and a hint of smoky heat, perfect for feeding a crowd. This recipe is a crowd-pleaser that gets even better the next day. This american-inspired beef ready in about 70 minutes pairs Ground beef, medium Onion, Garlic for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 380 calories and feeds 6, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

★ 4.1 (11 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 55 min Serves 6 American cuisine 380 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat a large pot over medium heat. Add 1 lb ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, for 5-7 minutes until browned and cooked through, then drain excess fat.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 medium chopped onion and 3 minced garlic cloves to pot and cook for 3 minutes until onion is translucent.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 1 medium diced bell pepper, 2 tbsp tomato paste, 2 tbsp chili powder, and 1 tsp cumin. Cook for 2 minutes until fragrant.
  4. Step 4: Add 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, 1 can (4 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies, 1 can (15 oz) drained kidney beans, 1 cup beef broth, and 1/2 cup water. Stir to combine.
  5. Step 5: Bring to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 45 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  6. Step 6: Season with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper. If using, stir in 1/4 cup corn and simmer for 10 more minutes.
  7. Step 7: Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro if desired.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Brown's Hearty Beef Chili take to make?

Total time is about 70 minutes (15 min prep + 55 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Brown's Hearty Beef Chili?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep ground beef from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Brown's Hearty Beef Chili?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Brown's Hearty Beef Chili for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Brown's Hearty Beef Chili?

American beef like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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