Beef Chili Bowl
Beef chili in a bowl — hearty, spicy, perfect for cold days. Better than canned. The trick is browning the beef properly and slow-simmering.
Prep Time
17 min
Cook Time
15 min
Servings
4
Calories
728 cal

🛠 Interactive Recipe Tools — Use them right here on this page
Smart Servings Scaler
- Beef400 g
- Beans1 cup
- Chili Sauce1
- Salt1 tsp
- Black Pepper½ tsp
- Cooking Oil1
- Garlic3 cloves
All quantities scaled automatically from 4 servings.
Ingredients
Makes 4 servings · Use the Servings Scaler above to adjust
- Beef400 g
- Beans1 cup
- Chili Sauce1
- Salt1 tsp
- Black Pepper0.5 tsp
- Cooking Oil1
- Garlic3 cloves
Instructions
- 1
Heat 2 tablespoons oil in a large pot. Brown 1.5 lb ground beef with 1 chopped onion. Drain excess fat.
- 2
Add 1 chopped bell pepper, 4 minced garlic cloves, 1 chopped jalapeño. Cook 4 minutes.
- 3
Add 2 tablespoons chili powder, 1 tablespoon cumin, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon oregano, ½ teaspoon cinnamon (secret), 1 teaspoon cocoa powder (secret), 1 teaspoon salt. Cook 1 minute.
- 4
Add 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes, 2 cans diced tomatoes (drained), 1 can drained black beans, 1 can drained kidney beans, 1 cup beef broth.
- 5
Bring to a boil, then reduce to simmer. Cook uncovered 30-45 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened.
- 6
Stir in juice of 1 lime. Serve in bowls topped with shredded cheese, sour cream, sliced avocado, chopped cilantro, sliced jalapeños, crushed tortilla chips. Cornbread on the side.
Watch how to make Beef Chili Bowl
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💡 Expert Tips
- 1.Brown beef properly. Maillard depth.
- 2.Cinnamon + cocoa are secrets.
- 3.Long simmer. Concentrates flavors.
- 4.Lime at end. Brightens.
🔬 Why It Works
Beef chili succeeds with proper browning (Maillard depth), complex spice blend (chili powder + cumin + paprika + cinnamon + cocoa), and long simmer (flavors concentrate). The toppings provide freshness contrast against the rich beef base.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why cocoa?▾
Make ahead?▾
Spice level?▾
Best sides?▾
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