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Ground Beef & Bean Chili with Bell Peppers

Few meals are as comforting and satisfying as a hearty bowl of homemade chili. This Ground Beef & Bean Chili with Bell Peppers combines browned ground beef, tender beans, colorful bell peppers, tomatoes, and a warming blend of chili spices. The result is a rich, savory meal with just the right balance of smokiness, mild heat, and natural sweetness from the peppers.

What makes this chili especially appealing is how simple it is to prepare. Everything comes together in one large pot, making it an excellent choice for a cozy weeknight dinner, meal prep, or feeding a crowd.

Why You’ll Love This Chili

This recipe has several layers of flavor. Browning the beef first creates a savory foundation, while sautéed onions and bell peppers add sweetness and texture. Tomatoes provide acidity and body, and beans make the chili hearty and filling.

The longer the chili simmers, the more the ingredients meld together. You can serve it immediately, but allowing it to simmer for a little extra time gives it an even deeper flavor.

Ingredients

For about 6 servings, you’ll need:

1 pound (450 g) ground beef
1 medium yellow onion, diced
1 red bell pepper, diced
1 green bell pepper, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 can (28 ounces/800 g) crushed tomatoes
1 can (15 ounces/425 g) diced tomatoes
2 cans (15 ounces/425 g each) beans, drained and rinsed
1 cup (240 ml) beef broth or water
2 tablespoons chili powder
2 teaspoons ground cumin
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon dried oregano
½ teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper, optional
1 tablespoon olive oil, if needed
1 teaspoon brown sugar, optional
1 tablespoon lime juice, optional

Optional Toppings

Customize each bowl with your favorite toppings:

Shredded cheddar cheese
Sour cream or plain Greek yogurt
Sliced green onions
Fresh cilantro
Diced avocado
Jalapeño slices
Lime wedges
Crushed tortilla chips

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

Before turning on the stove, prepare all of your vegetables and measure the spices.

Dice the onion and bell peppers into small, relatively even pieces. Mince the garlic and drain and rinse the beans.

Having everything ready makes the cooking process much easier and prevents the garlic or spices from sitting in the pan too long and burning.

Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef

Place a large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.

Add the ground beef and break it apart with a wooden spoon or spatula. Cook for approximately 6–8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the beef is thoroughly browned.

If there is a large amount of excess fat in the pot, carefully drain some of it. Leave a small amount behind because it can contribute flavor to the vegetables.

Step 3: Sauté the Onion and Bell Peppers

Add the diced onion, red bell pepper, and green bell pepper to the browned beef.

Cook for about 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion becomes translucent and the peppers begin to soften.

The peppers are an important part of this chili. The red pepper brings a naturally sweet flavor, while the green pepper contributes a slightly more earthy taste.