Baked Beef Chili

January 9, 2025

Warm up with this classic oven-baked chili recipe, packed with bold flavors and hearty ingredients. Ground beef, beans, and aromatic spices come together for a rich, comforting dish. Perfect for family dinners or meal prep, this chili is easy to make and customizable to your taste preferences.

Ingredients

1 lb ground beef
1 cup onion (diced)
2 teaspoons garlic (minced)
1 15 oz can diced tomatoes
1 15 oz can tomato sauce
2 15 oz cans beans (kidney, black, or pinto), drained and rinsed
1 cup beef broth
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 tablespoon chili powder
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
1 tablespoon brown sugar
Salt and pepper to taste
Optional toppings: shredded cheese (sour cream, chopped green onions, or tortilla chips)

Preheat the Oven:

Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C).

Cook the Beef and Aromatics:

Heat a large, oven-safe pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned (about 5-7 minutes). Season lightly with salt and pepper.
Add the diced onion and minced garlic. Cook until the onion is soft and translucent, about 3-4 minutes.

Add the Tomato Paste and Spices:

Stir in the tomato paste, chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper (if using). Cook for 1-2 minutes to toast the spices and enhance their flavors.

Incorporate the Base Ingredients:

Add the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, beef broth, and brown sugar. Stir well to combine.

Add the Beans:

Stir in the drained and rinsed beans. Optionally wait untill the last 30 minutes of baking to prevent them from becoming mushy.

Bake the Chili:

Cover the pot with a lid or foil and transfer it to the preheated oven.
Bake for 1.5-2 hours, stirring halfway through. Optionally, add the beans during the last 30 minutes of baking.
For a thicker consistency and deeper flavor, uncover the pot for the last 30 minutes.

Adjust Seasoning:

Remove the pot from the oven and taste the chili. Adjust the seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or spices as needed.

Serve:

Ladle the chili into bowls and top with your favorite garnishes like shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped green onions, or tortilla chips.