Get ready to cozy up with a bowl of pure comfort—The Best Sunday Chili is hands down my favorite way to wind down the weekend. It’s hearty, loaded with savory ground beef, two kinds of beans, colorful bell peppers, and just the right balance of spice. The magic happens as everything simmers together, letting the flavors meld into a chili that’s robust, aromatic, and impossible to walk away from. Whether you’re craving a simple Sunday supper or cooking up game day fare for a crowd, this is the chili recipe you’ll want to make again and again.

The Best Sunday Chili Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Simplicity meets flavor in every element of this chili. Each ingredient is essential, lending its own rich note—the beef brings depth, beans add heartiness, veggies give a sweet crispness, and the spice blend ties it all together. Here’s what you’ll need to whip up The Best Sunday Chili:

2 pounds ground beef: The base of the chili, offering richness and making the dish super satisfying.
1 tablespoon olive oil: Helps soften the veggies and keep everything from sticking.
1 large onion, diced: Lays a savory, aromatic foundation for all the other flavors.
3 cloves garlic, minced: Provides a zesty, crave-worthy punch that builds the chili’s aroma.
1 green bell pepper, diced: Adds a mellow sweetness and fresh color.
1 red bell pepper, diced: Offers a subtle sweetness to balance out the heat and savoriness.
2 cans (15 ounces each) kidney beans, drained and rinsed: Classic chili beans for a creamy texture and earthiness.
1 can (15 ounces) black beans, drained and rinsed: Their deep, velvety flavor adds even more body to the chili.
2 cans (14.5 ounces each) diced tomatoes: Deliver tang and brightness to the sauce.
1 can (6 ounces) tomato paste: Intensifies the tomato flavor and helps thicken everything up.
2 cups beef broth: Blends all the flavors together and keeps the chili beautifully saucy.
3 tablespoons chili powder: The signature seasoning that gives chili its bold, savory flavor.
1 tablespoon ground cumin: Brings a warm, earthy undertone.
1 teaspoon smoked paprika: Infuses a subtle smokiness for extra depth.
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional): For those who like a little extra heat—adjust as desired!
1 teaspoon dried oregano: Lends a fragrant, herby balance.
1 teaspoon salt: Essential to make all the other flavors pop.
1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a subtle bite to the background.
Shredded cheddar cheese, chopped green onions, and sour cream for serving: The classic trio—creamy, tangy, and fresh!

How to Make The Best Sunday Chili

Step 1: Sauté the Veggies

Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Toss in the diced onion and let it cook, stirring occasionally, for about 3 to 4 minutes. You want the onion to soften and turn translucent, unlocking its sweetness. Add the minced garlic next, letting it sizzle for a minute until it’s fragrant. This little step fills your kitchen with an irresistible aroma and lays the savory groundwork for your chili.

Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef

Next, add the ground beef right into the sautéed veggies. Use your spoon to break it up as it cooks. You’re looking to brown it fully so there’s no pink left. If there’s extra fat once the beef is browned, go ahead and drain it off—this keeps your chili perfectly hearty, not greasy.

Step 3: Add the Bell Peppers

Now, stir in both the green and red bell peppers. Cook them for around 5 minutes. They’ll begin to soften, brightening up the pot with their colors and mellowing out to lend a touch of natural sweetness to the mix.

Step 4: Add Beans, Tomatoes, and Broth

Time to bulk things up—add your kidney beans, black beans, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, and beef broth. Mix it all together, giving everything a good stir to combine. These ingredients are what make The Best Sunday Chili so robust and comforting.

Step 5: Season and Simmer

Stir in the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, cayenne (if you’re feeling bold), oregano, salt, and black pepper. This is where all those deep chili flavors begin to bloom. Once everything is mixed, bring the chili to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Let it cook uncovered for 45 minutes to 1 hour, stirring now and then. This slow simmer is what lets all the flavors meld and thicken to perfection.

Step 6: Taste and Adjust

Before serving, take a moment to taste your chili. Want it spicier? A little saltier? Go ahead and tweak the seasonings to suit your taste. Remember, making The Best Sunday Chili is all about making it your own.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Ladle the hot, savory chili into bowls and top each portion with shredded cheddar cheese, a sprinkling of fresh green onions, and a generous dollop of sour cream. Dig in while it’s piping hot and savor the layers of flavor you’ve built!

How to Serve The Best Sunday Chili

Garnishes

The best bowl of chili is never complete without its crowning glory! The Best Sunday Chili sings with a sprinkle of sharp cheddar, fresh green onions, and a cool cloud of sour cream. If you’re feeling extra festive, crushed tortilla chips, diced avocado, or even a squeeze of lime will take things over the top.

Side Dishes

Pair your chili with warm cornbread, a stack of classic saltine crackers, or even a baked potato for the ultimate comfort feast. If you’re going lighter, a crisp green salad or steamed rice makes a fantastic companion and soaks up all that flavorful sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving The Best Sunday Chili in mini bread bowls for a fun, edible touch or let everyone build their own chili nachos by spooning the chili over tortilla chips, then piling on their favorite toppings. Chili cheese fries or baked sweet potatoes loaded with chili also earn rave reviews every time.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Got leftover chili? Lucky you! Transfer cooled chili to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. The flavors actually deepen as they sit, making reheated chili even better on day two or three.

Freezing

The Best Sunday Chili freezes like a dream. Spoon it into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty bags, leaving some space for expansion, and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready for a cozy meal, simply thaw overnight in the fridge.

Reheating

Warm up leftovers gently on the stove over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until hot throughout. For single servings, the microwave works perfectly—just use a microwave-safe bowl and stir halfway through heating to ensure it’s evenly hot.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey is a fantastic swap if you’re looking for a leaner option. The chili remains hearty and flavorful, but with a lighter profile.

Is The Best Sunday Chili gluten-free?

Yes, as written, this recipe is naturally gluten-free—just make sure any toppings or sides you add are gluten-free as well.

How spicy is this chili?

The spice level is moderate, with most of the flavor coming from chili powder and smoked paprika. If you like things fiery, just add more cayenne or toss in a diced jalapeño.

Can I make this in a slow cooker?

You sure can! Sauté the onion, garlic, and beef first, then transfer everything to the slow cooker along with the rest of the ingredients. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.

What’s the best way to double the recipe for a crowd?

Just double each ingredient and use your largest pot. This chili is perfect for feeding a crowd—just be sure to taste and adjust the seasonings a bit at the end, as you may need a little extra spice when making a big batch.

Final Thoughts

There’s a reason The Best Sunday Chili earns its name—every spoonful is packed with flavor, comfort, and a little bit of Sunday magic. Take the leap, gather your favorite people, and treat them (and yourself!) to this delightfully cozy dish. Once you try it, you’ll see why it’s a weekend favorite that becomes a tradition.

The Best Sunday Chili Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.9 from 6 reviews

Author: Emma
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Yield: 8 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This hearty and flavorful Sunday Chili is the perfect comfort food for a cozy weekend meal. Packed with ground beef, beans, and a blend of spices, this chili is sure to become a family favorite.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Chili:

2 pounds ground beef
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 large onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 green bell pepper, diced
1 red bell pepper, diced
2 cans (15 ounces each) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
1 can (15 ounces) black beans, drained and rinsed
2 cans (14.5 ounces each) diced tomatoes
1 can (6 ounces) tomato paste
2 cups beef broth
3 tablespoons chili powder
1 tablespoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper

For Serving:

Shredded cheddar cheese
Chopped green onions
Sour cream

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Instructions

In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until softened. Add garlic and cook until fragrant.
Add the ground beef and cook until browned. Drain excess fat if needed.
Stir in bell peppers and cook until softened.
Add beans, tomatoes, tomato paste, and broth. Season with spices.
Simmer the chili for 45 minutes to 1 hour. Adjust seasoning and serve hot with cheese, green onions, and sour cream.