Hearty ground beef chili mild enough for the whole family
Family Chili
Prep Time
10 min
Cook Time
35 min
Total Time
45 min
Servings
8
8 servings
Difficulty
Easy
Cost
Budget
$
Family Chili
Hearty ground beef chili mild enough for the whole family
★4.7(23)
A mild, hearty chili packed with ground beef, beans, and tomatoes in a savory, slightly sweet sauce. Kid-friendly seasoning with big flavor that adults love too.
10m
Prep Time
35m
Cook Time
45m
Total Time
8
Servings
Easy
Difficulty
Budget $
Cost
Sarah Chen
(Updated )
This family chili is intentionally mild so the whole family can enjoy it, with hot sauce on the side for adults who want more heat. It is thick, hearty, and loaded with protein from both beef and beans.
This is the kind of recipe that defines American home cooking at its best — straightforward, satisfying, and built on flavors that everyone loves.
Ingredients
Instructions
- 1
Brown ground beef with diced onion in a large pot over medium-high heat. Drain excess fat.
- 2
Add chili powder, cumin, 1 tsp garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir 1 minute until fragrant.
- 3
Pour in diced tomatoes with their juice, kidney beans, and 1 cup water or beef broth.
- 4
Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered 30-35 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thick.
- 5
Serve in bowls topped with shredded cheese, sour cream, and crushed crackers.
Serving Suggestions
Ways to Serve This Dish
Serve with classic coleslaw and cornbread on the side
Pair with fresh-cut fries or roasted potato wedges
Substitutions
Ground beefGround turkey or a three-bean vegetarian version
Three-bean chili is equally hearty
Kidney beansPinto beans or black beans
Any bean variety works well in chili
Tips & Storage
Pro Tips
Simmer the chili uncovered so it thickens to a hearty consistency—covered chili stays too soupy.
A tablespoon of brown sugar balances the acidity of the tomatoes for a rounder flavor.
Let the protein rest for 5-10 minutes after cooking to allow the juices to redistribute for maximum tenderness.
Season each component individually rather than seasoning at the end — this builds deeper, more complex flavor throughout.
Storage
Refrigerate up to 5 days. Chili freezes beautifully for up to 3 months.
Reheating
Reheat in a pot over medium heat, adding a splash of water if it has thickened too much.
Nutrition Facts
Per serving (70mg) · 8 servings
Calories360
LowModerateHigh
A moderate-calorie serving · based on a 2,000 cal daily diet
Protein28g
Carbohydrates14g
Fat34g
Fiber620mg
Sugar8g
Sodium6g
Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How do I make it spicier for adults?
- Keep the base mild and offer hot sauce, diced jalapenos, or cayenne on the side.
- Can I make it in a slow cooker?
- Yes—brown the beef first, then add everything to the slow cooker on LOW for 6-8 hours.
Explore More
About Sarah Chen
Sarah Chen is a professional recipe developer and food editor with over a decade of experience in test kitchens and food media. She trained at the Culinary Institute of America before spending six years developing and testing recipes for national food publications, where she honed her ability to translate restaurant techniques into approachable home cooking. At RecipePool, Sarah leads recipe development, ensuring every dish is tested at least three times for clarity, accuracy, and genuine deliciousness. When she is not in the kitchen, she is browsing farmers markets and collecting vintage cookbooks.
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