A bowl of classic ground beef chili is like a warm hug on a cold day — comforting, filling, and deeply satisfying. This recipe uses a combination of ground chuck and sirloin for rich, meaty texture, balanced by bold chili spices, tomatoes, and tender kidney beans. It’s a go-to meal for game days, potlucks, or cozy weeknight dinners.
This chili simmers to perfection, developing deep flavor from toasted spices, briny jalapeños, and a touch of brown sugar for balance. Top it with shredded cheese, sour cream, or crushed tortilla chips — whatever your chili heart desires!
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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Double the beef – combining chuck and sirloin adds texture and richness
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Perfect spice blend – chili powder, cumin, garlic, and jalapeño brine
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Super filling – beans and meat make it a full meal
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One-pot comfort – easy cleanup, big flavor
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Freezer-friendly – leftovers taste even better the next day
Ingredients
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1 pound ground beef chuck
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1 pound ground beef sirloin
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2–3 tablespoons chili powder
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1 tablespoon ground cumin
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1 ½ cups diced onion (about 1 large onion)
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1 tablespoon minced garlic
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2 teaspoons kosher salt
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Three 16-oz. cans diced tomatoes
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One 16-oz. can tomato sauce
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Three 15-oz. cans light red kidney beans, rinsed and drained
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2 tablespoons pickled jalapeños brine
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1 tablespoon brown sugar
Instructions
Step 1: Brown the Beef
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In a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat, add both ground beef chuck and sirloin.
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Break apart with a spoon and sauté for about 8 minutes until fully browned and no longer pink.
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Use a slotted spoon to transfer the beef to a plate, leaving drippings in the pot.
Step 2: Toast the Spices
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Into the beef drippings, add chili powder and cumin. Stir constantly for 2 minutes to toast and bloom the spices.
Step 3: Build the Base
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Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
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Stir in diced onions and a pinch of salt. Cook for 5 minutes, or until onions are soft and translucent.
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Add a tablespoon of oil if needed.
Step 4: Simmer the Chili
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Return the browned beef to the pot and season with kosher salt.
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Pour in diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and drained kidney beans. Stir to combine.
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Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to medium-low.
Step 5: Finish and Serve
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Stir in jalapeño brine and brown sugar.
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Simmer for at least 5 minutes (or longer for richer flavor).
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Serve hot with your favorite toppings.
Tips for Success
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Toasting spices adds depth — don’t skip this step.
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Jalapeño brine adds tang and mild heat without making it spicy.
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Let it simmer longer for deeper flavor — it’s even better the next day.
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Use fire-roasted tomatoes for a smokier chili.
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Leftovers freeze well for quick future meals.
Final Thoughts
This classic beef chili recipe delivers everything you love in a hearty bowl — tender meat, bold spices, rich tomato base, and comforting beans. It’s unfussy, deeply flavorful, and perfect for making ahead. Whether you like it spicy, mild, or fully loaded with toppings, this chili is a crowd-pleaser every time.
Make a big batch — you’ll be glad you did.
Share Your Creations
Tried this chili? I’d love to see how you served it!
Did you top it with cheese, sour cream, or jalapeños? Or maybe you added a smoky twist?
Tag your bowls of chili or drop a comment with your favorite add-ins and let’s keep the chili love simmering!
Classic Ground Beef Chili
Ingredients
Method
- In a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat, add both ground beef chuck and sirloin.
- Break apart with a spoon and sauté for about 8 minutes until fully browned and no longer pink.
- Use a slotted spoon to transfer the beef to a plate, leaving drippings in the pot.
- Into the beef drippings, add chili powder and cumin. Stir constantly for 2 minutes to toast and bloom the spices.
- Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Stir in diced onions and a pinch of salt. Cook for 5 minutes, or until onions are soft and translucent.
- Add a tablespoon of oil if needed.
- Return the browned beef to the pot and season with kosher salt.
- Pour in diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and drained kidney beans. Stir to combine.
- Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to medium-low.
- Stir in jalapeño brine and brown sugar.
- Simmer for at least 5 minutes (or longer for richer flavor).
- Serve hot with your favorite toppings.
