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Costco Ground Beef Chili

A deeply flavored, no-nonsense beef chili made with Costco ground beef — simmered low and slow with three types of chili, kidney beans, and a secret tablespoon of cocoa powder.

Prep Time
15 min
Cook Time
1 hr
Servings
8
Cost / Serving
$3.12

Quick Answer

Brown Costco's 90/10 ground beef, then simmer with three chili powders, kidney beans, fire-roasted tomatoes, and a tablespoon of cocoa powder for an hour. The cocoa is the secret — adds depth without sweetness. Total time 75 minutes; eight servings.

This Costco ground beef chili is the kind of recipe you make once and eat four times. A Costco pack of ground beef, canned beans, fire-roasted tomatoes, and a well-built spice blend simmer into a rich, thick chili that tastes like it's been cooking all day. A small amount of cocoa powder deepens the color and adds complexity without making it sweet.

Instructions

  1. 1

    In a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat, cook ground beef, breaking it up, until browned, about 8 minutes. Drain excess fat.

  2. 2

    Add onion, bell pepper, and garlic. Cook 5 minutes until softened and fragrant.

  3. 3

    Add chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, oregano, cocoa powder, salt, and pepper. Stir to coat the beef and vegetables with the spices. Cook 1 minute.

  4. 4

    Add tomato paste and stir to combine. Cook 2 minutes — this caramelizes the tomato paste and builds deeper flavor.

  5. 5

    Add fire-roasted tomatoes, kidney beans, and beef broth. Stir well and bring to a boil.

  6. 6

    Reduce heat to low, cover partially, and simmer 45 minutes, stirring occasionally. The chili will thicken as it cooks.

  7. 7

    Taste and adjust seasoning. Serve with shredded cheddar, sour cream, green onions, and jalapeños.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does this chili recipe use cocoa powder?+
Unsweetened cocoa powder adds a subtle earthiness and deepens the color of the chili without making it taste like chocolate. It's a technique used in many award-winning chili recipes and Cincinnati-style chili. A single tablespoon in a full pot is almost imperceptible as cocoa, but the complexity it adds is noticeable.
Can I make this Costco beef chili in a slow cooker?+
Yes. Brown the beef and cook the onions on the stovetop first, then transfer everything to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6–8 hours or high for 3–4 hours. The longer slow-cooker time deepens the flavor even more.
How long does homemade beef chili last in the fridge?+
Properly stored in an airtight container, beef chili lasts 4–5 days in the refrigerator. Chili is one of the few foods that genuinely improves after a day — the flavors meld and the spices become more integrated.
Can I freeze beef chili?+
Yes — beef chili is one of the best foods for freezing. Let it cool completely, then freeze in 2-cup portions in zip-lock bags or containers for up to 4 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stovetop with a splash of broth.
How do I thicken beef chili that's too watery?+
Simmer uncovered for 15–20 minutes to evaporate excess liquid. Alternatively, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water and stir it into the chili — it thickens within minutes. Mashing some of the beans also adds body naturally.

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