Robust Spicy Ground Beef Stew (Printable)

A warming stew featuring ground beef, beans, tomatoes, and rich chili spices for comforting dinners.

# What You'll Need:

→ Meats

01 - 1.5 lbs ground beef (80/20 or lean)

→ Vegetables

02 - 1 large yellow onion, diced
03 - 3 cloves garlic, minced
04 - 1 red bell pepper, diced
05 - 1 green bell pepper, diced
06 - 1 jalapeño, seeded and finely chopped (optional)

→ Canned & Pantry

07 - 1 (28 oz) can diced tomatoes
08 - 2 (15 oz each) cans kidney beans, drained and rinsed
09 - 2 tbsp tomato paste
10 - 1 cup beef broth

→ Spices & Seasonings

11 - 2 tbsp chili powder
12 - 2 tsp ground cumin
13 - 1 tsp smoked paprika
14 - 0.5 tsp cayenne pepper
15 - 1 tsp dried oregano
16 - 1.5 tsp salt
17 - 0.5 tsp black pepper

→ Optional Toppings

18 - Sour cream
19 - Shredded cheddar cheese
20 - Chopped cilantro
21 - Sliced green onions
22 - Diced avocado

# Directions:

01 - Heat a large Dutch oven or heavy pot over medium-high heat. Add ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until browned and no longer pink. Drain excess fat if necessary.
02 - Add diced onion, garlic, red and green bell peppers, and jalapeño if using. Sauté for 5 to 6 minutes until vegetables soften.
03 - Stir in chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
04 - Add tomato paste and cook, stirring, for an additional minute.
05 - Pour in diced tomatoes, kidney beans, and beef broth. Stir well to combine all ingredients.
06 - Bring mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 45 minutes, stirring occasionally.
07 - Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. For a thicker consistency, simmer uncovered for 10 to 15 minutes.
08 - Ladle hot chili into bowls and garnish with desired toppings such as sour cream, shredded cheese, cilantro, green onions, or avocado.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It comes together in under two hours and tastes like you've been cooking all day.
  • The spice blend is balanced enough to please most people, but customizable if someone wants more heat or less.
  • Leftovers actually improve overnight, making it perfect for meal prep or last-minute dinner parties.
02 -
  • Never skip rinsing your canned beans—that starchy liquid makes chili taste metallic and prevents you from achieving the right consistency.
  • The spices need that one-minute bloom after you add them; it's the difference between a good chili and one that tastes flat or dusty.
  • Chili genuinely tastes better the next day after the flavors have settled and deepened, so make it ahead if you can.
03 -
  • Room-temperature ingredients cook more evenly than cold ones straight from the fridge, so if you have time, let your beef and vegetables sit out for ten minutes.
  • Invest in good quality chili powder and smoked paprika—these are the stars, and mediocre versions will be noticeable in the final dish.
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