Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

The Best Chili On Earth: Two-Bean & Beef Chili

What makes this Two-Bean and Beef Chili the best chili on earth? It is perfectly balanced, with notes of spice and a hint of sweetness in each bite thanks to the brown sugar (just trust me on this). It’s one of the few recipes with ground beef that I return to time and again. It’s hands down the best chili I’ve had, and my absolute favorite ground beef recipe.

I originally found this chili recipe in an anniversary issue of Cooking Light many years ago and made a few adjustments to the recipe. My favorite part of this chili recipe is the red wine (obvi). The complex flavor profile of the wine (and excuse it gives me to open my favorite Pinot) combined with an array of spices are truly what make this the best chili on earth.

 

View Instructions

Servings

6

Ready In:

2 Hours

Good For:

Lunch, Dinner

The Best Chili On Earth – Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil, divided
  • 1 1/2 pounds ground beef (I use 85/15 Organic Ground Beef from Costco)
  • 3/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 1/2 cups chopped onion
  • 1/2 cup chopped green bell pepper
  • 1 tablespoon minced fresh garlic
  • 2 teaspoons finely chopped jalapeño
  • 2/3 cup red wine (I use Pinot Noir)
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons ground ancho chile pepper
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon ground red pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground coriander
  • 1/8 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes, undrained
  • 1 (15-ounce) can dark red kidney beans, drained
  • 1 (15-ounce) can hot chili beans

Cook’s Note:

Make sure to use a red wine that you enjoy here. Any variety of red works in recipes with ground beef, so experiment and see what you like best. After all, it won’t taste like the best chili on earth if you use wine that doesn’t appeal to you.

My pick for this chili recipe is a Pinot Noir because it’s light with subtle fruit notes that lend complexity to this ground beef recipe.

It’s also my favorite varietal to sip on while I wait for the chili to finish simmering.

Step by Step Instructions

Step 1

Heat 1 teaspoon oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Sprinkle ground beef with salt; sauté 8 minutes or until browned. Remove from pan and set aside.

Step 2

Add 2 teaspoons oil (if needed), onion, and bell pepper to pan, and sauté for 5 minutes. Add garlic and jalapeño; sauté for 1 minute. 

Step 3

Once the vegetables have softened add wine, scraping pan to loosen browned bits. Return ground beef to pan.

Step 4

Stir in remaining ingredients; bring to a boil. Cover, reduce heat, and simmer 1 1/2 hours, stirring occasionally.

Step 5

To serve, divide chili among bowls. Top with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkling of shredded cheese.

three bean vegetarian chili oh 1000

Photo Credit: MyRecipes.com

If you agree that this is the best chili on earth, then I know you’ll love my White Turkey Chili!

the best chili on earth, best chili recipe, hearty beef chili recipe, easy chili recipe, two bean chili, easy comfort food recipe

The Best Chili On Earth

8cb1a7b26db1fe31b1cd67ad928e10c3?s=30&d=blank&r=gFrostedKale
This Two-Bean and Beef Chili is hands down the best chili on Earth and my favorite ground beef recipe! If you're searching for recipes for ground beef, look no further. Red wine adds complexity and depth to this chili recipe. It is truly something special and sure to be your favorite go-to chili recipe!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Total Time 2 hours
Course Dinner, Lunch, Main Course
Servings 6
Calories 359 kcal

Ingredients
 

  • 1 tbsp Olive Oil
  • 1 1/2 lbs Ground Beef (I like to use the Organic 85/15 variety from Costco)
  • 3/4 tsp Kosher Salt
  • 1 1/2 cups Onion, chopped
  • 1/2 cup Green Bell Pepper, chopped
  • 1 tbsp Fresh Garlic, minced (about 3 cloves)
  • 2 tsp Jalapeño, finely diced
  • 2/3 cup Red Wine (I use Pinot Noir)
  • 1 1/2 tbsp Brown Sugar
  • 2 tbsp Tomato Paste
  • 1 1/2 tsp Ancho Chile Powder
  • 1 tsp Oregano
  • 1 tsp Ground Red Pepper
  • 1/2 tsp Chili Powder
  • 1/4 tsp Cumin
  • 1/4 tsp Coriander
  • 1/8 tsp Cinnamon
  • 1 28-ounce Can Crushed Tomatoes, undrained
  • 1 15-ounce Can Dark Red Kidney Beans, drained
  • 1 15-ounce Can Hot Chili Beans, undrained

Instructions
 

  • Heat 1 teaspoon oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Sprinkle ground beef with salt. Sauté 8 minutes or until browned. Remove from pan and set aside.
  • Add 2 teaspoons oil (if needed), onion, and bell pepper to pan, and sauté for 5 minutes. Add garlic and jalapeño; sauté for 1 minute.
  • Once the vegetables have softened add wine, scraping pan to loosen browned bits. Return ground beef to pan.
  • Stir in remaining ingredients; bring to a boil. Cover, reduce heat, and simmer 1 1/2 hours, stirring occasionally.
  • To serve, divide chili among bowls. Top with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkling of shredded cheese.

Cook's Notes

Make sure to use a red wine that you enjoy here. Any variety of red works in recipes with ground beef, so experiment and see what you like best. After all, it won't taste like the best chili on earth if you use wine that doesn't appeal to you.
My pick for this chili recipe is a Pinot Noir because it's light with subtle fruit notes that lend complexity to this ground beef recipe.
It's also my favorite varietal to sip on while I wait for the chili to finish simmering.
Keyword Comfort, Cozy, Delicious, Family-Friendly

Not quite what you’re looking for? No problem.

I’m sure I have a recipe you’ll love! Use my Recipe Index to search for something new!