Classic Chili is a hearty, comforting dish made with ground beef, beans, tomatoes, onions, and a blend of warming spices. Perfect for family dinners, game days, or meal prep, this chili develops deep flavor as it simmers.
Servings
6–8 servings
Preparation Time
- Prep: 15 minutes
- Cook: 1 hour
- Total: 1 hour 15 minutes
Ingredients
For the Chili
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1½ lbs (680 g) ground beef
- 1 large onion, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
Tomatoes & Beans
- 1 can (28 oz / 800 g) crushed tomatoes
- 1 can (15 oz / 425 g) diced tomatoes
- 2 cans (15 oz / 425 g each) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup beef broth
Seasonings
- 3 tablespoons chili powder
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Optional Flavor Boosters
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
Equipment Needed
- Large Dutch oven or heavy pot
- Wooden spoon
Step 1: Brown the Beef
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat.
- Add ground beef.
- Cook for 6–8 minutes, breaking it apart with a spoon.
- Drain excess fat if necessary.
Well-browned beef creates deeper flavor.
Step 2: Cook the Vegetables
Add:
- Onion
- Bell pepper
Cook for 5–6 minutes until softened.
Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Step 3: Add Spices
Stir in:
- Chili powder
- Cumin
- Paprika
- Oregano
- Cayenne pepper
Cook for 1 minute.
This step "blooms" the spices and intensifies their flavor.
Step 4: Add Tomatoes and Broth
Stir in:
- Crushed tomatoes
- Diced tomatoes
- Tomato paste (if using)
- Beef broth
- Worcestershire sauce
- Brown sugar
Mix well.
Step 5: Add Beans
Add the drained kidney beans and stir thoroughly.
Bring the chili to a gentle boil.
Step 6: Simmer
- Reduce heat to low.
- Cover partially.
- Simmer for 45–60 minutes.
Stir occasionally.
The chili should become thick and rich.
Step 7: Adjust Seasoning
Taste and adjust with:
- More salt
- Additional chili powder
- Extra cayenne for heat
- More broth if too thick
Step 8: Serve
Ladle into bowls and add your favorite toppings.
Popular Toppings
- Shredded cheddar cheese
- Sour cream
- Chopped green onions
- Diced avocado
- Jalapeño slices
- Fresh cilantro
Serving Suggestions
Serve with:
- Cornbread
- Baked Potato
- Tortilla chips
- Rice
- Crusty bread
Slow Cooker Version
- Brown beef and vegetables first.
- Transfer everything to a slow cooker.
-
Cook:
- LOW: 6–8 hours
- HIGH: 3–4 hours
Chef's Tips
For Thicker Chili
Simmer uncovered during the last 15–20 minutes.
For Smoky Flavor
Add:
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 chopped chipotle pepper in adobo sauce
For Extra Protein
Use a mixture of:
- Ground beef
- Ground pork
- Ground turkey
Make Ahead
Chili often tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop.
Storage
Refrigerator
Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer
Freeze for up to 3 months.
Reheating
Warm gently on the stovetop or microwave until hot.
Approximate Nutrition (Per Serving)
- Calories: 350–450
- Protein: 25–30 g
- Carbohydrates: 20–25 g
- Fat: 15–20 g
- Fiber: 6–8 g
This Homemade Classic Chili is rich, hearty, and packed with bold flavors, making it a perfect one-pot meal for cold evenings, gatherings, and meal prep.
Read Also: French Toast Recipe
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