Why You’ll Love This Recipe

The Best Classic Chili is a hearty and flavorful dish packed with tender ground beef, beans, tomatoes, and the perfect blend of spices. It’s an easy, comforting meal ideal for chilly nights, game days, or family gatherings. This classic version delivers bold flavor with a rich, thick texture that’s deeply satisfying.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

ground beefoniongarliccrushed tomatoesdiced tomatoestomato pastekidney beanspinto beansbeef brothchili powderground cuminpaprikadried oregano saltblack pepperolive oil

directions

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.

Add diced onions and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.

Stir in minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks.

Drain excess fat if needed.

Stir in tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes.

Add crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes with their juices, beef broth, drained beans, chili powder, cumin, paprika, oregano, salt, and black pepper.

Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low.

Cover and cook for at least 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.

For deeper flavor, simmer for 1-2 hours, stirring occasionally.

Taste and adjust seasonings if needed before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields approximately 6 servings.Preparation time: 10 minutesCooking time: 45 minutes to 2 hoursTotal time: 55 minutes to 2 hours and 10 minutes

Variations

Use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.

Add diced bell peppers or jalapeños for extra flavor and heat.

Use black beans or white beans instead of traditional kidney and pinto beans.

Top with shredded cheese, sour cream, green onions, or avocado.

Make it spicier with cayenne pepper or hot sauce.

storage/reheating

Store leftover chili in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.For longer storage, freeze for up to 3 months.Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stovetop over medium heat or in the microwave until hot.

FAQs

Can I make this chili in a slow cooker?

Yes, brown the beef and sauté the onions and garlic first, then transfer everything to a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours.

Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?

Yes, but canned tomatoes provide a richer flavor and better texture for this recipe.

Is chili better the next day?

Absolutely, the flavors deepen and meld beautifully after sitting overnight.

How can I thicken my chili?

Simmer uncovered to let excess liquid evaporate, or mash some of the beans into the chili.

Can I make this vegetarian?

Yes, replace the beef with additional beans or plant-based meat alternatives and use vegetable broth.

What can I serve with chili?

Cornbread, rice, tortilla chips, or a simple green salad are great accompaniments.

Should I rinse the canned beans?

Yes, rinsing removes excess sodium and any canning liquid.

Can I double this recipe?

Definitely, just use a larger pot to accommodate the extra volume.

Can I make it ahead of time?

Yes, chili is perfect for meal prep and tastes even better after a day or two.

Is this chili spicy?

It has a mild kick, but you can adjust the spice level with more chili powder or hot sauce.

Conclusion

The Best Classic Chili is a timeless recipe that’s easy to make, incredibly flavorful, and perfect for a cozy meal any time of year. Whether you enjoy it with toppings or on its own, it’s sure to be a comforting favorite that brings everyone to the table. Give it a try, and you’ll see why it’s considered the best!