This hearty beef chili is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser — rich, flavorful, and packed with ground beef, beans, tomatoes, and bold homemade chili seasoning. The secret? A touch of maple syrup to balance the spices and bring out every delicious flavor.
If you’re searching for a 5-star, contest-winning chili recipe, this is it! It’s been tried, loved, and even crowned the winner at chili cook-offs across the country.
⭐ Why You’ll Love This Chili
- Award-winning flavor: Proven by thousands of happy home cooks.
- Hearty and satisfying: Loaded with beef, beans, and tomatoes.
- Easy to make: Ready in just 45 minutes.
- Perfectly balanced: The maple syrup adds a hint of sweetness that makes it unforgettable.
🥩 Key Ingredients
- Ground Beef: Use 80% or 85% lean for the best flavor and texture.
- Beans: A mix of pinto and kidney beans for added fiber and heartiness.
- Tomatoes: A blend of tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, and tomato paste for a rich, thick base.
- Chili Seasoning: A homemade mix of chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Maple Syrup: The secret ingredient that enhances the savory flavors and adds depth.
🍲 How to Make Beef Chili
- Brown the beef: In a large stockpot, cook the ground beef, onion, and garlic until browned.
- Add everything else: Stir in the beans, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, maple syrup, seasoning, and broth.
- Simmer: Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer for 10–15 minutes until thickened.
- Serve and enjoy: Top with shredded cheese, green onions, and Fritos for the ultimate comfort meal!
🔥 Slow Cooker & Instant Pot Options
- Slow Cooker: Brown the beef first, then combine all ingredients in the slow cooker and cook on low for 4 hours.
- Instant Pot: Add all ingredients, seal, and cook on high pressure for 5 minutes.
🍽️ Topping Ideas
- Shredded cheddar cheese
- Fritos or tortilla chips
- Green onions or chives
- Sour cream or Greek yogurt
- Hot sauce for a spicy kick
🧊 Storage Tips
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Freezer: Freeze up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge, then reheat on the stove or in the microwave with a splash of broth.
🥄 Serving Ideas
Turn leftovers into:
- Chili Mac and Cheese – mix with cooked macaroni and cheese.
- Chili Baked Potatoes – spoon over a baked potato and top with cheese.
- Chili Nachos – layer over tortilla chips with cheese and jalapeños.
❤️ Recipe Card
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Serves: 6
Ingredients:
- 1 lb. ground beef (85/15)
- ½ medium onion, diced
- 1 tbsp minced garlic
- 1 can (15 oz) pinto beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
- 3 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tbsp maple syrup
- 3 tbsp chili powder
- 2 tsp garlic powder
- 2 tsp ground cumin
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp pepper
- 1 cup beef broth
Instructions:
- In a large pot, brown the ground beef with onion and garlic for 7–10 minutes.
- Stir in beans, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, maple syrup, spices, and broth.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10–15 minutes.
- Serve hot with your favorite toppings.
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