Beef and Bean Chili
A hearty, family-friendly chili made with simple ingredients like ground beef, beans, diced tomatoes, and chili seasoning. Perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or game day.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs. ground beef 80/20 works best, but lean ground beef is fine if you prefer
- ½ medium white onion chopped
- 1 15.5 oz can dark red kidney beans
- 1 15.5 oz can great northern beans
- 1 25 oz can mild chili beans
- 1 10 oz can diced tomatoes with green chilies (mild)
- 1 1 oz package mild chili seasoning
- 4 –5 cups vegetable juice any brand similar to V-8
Instructions
Brown the beef and onion
- In a large heavy pot or Dutch oven, cook the ground beef and chopped onion together over medium heat. Use a wooden spoon to break up the meat as it cooks. Once the beef is mostly browned and the onion turns translucent, carefully drain off the grease.
Add the flavor
- Return the pot to the stove and stir in the vegetable juice, diced tomatoes, beans, and seasoning packet. If you like, sprinkle in a pinch of garlic powder or extra chili powder for more depth.
Simmer until hearty
- Bring the chili to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer gently for about 30 minutes. This will thicken the juices, marry the flavors, and give the beans time to soak up that delicious seasoning.
Serve and enjoy
- Ladle the chili into bowls and add your favorite toppings. For our family, a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of shredded cheese are the finishing touches.
Notes
- Recipe can easily be doubled for a crowd.
- Leftovers taste even better the next day.