Beef Chili Bowl

4.6(61 reviews)

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

Jump to Recipe
Beef Chili Bowl — homemade American fast food recipe with beef, beans, chili sauce, 4 servings, ready in 32 minutes
Fast Food
Hard

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Smart Servings Scaler

servings
  • 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. 1

    Heat 2 tablespoons oil in a large pot. Brown 1.5 lb ground beef with 1 chopped onion. Drain excess fat.

  2. 2

    Add 1 chopped bell pepper, 4 minced garlic cloves, 1 chopped jalapeño. Cook 4 minutes.

  3. 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. 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. 5

    Bring to a boil, then reduce to simmer. Cook uncovered 30-45 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened.

  6. 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.

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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?
Adds chocolate depth (Mexican tradition). Undetectable as cocoa, just adds richness.
Make ahead?
Yes — improves overnight. Keeps 4 days refrigerated, 3 months frozen.
Spice level?
Medium. Adjust jalapeño and chili powder.
Best sides?
Cornbread (classic), rice, baked potato. Tortilla chips for crunch.

Nutrition Facts

Per serving (recipe makes 4 servings)

Calories728kcal
Protein17g
Carbohydrates35g
Fat9g
Fiber3g
Sugar8g

* Percent Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Values are estimates.

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