Warm Up with Classic Ground Beef and Bean Chili

Nothing beats the cozy comfort of a hearty chili with beans and ground beef on a cold day. This classic chili recipe combines simple, wholesome ingredients—onions, carrots, celery, and a mix of canned beans—simmered in a savory, lightly spiced tomato base. It’s an ideal meal for family dinners, game days, potlucks, or any casual gathering. Serve it with cornbread, biscuits, or sourdough, and you’ve got a crowd-pleasing, comforting supper.

I asked my online community what they crave on chilly days, and chili topped the list. This version comes from a longtime camp cook who called it her “tried and true” recipe—beloved by hundreds of campers, and even better as leftovers. It’s an easy, reliable dish that freezes and reheats beautifully, making it a great make-ahead option for busy households.

Why You’ll Love This Classic Chili

• Simple, easy-to-find ingredients. No specialty items are needed—everything can be found at a typical grocery store or you may already have what you need in your pantry.
• Customizable heat and beans. This chili is a flexible base: swap the beans, reduce or ramp up the chili powder, or omit hot sauce for a milder pot.
• Comforting and cozy. A pot simmering on the stove warms both house and heart—perfect for fall and winter evenings.
• Makes a generous batch. This recipe yields enough for leftovers or freezer portions. It’s an excellent make-ahead meal: thaw overnight and reheat gently or simmer in a slow cooker.

Ingredients Needed for Chili with Ground Beef & Beans

Below is a clear ingredient list for this classic chili. Exact measurements are included later in the recipe card section for convenient printing or copying.

• Ground beef: Lean or extra-lean is recommended. Ground turkey or chicken can be substituted if preferred.
• Fresh vegetables: Diced onions, celery, carrots, and red pepper add texture and nutrients—this is a great way to use those lingering produce items.
• Garlic: Freshly minced garlic layers in additional flavor.
• Spices: Chili powder, cumin, and oregano form the flavor base. Adjust quantities to suit your heat tolerance.
• Hot sauce and ketchup: Hot sauce adds kick (optional for milder tastes). A small amount of ketchup adds a touch of sweetness and depth.
• Canned goods: Diced tomatoes, red kidney beans, black beans, baked/brown beans, and sliced mushrooms are stirred in and simmered until flavors meld.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Classic Chili

1. Prep the vegetables: Dice onions, celery, carrots, and red pepper into roughly uniform small pieces (about 1/4 inch). In a large stockpot or Dutch oven, brown 1 pound of ground beef over medium-high heat. Season with salt and pepper and break the meat into small crumbles as it cooks. When browned, drain excess grease.
2. Add the vegetables and aromatics: Add diced onions, celery, carrots, red pepper, and 2 cloves minced garlic to the pot. Stir in 2 tablespoons chili powder, 1 teaspoon cumin, and 3/4 teaspoon dried oregano. Sauté until the onions become translucent and the vegetables begin to soften. Taste and adjust salt and pepper.
3. Combine canned ingredients and simmer: Stir in 1 28-ounce can diced tomatoes, drained and rinsed kidney beans, drained and rinsed black beans, one can of baked or brown beans (do not drain), and a drained can of sliced mushrooms. Add 1 tablespoon ketchup and a dash of hot sauce if you like heat. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for at least 30 minutes so the flavors can meld; longer simmering deepens the taste.

How to Serve: Build a Chili Bar

Turn this pot of chili into a casual chili bar so guests can customize bowls to their liking. Offer a variety of toppings and sides for a fun, interactive meal.

• Grated cheese: Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Havarti
• Sour cream or plain Greek yogurt
• Corn chips, tortilla chips, or Fritos
• Crackers or oyster crackers
• Cornbread, sourdough slices, sandwich rolls, or baking powder biscuits with butter and honey
• Sliced avocado or fresh tomato
• Sliced jalapeño peppers or pickled jalapeños
• Steamed rice as a heartier base

Other Chili Variations to Try

• White Chicken Chili (a lighter, creamier option)
• Turkey Pumpkin Chili (seasonal twist with pumpkin)
• Buffalo Chicken Chili (spicy, tangy variation)

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Recipe Card: Classic Chili with Ground Beef & Beans

Yield: 8 servings
Prep time: about 15 minutes
Cook time: about 30 minutes
Total time: roughly 45 minutes

Description: A comforting, flavorful chili made with ground beef, a trio of beans, vegetables, and a gently spiced tomato base. It’s easy to make, customizable, and ideal for feeding a crowd or freezing for later.

Ingredients

• 1 pound lean ground beef
• 2 cups diced onions
• 1 cup chopped celery
• 1 cup chopped carrots
• 1 cup chopped red pepper
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons chili powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 3/4 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/4 teaspoon hot sauce (optional)
• 1 tablespoon ketchup
• 1 (28 oz) can diced tomatoes
• 1 (19 oz) can red kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can brown/baked beans (do not drain)
• 1 can sliced mushrooms, drained

Instructions

1. Brown the ground beef in a large pot, seasoning with salt and pepper and breaking it into small pieces. Drain excess fat.
2. Add onions, celery, carrots, red pepper, and garlic. Stir in chili powder, cumin, and oregano. Sauté until vegetables soften and onions are translucent. Adjust salt and pepper to taste.
3. Add diced tomatoes, kidney beans, black beans, brown/baked beans, and drained mushrooms. Stir in ketchup and hot sauce if using. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer, covered, for at least 30 minutes to let flavors meld.

Nutrition (per serving)