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The Ultimate Best Chili Recipe: Easy, Thick & Flavorful Meat Chili

This award-winning homemade chili combines savory ground beef, tender beans, and aromatic spices for the perfect comfort food. Slow-cooked to perfection in a crock pot, it delivers exceptional depth of flavor that's versatile enough for game days, family dinners, or meal prep.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 4 hours
Total Time 4 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Calories: 420
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Ingredients
  • 2 lbs ground beef (90% lean)
  • 1 large yellow onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 cans (15 oz each) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 can (15 oz) pinto beans, drained and rinsed
  • 2 cans (14.5 oz each) diced tomatoes
  • 1 can (6 oz) tomato paste
  • 4 cups beef broth
  • 3 tablespoons chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 teaspoon oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust for heat)
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 bay leaf

Method
 

Instructions
  1. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Drain any excess fat.
  2. Add the diced onion to the skillet with the beef and cook for 5 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more until fragrant.
  3. Transfer the beef mixture to your crock pot. Add all remaining ingredients: beans, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, beef broth, and all spices. Stir well to combine.
  4. Cover and cook on LOW for 6-8 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours. The longer cooking time allows flavors to develop more deeply.
  5. If you prefer a thicker chili, mix 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with 1/4 cup of water and stir into the chili during the last 30 minutes of cooking. Remove bay leaf before serving.

Notes

Chili tastes even better the next day as flavors continue to meld. For spicier chili, increase cayenne pepper or add 1-2 diced jalapeños. Mash some beans against the side of the pot to naturally thicken the chili. Add 1 tablespoon of brown sugar to balance the acidity.