Middle Eastern Beef Chili Recipe (2024)

Elevate your beef chili game with our Middle Eastern Beef Chili Recipe! We’re kicking things up a notch with warm spices, fava beans, and chickpeas. This hearty meal is a winter day champion, filling you up with warmth and flavor. Serve it solo or with a side of pita bread for an ultra-comforting dinner that’ll have you coming back for seconds!

Middle Eastern Beef Chili Recipe

As soon as the temperatures begin to drop we find ourselves craving all of the warm, comforting dinners like roasted tomato soup, slow cooker potato soup, and, of course, chili! However, one of our favorite things to do is take our favorite classic recipes and give them a Middle Eastern flair. So, with fall in full swing, we thought it was only fitting that we gave our traditional beef chili recipe a bit of a makeover by adding in fava beans, chickpeas, and spices like cumin, paprika, and chili powder.

Honestly, it couldn’t have turned out more delicious! Warm, hearty, comforting, and super filling, it had all of our family members asking for more, and the leftovers tasted even better the next day. Plus, it’s loaded with protein and fiber to keep you full and satisfied and pairs perfectly with crackers, bread, and more. Budget-friendly and quick to make, it’s guaranteed to become a staple in your home.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Adding a Middle Eastern twist to the traditional chili, this recipe brings in some extra deliciousness! Here’s the lineup of ingredients you’ll need to create this flavorful Middle Eastern Beef Chili:

• Meat – We use lean ground beef, but turkey or even chicken would work, too!
• Beans – A combination of fava beans and garbanzo beans (chickpeas) add a nice texture, tons of fiber, and a boost of plant-based protein.
• Herbs and Spices – Fresh garlic, salt, pepper, cumin, paprika, coriander, chili powder, cardamom, allspice, and bay leaves create a robust flavor that’s slightly spicy and completely irresistible!
• Veggies – Red pepper and yellow onion add extra nutrients.
• Broth – Low-sodium beef broth or stock helps thin out the ingredients, creating the best texture.

Note: Feel free to add a dollop of harissa paste for a little extra kick!

How to Make Slow Cooker Beef Chili

Get ready for a comfort food masterpiece, courtesy of your slow cooker! This beef chili recipe is about to make your life easier. Just follow the simple instructions below, and you’ll be in for a hearty, flavorful meal:

1. Brown the meat: In a large pot on medium-high heat. Drain the fat, reduce the heat to medium, and continue to cook for an additional 1-2 minutes.
2. Combine the ingredients: Add the cooked beef to the slow cooker along with the rest of the ingredients. Stir to combine.
3. Cook: Cover the slow cooker, and cook on high for 2 hours or low for 5-6 hours.
4. Serve: Divide the beef chili into bowls, add your toppings of choice, and serve warm.

Serving Suggestions

This beef chili tastes incredible all on its own, but toppings and sides always make things even better, right?! We love topping our bowls with extra chickpeas, fresh parsley, mint, feta cheese, and cucumber slices. It also pairs perfectly with cornbread, crackers, and no knead focaccia!

Storage and Freezing

One of the best make-ahead recipes, leftover chili can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week. Or, keep it in the freezer for up to 3 months!

When you’re ready to eat, let it thaw in the fridge overnight. Then, warm it in the microwave, or place it back in the slow cooker or on the stovetop until it’s heated through.

Can I Make this Beef Chili Recipe on the Stovetop?

Sure! We haven’t tested it, but the process should be about the same. Just brown the beef in a large pot, add the ingredients, and let them simmer covered on low.

More Comforting Recipes You’ll Love

Hungry for more warmth and coziness in your meals? Take a peek at the family-favorite soup, stew, and chili recipes listed below.

• This Slow Cooker White Chicken Chili is budget-friendly, quick to make, and so tasty it will blow your mind.
• There’s nothing more satisfying than coming home to a hot Slow Cooker Beef Pot Roast recipe!
• Perfect for fall and winter, this Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken Wild Rice Soup couldn’t be easier to make!
• This Minestrone Soup is a homemade version of Olive Garden’s famous recipe that tastes just like the real deal.