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+ servings
image of fresh ground beef onion garlic kidney beans pinto beans black beans diced tomatoes tomato sauce tomato paste beef broth olive oil bell pepper chili powder cumin paprika oregano arranged on white marble kitchen counter with clear glass bowls rustic brown wooden kitchen sets under soft diffuse daylight
adam saha

Freezer Friendly Beef Chili

A comforting, rich, and deeply flavored beef chili made with lean ground beef, beans, and tomatoes, designed for batch cooking and freezing for later enjoyment.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Total Time 2 hours
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 450

Ingredients
  

The Meat
  • 2 lbs ground beef lean, 85/15 preferred for flavor
The Aromatics
  • 1 large yellow onion diced
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
The Peppers
  • 1 large bell pepper red or green, diced
  • 1 jalapeño seeded and minced, optional for heat
The Canned Goods
  • 2 15 oz cans kidney beans drained and rinsed
  • 1 15 oz can black beans drained and rinsed
  • 1 28 oz can diced tomatoes canned
  • 1 15 oz can tomato sauce
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
The Liquid
  • 2 cups beef broth or stock, low sodium if available
  • 1 tbsp olive oil for cooking
The Spice Blend
  • 4 tbsp chili powder quality
  • 2 tbsp ground cumin
  • 1 tbsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper ground
  • 1/2 tsp onion powder
Optional Enhancers
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce optional
  • 1 pinch brown sugar or honey to balance acidity, optional

Equipment

  • Large Dutch Oven or Heavy-Bottomed Pot
  • Wooden spoon

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. In a very large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef. Break it up with a wooden spoon and brown thoroughly, draining off excess fat once cooked. Transfer the browned beef to a separate bowl, leaving 1 tablespoon of rendered fat in the pot.
  2. Reduce the heat to medium. Add the diced onion and bell pepper. Sauté for 5 to 7 minutes until the onion is translucent and soft. Add the minced garlic and minced jalapeño (if using) and cook for just 1 minute until fragrant.
  3. Stir in the tomato paste, chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, onion powder, salt, and pepper directly into the cooked vegetables. Cook, stirring constantly, for 1 to 2 minutes.
  4. Return the browned ground beef to the pot. Stir in the diced tomatoes (undrained), tomato sauce, and beef broth. Add the Worcestershire sauce and the pinch of sugar (if using). Bring the mixture to a low boil, then immediately reduce the heat to low.
  5. Cover the pot partially and let the chili simmer gently for 60 to 90 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
  6. During the last 15 minutes of simmering, stir in the rinsed kidney beans and black beans. Taste and adjust seasoning, adding more salt or chili powder as needed.
  7. Remove the chili from the heat and let it cool completely before freezing. Package into portions and store in the freezer.

Nutrition

Calories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 30gFat: 15g

Notes

For best results, simmer until thick. To freeze: Cool completely, portion into airtight containers or freezer bags, freeze flat for up to 6 months. Thaw overnight in fridge, reheat on stovetop or microwave with a splash of broth if needed. Correct seasoning after thawing. Variations: Add bacon for smokiness, use ground turkey for lighter version, adjust heat with jalapeño.
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