Hearty Beef Chili with Beans: A Flavorful Comfort Dish

There’s nothing quite like a bowl of hearty beef chili with beans to warm your soul. This iconic dish, celebrated across regions for its robust flavors, brings together tender ground beef, savory beans, and a medley of spices for a comforting, deeply satisfying meal. Perfect for chilly nights or game-day feasts, this chili is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

Originating from Tex-Mex cuisine, chili is beloved for its versatility and depth. The addition of Italian sausage and a touch of Hershey’s cacao powder in this recipe elevates the traditional version, adding layers of smoky and slightly sweet undertones. Paired with a good kick of chili powder and beer for depth, every bite is an explosion of taste.

Whether you’re a seasoned chili connoisseur or trying your hand at making it for the first time, this recipe is approachable and full of helpful tips to guide you. Read on for a step-by-step journey to crafting the ultimate chili experience.

Ingredients List

For the Meat

• 3 lbs ground beef (or substitute with ground turkey or chicken)
• 5 spicy Italian sausages (optional but adds flavor)

For the Seasoning

• 1 tablespoon onion powder
• ½ tablespoon garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon ground cumin
• ½ tablespoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons Lawry’s seasoned salt
• 6 tablespoons high-quality chili powder

For the Flavor Builders

• 2 cans (16 oz each) light red kidney beans, rinsed
• 1 packet Lipton Beefy Onion Soup Mix
• 1 tablespoon Hershey’s unsweetened cacao powder
• 1 tablespoon Better Than Bouillon beef base (or substitute with beef broth)
• 1 can (28 oz) tomato puree
• 12 oz dark beer (e.g., Modelo or Guinness)

Optional Additions

• ½ cup water for texture adjustment
• Crushed red pepper flakes for extra heat

For Garnish

• Shredded cheese
• Sour cream
• Jalapeños
• Fresh cilantro
• Tortilla chips

✅ Quick Tips: Read the recipe in its entirety before you start cooking. This will help you understand the ingredients, steps, and timing involved, and allow you to prepare any necessary equipment or ingredients beforehand.

Instructions

1. Prepare the Meat

1. Heat a large pot over medium-high heat.
2. Brown the ground beef and Italian sausage together, ensuring they’re fully cooked.
3. Skim off excess oil but do not drain the fat completely—this retains flavor.
4. Sprinkle in chili powder and stir to coat the meat evenly.

2. Build the Base

5. Add the tomato puree, dark beer, and Better Than Bouillon beef base.
6. Stir well and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.

3. Add Seasonings and Beans

7. Stir in onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, ground cumin, black pepper, and Lawry’s seasoned salt.
8. Rinse and add the kidney beans along with the Lipton Beefy Onion Soup Mix.
9. Sprinkle in Hershey’s cacao powder for a subtle depth of flavor.

4. Simmer for Flavor

10. Reduce the heat to low and cover the pot with the lid slightly cracked.
11. Allow the chili to simmer for at least 1.5 hours, stirring occasionally.
12. Add ½ cup of water if the mixture becomes too thick.

5. Adjust to Taste

13. Taste-test for salt and spice levels. Adjust seasonings as needed.
14. Add crushed red pepper flakes for an extra kick if desired.

6. Serve and Enjoy

15. Ladle the chili into bowls and top with cheese, sour cream, and jalapeños.
16. Pair with tortilla chips, cornbread, or serve as a topping for nachos or hot dogs.

Recipe Card Summary

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 2 hours
Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 6-8

Tips and Tricks

• Simmer Slowly: Slow cooking allows flavors to meld beautifully, resulting in a richer chili.
• High-Quality Spices: Fresh spices make a world of difference in the final taste.
• Make It Ahead: Chili tastes even better the next day as the flavors develop overnight.

This hearty beef chili with beans is the ultimate comfort food, packed with rich flavors and satisfying textures. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or prepping for weeknight meals, this recipe promises to deliver joy in every spoonful. The blend of spices, quality ingredients, and slow cooking creates a dish that’s as nourishing as it is delicious.