Tailgate Beef Chili Beans (Printable)
Rich ground beef and beans combined with smoky spices for a flavorful, hearty main dish.
# What You Need:
→ Meats
01 - 2 lbs ground beef (80/20 blend preferred)
→ Vegetables
02 - 1 large yellow onion, diced
03 - 1 green bell pepper, diced
04 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
05 - 1 jalapeño, seeded and finely chopped (optional)
→ Beans
06 - 2 cans (15 oz each) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
07 - 1 can (15 oz) pinto beans, drained and rinsed
→ Tomatoes & Liquids
08 - 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
09 - 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
10 - 1 cup beef broth
→ Spices & Seasonings
11 - 3 tbsp chili powder
12 - 2 tsp ground cumin
13 - 1 tsp smoked paprika
14 - 1 tsp dried oregano
15 - 1 tsp kosher salt, plus more to taste
16 - ½ tsp ground black pepper
17 - ¼ tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
→ Other
18 - 2 tbsp tomato paste
19 - 2 tbsp olive oil
# Steps:
01 - Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy pot over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned (about 6–8 minutes). Drain excess fat if necessary.
02 - Add the diced onion, bell pepper, jalapeño (if using), and garlic. Sauté until vegetables are softened, 5–6 minutes.
03 - Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1 minute, allowing the flavors to deepen.
04 - Add the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, black pepper, and cayenne (if using). Cook, stirring, for 1 minute until fragrant.
05 - Pour in the crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, and beef broth. Stir to combine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
06 - Add the drained beans and bring the chili to a simmer. Reduce heat to low, cover partially, and cook for 35–45 minutes, stirring occasionally.
07 - Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt or spices as desired. Serve hot, garnished with your favorite toppings.
# Expert Hints:
01 -
- Feeds a hungry crowd without last minute stress since most of the cooking happens unattended
- The flavors actually improve overnight making it the ultimate make ahead champion
- Customizable heat level means everyone from spice haters to heat seekers leaves happy
02 -
- The longer you simmer the more the flavors meld together so do not rush this step
- Chili thickens as it rests so keep that in mind if you prefer a looser consistency
- Tasting throughout the cooking process is non negotiable because every batch of spices varies in intensity
03 -
- Make this a day ahead because the spices meld and deepen overnight
- Use a potato masher to slightly mash some of the beans for a thicker, more cohesive texture