We eat this hearty ground beef chili so much I could make it in my sleep. It is the perfect go-to meal when I want something easy, brainless, and cheap. I even admit to making it in the dead of summer because of how scrumptious it is. Everyone has their own version.
I have made it with ground turkey, Italian sausage, and even with just beans. But my favorite is a simple but hearty ground beef chili that has just the right amount of heat. This recipe can be made stovetop, in the slow cooker, and even frozen. It really is a one-pot wonder!
Why Hearty Ground Beef Chili Is a Wonderful Family Meal
Part of the reason I make hearty ground beef chili so much is because it is my son Joshua’s favorite. His eyes will bug out and his tongue will wag when he finds out what I’m cooking. As you can see, it’s been a bit cold here in Knoxville.
This picture was taken when it snowed last. It only snows a couple of times each winter. But that didn’t stop Joshua! He was out sledding down our hill on a trash can lid. I lasted outside for about 3 minutes and then watched him from the warmth of the living room. 😉
Step 1: Prepare the Onion and Ground Beef
Start by dicing a medium-sized onion and sauteeing it in 2 tablespoons of light olive oil. Cook the onion until it is soft and tender, about 5 to 7 minutes. Then I add in a pound of ground beef and cook it until it is brown.
Step 2: Add Tomatoes and Chili Seasoning
Next, add in a can of diced tomatoes with chiles and 2 tablespoons of chili seasoning. I usually make my own homemade chili seasoning, but if I’m out, I use Lawry’s chili seasoning packets.
Mix all these ingredients together. It should be nice and thick.
Step 3: Add the Beans and Liquid
Now, add in a can of great northern beans, dark red kidney beans, and regular chili or pinto beans. Don’t drain the beans because you will need all that liquid to make the chili simmer.
Step 4: Add Heat (Optional) and Simmer
If you like some heat, pour in a tablespoon of hot sauce. I use Tapatio as it is my husband’s favorite, but any hot sauce will do. Stir it all around and cook on medium-high until it starts to boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 30 minutes. Stir it occasionally so that the chili doesn’t stick to the bottom.
Step 5: Slow Cooker Option
If you want to make this hearty ground beef chili in the Crockpot, simply cook the onion and ground beef as directed and then move it to the slow cooker. Pour the spices and canned goods into the Crockpot and set it on LOW for 5-6 hours. Top each bowl full with some sharp cheddar cheese or light sour cream. It’s heaven in a bowl!
Pairing Hearty Ground Beef Chili with Delicious Sides
I guess I’m kind of boring when it comes to sides for my hearty ground beef chili. I only ever make skillet cornbread with creamed corn or traditional fluffy yeast rolls. We like to use the bread to wipe our bowls clean of all that delicious broth!
Making Hearty Ground Beef Chili Freezer-Friendly
If I need to stock up on freezer meals or I know I may want to take dinner to a friend over the next couple of days, I will make a double batch and freeze the second portion. I freeze the hearty ground beef chili in Ziplock gallon bags. To thaw it, I either leave it in the refrigerator overnight or run warm water over the bag until I can pour it out in the pan.
If you think you’d like this chili but want to go meatless, use more beans, add in a diced zucchini, or try my 3-bean vegetarian chili version. Happy cooking y’all!
