Beef and Vegetable Chili Recipe for a Hearty Dinner

When the weather cools down and you want something hearty, comforting, and packed with flavor, a good chili is just what you need. Our beef and vegetable chili recipe combines lean ground beef with a colorful medley of fresh vegetables and warming spices, creating a perfect balance of richness and freshness.

This dish is ideal for weeknight dinners, meal prepping, or serving up at casual gatherings where everyone can customize their bowls with their favorite toppings.

This chili is not only delicious but also nutritious, loaded with fiber and vitamins from the vegetables, and protein from the beef. Whether you’re a chili connoisseur or trying it for the first time, this recipe is designed to be straightforward, tasty, and adaptable.

Plus, it’s a great way to sneak some extra veggies into your family’s meal without sacrificing any bold, classic chili flavors. Get ready to simmer up a pot of comfort and warmth that will fill your kitchen with irresistible aromas!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This beef and vegetable chili is a winner for many reasons. First, it’s incredibly versatile — you can adjust the spice level, swap veggies, or add beans to suit your preferences.

It’s a one-pot meal that minimizes cleanup, making it perfect for busy nights. The combination of ground beef and fresh vegetables creates a satisfying texture and a depth of flavor that’s both hearty and wholesome.

It’s also a crowd-pleaser that’s excellent for leftovers, as the flavors deepen overnight. Rich in protein and fiber, it makes a balanced meal on its own or paired with simple sides.

If you’re interested in homemade spice blends, check out our Chilli Powder Recipe Vegan: Easy Homemade Spice Blend to elevate your chili even further.

Ingredients

• 1 pound (450g) lean ground beef
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped
• 1 green bell pepper, chopped
• 2 medium carrots, diced
• 1 zucchini, diced
• 1 can (14 oz / 400g) diced tomatoes
• 1 cup beef broth (or water)
• 1 can (15 oz / 425g) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 2 teaspoons ground cumin
• 2 teaspoons chili powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Fresh cilantro or parsley, for garnish (optional)

Equipment

• Large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Chef’s knife
• Cutting board
• Measuring spoons and cups
• Colander (for rinsing beans)
• Can opener

Instructions

1. Prepare the vegetables: Dice the onion, mince the garlic, chop the bell peppers, dice the carrots and zucchini. Having everything ready makes the cooking process smooth and enjoyable.
2. Heat the olive oil: In your large pot or Dutch oven, warm 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the diced onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until translucent and fragrant.
3. Add the garlic and bell peppers: Stir in the minced garlic, red and green bell peppers. Cook for another 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the peppers soften slightly.
4. Brown the ground beef: Increase the heat to medium-high and add the ground beef to the pot. Break it apart with your spoon and cook until browned and no longer pink, about 6-8 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
5. Add the carrots and zucchini: Stir in the diced carrots and zucchini, cooking for 3-4 minutes to begin softening the vegetables.
6. Season the chili: Add the ground cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix well to coat the meat and vegetables with the spices, cooking for 1-2 minutes to release their aroma.
7. Add tomato paste and diced tomatoes: Stir in the tomato paste, then add the canned diced tomatoes along with their juices. Mix thoroughly to combine all the flavors.
8. Pour in beef broth: Add 1 cup of beef broth to the pot, stirring to combine. This will create the stew-like consistency you want for your chili.
9. Simmer the chili: Reduce heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer gently for 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally. This allows the flavors to meld and the vegetables to become tender.
10. Add beans: Stir in the rinsed kidney beans and cook uncovered for another 10 minutes to heat through and thicken the chili slightly.
11. Adjust seasoning: Taste your chili and adjust salt, pepper, or chili powder as desired. If you like it spicier, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or hot sauce.
12. Serve and garnish: Ladle the chili into bowls and garnish with fresh cilantro or parsley if you like. Serve hot with your choice of toppings!

Tips & Variations

For a richer flavor, try browning the beef in batches so it caramelizes nicely without steaming. This adds a deeper umami taste to your chili.

If you want to make this chili vegetarian or vegan, simply swap the ground beef for plant-based ground meat or extra beans and vegetables. Lentils and mushrooms make excellent meat substitutes and add texture.

Check out our A to Z Vegetarian Recipes for Every Meal and Occasion for inspiration.

To add more heat, incorporate chopped fresh jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper. For a smoky twist, add a chipotle pepper in adobo sauce or smoked paprika.

Don’t forget to check out our Vegan Chipotle Bowl Recipe for a Flavorful Healthy Meal for a smoky, spicy vegan dish.

You can also customize the vegetables based on what’s in season or what you have on hand. Corn, sweet potatoes, or mushrooms work beautifully in chili and add unique flavors and nutrition.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

This beef and vegetable chili is wonderfully versatile when it comes to serving. Try it over a bed of fluffy white or brown rice for a filling meal.

It also pairs well with warm crusty bread or tortilla chips for scooping.

For a lighter option, serve it with a crisp green salad or steamed greens on the side. Top your chili bowls with shredded cheese, sour cream, sliced avocado, or chopped green onions for added richness and freshness.

If you’re looking for more hearty meal ideas, you might enjoy our Best Vegetarian Recipes No Dairy for Delicious Meals which offer tasty, dairy-free comfort food options.

Conclusion

Our beef and vegetable chili recipe is the perfect blend of wholesome ingredients and robust flavors that will warm you from the inside out. Its simplicity and adaptability make it a go-to meal for any occasion, whether you’re feeding a crowd or making a cozy dinner for one.

The fresh vegetables add vibrant color and nutrition, while the beef and spices bring that satisfying, hearty taste everyone loves in a classic chili.

Moreover, this recipe encourages creativity in the kitchen. You can easily tweak the ingredients to suit your dietary needs or preferences, ensuring that each pot you make is uniquely yours.

For more delicious and easy meal ideas, be sure to explore other recipes like our Cheap Vegetarian Recipes For Families Everyone Will Love or dive into grain-packed dishes with Ancient Grains Vegetarian Recipes for Healthy Delicious Meals.

Happy cooking and enjoy every hearty spoonful!

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