The Best Classic Chili – This traditional chili recipe is just like mom used to make with ground beef, beans, and a simple homemade blend of chili seasonings.
This classic chili is perfect for a weeknight meal because it can be made in minutes. The only thing to chop is an onion.
How do you make good homemade chili?
- Heat olive in a large soup pot.
- Add chopped onion and cook for 5 minutes.
- Add ground beef and break it apart with a wooden spoon.
- Cook for 6-7 minutes.
- Add chili powder, cumin, sugar, tomato paste, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and optional cayenne.
- Stir until well combined.
- Add diced tomatoes, kidney beans, beef broth, and tomato sauce.
- Stir well.
- Simmer for 20-25 minutes.
- Let the chili rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.
What do you top chili with?
In addition to the chili ingredients listed in this recipe for chili, you may also want to have these things as toppings.
- shredded cheddar cheese
- sour cream
- sliced green onions
- saltine crackers or oyster crackers
- diced avocado
What goes well with chili for dinner?
I’ve been playing around with this chili recipe for the past few months, making it many times. My family didn’t mind the repetition at all because I really do believe that I ended up with the best chili ever!
Watch the step by step recipe video for this chili recipe below.
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The Best Classic Chili Recipe
The Best Classic Chili - This traditional chili recipe is just like mom used to make with ground beef, beans, and a simple homemade blend of chili seasonings.
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Video
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion -diced
- 1 pound 90% lean ground beef
- 2 1/2 tablespoons chili powder
- 2 tablespoons ground cumin
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper* -optional
- 1 1/2 cups beef broth
- 1 (15 oz.) can petite diced tomatoes
- 1 (16 oz.) can red kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (8 oz.) can tomato sauce
Instructions
- Add the olive oil to a large soup pot and place it over medium-high heat for two minutes. Add the onion. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add the ground beef to the pot. Break it apart with a wooden spoon. Cook for 6-7 minutes, until the beef is browned, stirring occasionally.
- Add the chili powder, cumin, sugar, tomato paste, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and optional cayenne. Stir until well combined.
- Add the broth, diced tomatoes (with their juice), drained beans, and tomato sauce. Stir well.
- Bring the liquid to a low boil. Then, reduce the heat (low to medium-low) to gently simmer the chili, uncovered, for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Remove the pot from the heat. Let the chili rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.
Notes
I typically skip the cayenne pepper because I have a young kiddo. Then, I put out some hot sauce for those adults that want to add some spiciness to their chili.
Nutrition
Serving: 1/6th of the recipe | Calories: 334kcal | Carbohydrates: 34g | Protein: 25g | Fat: 11g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Cholesterol: 49mg | Sodium: 1249mg | Potassium: 1110mg | Fiber: 9g | Sugar: 10g | Vitamin A: 1445IU | Vitamin C: 12.8mg | Calcium: 99mg | Iron: 7.5mg
Check out all of my great ground beef recipes.
Delish!
Amazing
I’m not sure exactly what made this recipe so much better than others I’ve tried, but wow, it was delicious and was ready in half the time of others!! I used the season end of green pepper from my garden (about 1/2 cup) and fresh garlic but otherwise, I followed your recipe exactly. I bet it will be even better for tomorrow’s dinner! Thanks so much, it’s definitely a keeper.
Incredible Chili recipe! I opted for the larger can of Tomatoes, added 1/2 a green bell pepper and real garlic and a dash of Worcestershire at the end. SO GOOD!!
This was really a good chili well deserving of all the five stars it has received and as usual, I put my own spin on It by adding a few more spices like Smoked Paprika, Basil, and a can of black beans to accompany the red Kidney beans.
Excellent! I modified a little by adding 2 med cloves garlic (instead of powder), 1/2 c celery (with leafy tops) and about 1/4 c each of red, yellow, orange and jalapeño peppers all at a med chop. I also used crushed tomatoes instead of diced and omitted the tomato sauce. I thought the amount of spice and even the sugar would be too much but it wasn’t – it was perfect! Thank you for this great recipe!
Chili was great! I did everything by the recipe except the broth- didn’t have any. So I added an extra two jars of tomato sauce. Because It was a little sour from the tomato sauce I added a bit more sugar to balance everything but the recipe was delicious definitely a keeper!
This is the best Chili ever. My whole family loves it. It is the star of our Halloween party every year.
Great recipe. If you really want to give it that special something, replace the sugar with Cinnamon Sugar or add ground Cinnamon… mmmmmmm… so good.
I made it as is but also put in a sliced jalapeño along with the onions. Perfect over a baked potato, with some corn chips or in a bowl with cheddar cheese and some sour cream! Delicious!
Delicious. I add a a half of diced bell pepper with the onion. Perfect!
What do I need to substitute with if I leave out the diced tomatoes? Can I just use another can of tomato sauce? Thanks!
My friend said it was perfect!
this recipe is a masterpiece. my partner claims that this chili is what made him fall in love with me lol. ❤️ only thing I added was a tablespoon maybe of onion powder and sometimes I’ll cook half a jalapeno with the beef and onion. but totally not necessary, just personal preference. I don’t even eat chili, but I think this is awesome stuff. thanks!
Love this recipe!! This time I used ground turkey and I like it even better!
Truly the best chili recipe I have made to date. My hubby really enjoyed it as well!
I won a chili cook-off with this recipe! Excellent recipe and very easy directions. Thank you for sharing!
VERY Tasty Chili! I made this recipe tonight, and the only thing I would change is I would do 1Tbsp of sugar instead of 2, but otherwise, the flavor is amazing! So glad I found this recipe.
I ran out of chili powder, only had about a tsp, so I subbed ancho and chipotle. It was a success. Me and my son had two bowls first night and again 3 days later, and it was even better!
Amazing flavor.
I will admit that I have never done the recipe as written. There are 4 things that you want with every dish… Salt, heat, fat, and acid… This dish had everything except acid so I added the juice of half a lime…
OMG, the umami in this recipe is amazing. Great complex flavor, decent heat (I didn’t add the Cyanne) for people that don’t like a lot of heat, and fairly easy. I treated this as a one pot recipe so the amount of dishes needed for this recipe is minimum (cutting board, knife, cast iron pot, and a strainer). Oh, I also used a can of medium Rotel for the tomatoes.
Highly recommend recipe for a simple chilli.
Wonderful classic chili recipe. Really is just like mom used to make. Perfect just the way it is or add your own twists. Well done.
It’s been a while since I made chili and needed a reminder. I’m so glad I stmbl d upon your recipe. Great classic flavor. I won’t make any other recipe after this one. Thank you
This is an excellent base recipe but a touch too sweet for my taste. I balanced out the sweetness with ground chipotle and apple cider vinegar and an currently enjoying a bowl. I will definitely make it again but will reduce tte sugar by half and keep the additional chipotle and ACV.
Truly the best!
My family couldn’t get enough of this chili. I added half a green bell pepper and cilantro. I used tomatoes from our garden . I will certainly make this again soon!
My favorite dish!
Yay! Made this for a neighborhood gathering. It was a HIT! Shared the recipe… but did NOT add the cayenne pepper . I had several hot sauces on the table with cheddar cheese, sour cream and sliced green onions, jalapeños and fresh parsley. Thank you for such an easy and delicious recipe !
Whenever I try out a new recipe for the first time I follow it exactly, how am I supposed to know if the recipe is good if I tweak it? Round two of using a new recipe tweaks like adding this or that are not necessary here. This recipe was perfect! Exactly what me and baby were craving. I will note however that I bought regular diced tomatoes instead of petite on accident. I thought it was delicious but will definitely use petite next time to better disguise them from my very picky 7 year old.
I always do my own thing but it has been a year since I made chili. I needed a reminder. This is the first recipe I looked at and after another half dozen, went back to. It tastes almost exactly like my mothers chili. I love it. I didn’t do the exact amounts and cooked dry beans. My advice is to use all of the ingredients in the recipe but add or subtract amounts to suit your taste. This is a very good basic recipe for chili.
I come back to this recipe over and over when I need to cook chili! It’s perfect as is, but sometimes I like to add a little more onion and more beans.
Awesome
do you use white or brown sugar?
Granulated sugar is always white sugar 😉
Best chili I’ve ever had!
This chili is perfect! I doubled the recipe so I could freeze the leftovers! I served it over baked potatoes with cheese, chives, sour cream and bacon pieces. This recipe for chili is so easy to follow, take your time and read the directions first, then make it. It is wonderful.
My husband loved this recipe
I’ve been making chili for years on my own, from recipes, in a crock pot, and on the stove. This one is hands down the best! Made it for family gathering and everyone loved it! Clear directions, thanks!
I won the church chili cook-off with this recipe! Thanks!
This is amazing…exactly what I was looking for.
This is my go to chili every time! Best chili ever.
Terrific recipe and very easy. I added crushed red pepper flakes, increased the diced tomatoes to the 30 oz can. It’s always a winner whenever served to family or to a mob. Everyone loves it.
Awesome recipe! My fussy 11 year old loved it and she’s my toughest critic. I doubled the recipe so I could freeze some for a busy week night that I know will come now that we’re back to school & evening activities.
As a novice cook, I can’t believe that I could ever make anything this delicious. Thank you!!!
The best beef chili ever!
Looks great, will try it!
Have made this chili recipe for the last year and my brother says it is the Best!
I add celery, green peppers, mushrooms and a little airplane size bottle of Jack Daniels to it! Very taste!
First time making chili using your recipe. My husband loved it. It’s perfect. Thank you!!
Yummy.
Very good cooking
Great!
Love this chili! I add a little less chili powder and it’s perfect..
This chil was awesome, easy to make as well. Will be adding it to my recipe book for sure.
Love this recipe. It’s soon good.👍👍
This is my absolute favorite Recipe!
I just added less Sugar!
I made it many times!
Best chili recipe and so easy to make. It’s a family favorite.
I simmer with a couple of bay leaves a a splash of red wine. Love this simple recipe as is, too.
I saved this recipe because this had become my family’s goto chili recipe. We tweak it a little by adding a small can of roasted green chilis, a can of black beans and I use half beef broth and half Guinness. The spice combination you have is perfect!
I will never wing it with chili again. Sticking to this recipe. The whole family loves it.
5 ⭐️
I tried this recipe, having never made chili in my life. My husband thought homemade chili sounded good, so I got online for ‘best chili recipe’, and this recipe came up. This is the best chili we have ever eaten. My husband still raves about how this chili is better than any chili he has ever tasted. Thank you very much for sharing.
Note: I cooked 8 oz. pinto beans and 8 oz. red kidney beans in a slow cooker in place of the canned beans. I replaced garlic powder with two cloves fresh minced garlic, and added 1/2 diced green bell pepper to chili. I combined all ingredients in the slow cooker, and simmered on low heat for 5 hours.
Should I cook and drain the fat from the beef before putting it in the crockpot? Or just throw everything in crockpot using a lean beef?
Alyssa, since the recipe uses 90% ground beef, it will not have much fat after the beef is browned. I suggest not draining.
My kids loved it! I just added 1 can of spicy chili beans, 1 can of kidney beans and 1 can of black beans with some celery, and red and green peppers.
It was perfect!!
Excellent! Loved this recipe so I saved it AND wrote it down 🙂 doubled everything except I completely forgot to add the beans and that was fine too. Definitely will be making this one again-thank you for sharing.
How much is a serving size?
I’m on a special diet and need to record my sodium intake. I plan to alter this recipe to lower the sodium. It will end up being 141mg per serving but I need to know the serving size in order to measure my portion. Thank you for sharing it.
Ideal recipe for classic no bs chili,my family loves it so much
My boyfriend made this for me for dinner and it was his first time making chili. (I do most of the cooking in our household but lately I have had to work different hours than normal.) When I got home tonight I was impressed by the aroma. I couldn’t wait to get into my comfy pants and dig in. It was absolutely delicious. He left out the sugar and the cayenne pepper and it was perfect for me. You can tell it’s chili but it’s not too spicy. I had him share the recipe to my phone so next time I can make some! Thanks!
Delicious. We add a can of cannellini beans and light red kidney beans.
Served guests & we all Loved this chili!!
Just made it for a large event, everyone loved it! Tripled the recipe no problem! The only change I made was adding a can of diced chili peppers per another reviewer’s recommendation. Also added some precooked (by me) steak sliced to add an “expensive” addition to the presentation. Not necessary for a successful result but it did work!
This is my go to chili recipe for the past 10 years!! Excellent. We add Fritos, Sour Cream and Finely Chopped Onion for toppings. Yummy!! When I first printed this recipe there were 454 votes! Now there are over 3000!
This has been my go-to chili recipe for quite a while now. It’s a no-fuss recipe made with great ingredients ( I usually add 2 different cans of beans/ kidney and black.) It cooks in such a short period of time and it’s DELICIOUS! Dinner on the table in under an hour. The leftovers are even better the next day or frozen and reheated at a later date. My whole family loves this!!!
The perfect balance of sweet, salted, and spicy! Loved it so much that I will make a new one after just a week so I can share it with my friends (first time I ate it all by myself). You really nailed this recipe, Amanda, thank you so much!
I love making chili and rarely use a recipe. The last few times, though didn’t turn out well. I tried your recipe for my kids that “hate chili!” and they LOVED IT! Pretty much stayed to the recipe and they said it was the best food ever. High praise! Thank you so much! This will be my go-to for chili.
Getting Chli ready for dinner. In tasting it while cooking it, I give it a thumbs up! Can’t wait to dinner. Maybe I’ll sneak some for lunch 😆 first time making this.
Delicious
Delicious! The only alteration I made was to make it vegan by using Impossible Burger and BTB no-beef base. I used just a pinch of cayenne. Came together beautifully and the final result was rich, complicated, and flavorful. I served it with homemade cornbread. Thank you so much!
I added about 2 tablespoons of honey just to make it sweater for me but in general the chilli was great!
I’ve made this recipe multiple times and everyone in my family loves it and it tastes really really good i’m actually gonna make it today for lunch Thank You!!!!!
I tried this recipe it was very good, I added one green pepper 🫑 though when cooking with the onion,and top the chili with cheddar cheese, I will be making this recipe again it was very good , I also served it with chili cheddar cheese bread , thank you for the recipe I enjoyed it very much and I hope to try more recipes
It’s really good I 2x mine and my family enjoyed it I added pinto beans 🫘 and it was fine.. thanks
This is my husband’s favorite chili. We 5x the recipe every time we make it.
I want to make some with no beans for another family member. How much should I decease the spices if we don’t add the bean???
This is a great recipe delicious and my family loves. It didn’t have to change a thing about it.
Excellent!!! Great taste super easy to make. Thank You!! ❤️
I hate people who comment (“it’s great, BUT…”) I’m not one of those (lol) BUT I did make 2 changes. 1) used ground turkey instead of beef (hubby can’t process beef,) and 2) doubled up on the spices for a bit more kick. Excellent award winner!
This is by far the best chili recipe I’ve ever found. I’ve made this so many times I know it by heart! The only thing I’ve ever added is extra cayenne (I like it *spicy*), and a healthy splash of vinegar (I like it *tangy*). About to make it for the 95683rd time and eat it every day for a week…
Delicious and easy!
This is by far the best chilli recipe that I have ever tasted in my life
This chili was delicious! Seriously, it was amazing!! I cut the sugar in half and added an extra can of kidney beans. Next time, I will double the recipe. Thank you so much for the recipe.
my husband says it is the best chili I have ever made!
Great recipe! I double the beans and add a little more tomato paste than the recipe calls for…
Great recipe, I made it today. I did follow the suggestion in the comments and reduced the sugar to 1/2 a Tbsp and I added diced green pepper. Everyone loved it and said this is our go to recipe for chili moving forward!
Seriously the ONLY chili recipe I use! Everyone loves it. It takes no time but tastes like you spent all day making it. 100% recommend!!
I used organic ground turkey and 1 big zucchini cut in small pieces sear in olive oil then add at the end, was very tasty. I made it because didn’t know what to do with old huge zucchini and was a hit.
I’ve been making vegetarian chili for years and I love it – one particular recipe calls for 4 cans of beans. But we decided to make beef chili this time and this recipe is positively delicious, fast and easy.
Amazing thanks soooooooooo much it was a success!!!!
LOVE this recipe! I’ve made it 3 times now – I double it each time and freeze it in portions. I cook the ground beef & onion, then dump everything together in the slow cooker for the day. PERFECT!
Very delicious! I made this for a church event and got tons of compliments. Follow the directions exactly and wouldn’t change a thing.
Good starting point for chili. I made a few slight changes. The only noteworthy one – I cover mine. I disagree with cooking it uncovered but who am I to say it’s wrong. Just not my way of doing it. Other than that it’s just minor variations to the amounts of the dry ingredients.
This was super good for a quick and easy chili.
The cumin made all the difference-I highly recommend this recipe for a quick and delicious dinner this fall!
We paired it with a cornbread recipe from B. Dylan Hollis, which is one box jiffy mix, 2 eggs and half a jar of cheese whiz(sounds awful but is really yummy) – this all went well together 🙂
Delicious 😋
Thank you for an easy and tasty chilli and i love your directions they were clear and easy to follow
Best homemade chili recipe ever!
Thanks, Scott
My favorite chili recipe! I’ve used this recipe a dozen times now, usually multiplying the ingredients by 3 or 4 because I can eat a lot of it. Good by itself or with toppings like sour cream and cheese. Also one of the best chili dog chili’s ever. 10 out of 10.
I have made this several times! It’s delish!!!
This was so delicious and my family just loved it. Thank you 😊
I’ve been using this recipe for about 2 years, and I’ve made zero adjustments or substitutions, it’s a spectacular recipe. You could add veggies if you want, but as it stands, this makes a perfect chili
Best chili recipe I have eaten. Have made numerous times. Make double batch each time and break down and freeze. The only thing I change in recipe is an extra can of beans.
Can this be done in a crock pot?
I really like the chili and I’m usually not a big fan of chili. I made my own chili powder for a recipe I found on the internet and left out the cayenne pepper. Chili powder is what I don’t like chili and leaving the cayenne out was definitely a step in the right direction. I added a pablano pepper that was sitting around. Oh yeah, I used a can of enchilada sauce in place of the diced tomatoes and I’m sure that accounts for it taking this recipe to the next level. Very good.
I don’t generally like chili all that much but this is really good. I made something for dinner that I didn’t think my son would like so I made this chili and really liked it. I made my own chili powder because that’s what I don’t like about chili. I left the cayanne out. I had a pablano pepper to use up and added that.
I had a pack of ground beef chuck that I wanted to use up and was looking for a simple chili recipe. I stumbled onto this recipe and thought I’d give it a try. The recipe proved to be very simple and didn’t require many ingredients. I added the cayenne pepper but didn’t notice any spiciness to the flavor that was noteworthy. If you’re looking for a simple yet tasteful chili recipe, this one fits the bill.
First time making Chili, and this was a hit! We’re in Australia, so some notes for other Aussies: “Ketchup” is not just tomato sauce – its tangier. “Tomato Sauce” is Passata. American “Chili Powder” is way less spicy than ours. I think I used 1/2 a tsp of Masterfoods Chilli Ground and it was warming and spicy. DO NOT use 2.5 table spoons!! Add chilli powder to your taste 👌🏼
This chili is really good! I copied it and made it last night for supper with a lettuce salad and easy cornbread for just myself. My husband died 16 years ago and my mother died 50 years ago.
Thanks, bunches!
My Mom died before she could teach me all the cooking she did and I’m trying different recipes to find hers. This is as much like hers as I’ve found. Except I added a can of chili beans because I didn’t add cumin. I don’t have little ones and the chili beans had cumin. It was still good, even better.
best chili ever . I have made Texas chili and red chili and many many more. I was about to give up and then i found this one. FIVE STARS
Never reviewed a recipe until now! BEST chili recipe I have tried. Hands down. Saving this one as our go-to chili recipe.
This is such an easy and yummy recipe. I was looking for something easy to make and that I had everything at home for. I didn’t have tomatoe sauce, but I blended a can if stewed tomatoes and used Rotel for the diced tomatoes. I also used the cayanne pepper, and it has a bit of kick. Next time I’d use half the amount. Great flavor!! Thank you for your recipe!
Great recipe. I make it regularly and it has become my go to recipe. Thanks for sharing it!
This chilli is great! I like to add green pepper and corn. HOWEVER! if u have a premium red chili powder DO NOT use more then 1 table spoon or else its way to spicy and u can’t enjoy this. But over all I’m obsessed with this chilli.
My daughter and husband loved it.
Really delicious chili! Love Al the seasonings. Will be my new go-to recipe!
Very easy and yummy!! I add a little more cumin but love the taste and easy to make for beginner cooks!!
This is the only recipe I use. Quick and very easy to make. The only thing I add is a dollop of sour cream when serving. Also,
I reduced the amount of cumin by half but this is just a personal preference. If I want it any hotter I simply add a little cayenne pepper. There’s never enough leftovers lol.
Best chili recipe ever.
This recipe was fantastic, delicious sweet with a little bit of heat
Not too much spice
I did not even add cheese on top or sour cream or anything
Thank you for this wonderful recipe
The only chilli I make now.. so easy and so good!!!
One of our favorite recipes! Super easy and tasty! Thank you!
I love the recipe. Classic chili is the best on a cold fall day. I love filling waterballoonz with chili and shooting them with a balloon launcher into crowds of people at events like weddings or school graduations. I’m scared of the toaster.
I’ve made different variations of this chili for my family for a few years. I’ve used it with ground pork sausage instead of beef I’ve also used ground bison. I have played around with the broths as well as the beans and every time it comes out spectacular. The seasoning is my favorite. It’s the most requested meal summer, winter, or fall from the whole family.. toddlers included! Its a great loving recipe meant to be shared with a neighbor too. Thank you for posting the recipe I’ve memorized it by heart now that people think its mine and said i should enter a chili contest.
Best Chili I have ever tasted. Several compliments from husband and told me me to make it once a week. Top with shredded sharp cheddar and green onions. I make it with a side of those Red Lobster cheddar bay biscuit mix. Thank you!! SOOOOOOOOO much better then the chili seasoning packet!
Just made it. It’s absolutely wonderful!
This came out delicious and so easy
Love this recipe…almost identical to grandma’s! My kind of fall/winter comfort food, but we enjoy it year round.
This chili is da bomb! I have used so many recipes over the years, but this is a crowd favorite. I make small modifications here and there with spices, types of beans, cocoa powder, etc .., but basically stick to it as is! Thank you!
This is such a great recipe! I’ve made this for several family and friends, and everyone really likes this. I personally do not like cumin and my daughter does not like spicey, so I don’t add the chili powder. However, it is amazing even without these ingredients. I love all the rich flavors and hardiness of this chili. I highly recommend this recipe.
Add 2 more cups of broth(I substituted for chicken broth) and it fed 3 adults. Delish. Flavorful. Just Yum(:
5 star
Only thing I used differently was 2tbsp.molasses
I made this and it was Great, easy to make. I added one medium diced green bell pepper to the simmering onion. Also, one tablespoon of white vinegar was the last ingredient, which enhanced the flavor for me. The taste was exceptional the next day. Will make this again, for sure. Thanks!
Real nice straightforward recipe for a classic dish. I thought the spices and heat level were spot-on, (warm lips afterburn, but not inedible.) but I’d cut the cayenne by half for my girlfriend and daughter who dislike such heat.
Didn’t have the 8 oz tomato sauce so I left it out and didn’t miss it at all. (I like a less soupy chili anyway and if anything, I was glad it didn’t have more liquid.) The ten minute rest at the end is important—some liquid is absorbed.
It will be interesting next time to try it with some diced green pepper, fresh garlic (jalapeno?) and assorted garnishes and side dishes. (Steven Raichlen cornbread!)
Would be an EXCELLENT filling I think for tacos, burritos, or enchiladas . . .
NICE job Amanda! 🙂
Why the sugar? Is it essential to your recipe. Have not made it yet, but would like to try it.
This chili recipe was easy to follow and I substituted the cooked beans for homemade beans–Best of all the chili was YUMMY and it was the first time I attempted making chili. I chose it because it was rated a 5 star!
Like your recipe. I left out the sugar and added 2 diced carrots to add sweetness!
This is now my only recipe, however I did make one adjustment. Rather than using tomato sauce I substitute it with chilli sauce. Quick an delicious
Great recipe! Easy, quick and full of flavor. This goes in my recipe box! Thank you for sharing!
Absolutely the best chili recipe!! My entire family loves it!! Thank you for sharing❤️
good all around easy to make and great for frito pie
Great recipe! I tried with ground venison. I added extra garlic and a can of corn. It’s definitely a family favorite.
Made this last night and it gone when I woke up. Read the notes at the end of the recipe, and the kids were happy there was no cayenne pepper in it. Halved the cumin. Good stuff!
I use this recepe for the spices as they are perfect for me. I hate kidney beans and I don’t feel like there is enough beans here. I used a can of pinto beans a can of black beans and a can of maple baked beans. I also added mushrooms, corn and celery which I added with the onions at the start because they just make chili better. Instead of garlic powder I put 3 cloves of minced up garlic and at the end I let it simmer for 2 to 2 and a half hours until it’s nice and thick. I also just add cayanne (1 Tbs per bowl because I love it) to my portions afterwards as my wife does not like spice. I have made this chili this way 4-5 times now and it is always awesome
I’ve made this simple but delicious chili recipe 3 times now. I always get compliments on it, ez and inexpensive to make. I normally double the recipe because I know it will all get eaten up.
Family loves the sweet and spicy flavors.
Has become a go to favorite!
I made this chili 3 days ago and it’s just as good for lunch today as it was then! Great flavor – thank you for sharing! Try this – you won’t be disappointed!
Definitely a superb recipe. I’ve made it a dozen times now and it’s always delightful.
I reduce the cumin by half ever since my first batch. It’s just a personal taste that the cumin makes the flavor a bit Tex-mex for me. I grew up with my mama’s Spanish recipes.
ALSO, I will make two pots at the same time with a single batch in each. I omit the beef in one pot, and it is a fantastic vegan chili!!
THANK YOU FOR SHARING THIS RECIPE.
It’s absolutely amazing. It’s going to be my go to chilli recipe
Thank you for this recipe. We slightly reduced the chili powder and cumin but added the cayenne pepper option and substituted one minced clove of garlic instead of garlic powder. It balanced flavors and spicing perfectly. Wonderful with cornbread and cold beer. This will become a regular rotation.
This was my first time making chili, and I was pleased how easy it was. I ended up adding more of some things to use up the entire amounts that some ingredients came in. I substituted raw honey for sugar, and tamari and coconut aminos for some of the salt. It still came out delicious. I almost quadrupled the single recipe and ended up with 16+ pints to freeze.
Best chili I’ve had in a l time!!! It’s great. Great amount of spices too.
Best chili recipe ever! The only one I ever use!!
Best of all very simple, straight to the recipe without excessive talking about this or that. I love all the pictures!
What is the effect of omitting the sugar?
This is by far the best chili I have ever made. I have made a lot of different chili recipes in my life. I leave out the sugar. My family calls me all the time wanting me to make this chili. It is most definitely a 5 star dish. Thank you so much for such a delicious dish.
Perfect 30 minute chili, tastes like it cooked low and slow, no need to change a thing! Thank you
Great taste and quick to make. LOVE this!!!
I was so delightfully impressed with this recipe! I followed the recipe as is and it was simple and delicious and seasoned just right! Living abroad, I really come to miss some of my favorite American dishes and places that try to replicate the taste just don’t come close. Recipes like this make me have a little part of home with me and makes it easy to do myself with a great result. *Bonus points* my husband devoured this right up. That’s an A+ in my book.
Great recipe! This will be my go to for chili. Simple to follow.
I used less cumin and a little more chili powder, I find cumin to be a strong flavor so I use less.
I use this as my base for every chili I make. I just add jalapeño, more cayenne and substitute some of the beans for more diced tomatoes so that it has less carbs. Have made this at least a dozen times now. If you want a delicious chili and don’t know where to start then look no further. Thanks Amanda!
I was looking for a chili recipe as I usually just grab a packet at the grocery and follow the directions.
I know…. I know…
This recipe saved the day, it was very good!
NOTE: The sugar makes it a bit sweet, will ½ next time.
Thank You!
This chilli recipe was fast, easy, and had a great flavor!! The whole family loved it!
I have won 3 chili cook offs with your recipe! It is so easy and so good.
Lisa
Love this recipe
Great tasting chili. Made it twice but reduced amount of sugar second time. Thanks for allowing me to test your recipe! I husband absolutely loves chili and this recipe was a hit with him.
Are the beans canned or bagged beans
I’m not the author, but generally chili recipes call for canned beans. If you had beans leftover you wanted to use, it’d be about 2 cups. Just be sure to give em a rinse.
The ingredient list calls for canned red kidney beans, drained and rinsed.
Do you drain the grease from the meat?
Excellent chili! I added 1/2 green bell pepper because I had it on hand. Easy recipe . Perfect for a cool winter day in California 😎
This is my 4th time making this recipe. I reduced the sugar to to 1 table spoon as I found it a little sweet. I have also substituted chicken for the beef, jarred tomato sauce and added sweet potatoes.
Great dish!
Very pleased with this recipe! I made it on a Sunday as meal-prep for the busy week, along with some Jiffy cornbread muffins. I like some spice so I added in dried chili peppers and extra cayenne. May add a little more beans next time, but I agree with the comment below that this produces a surprisingly large amount of chilli! Will definitely make it again 🙂
We love this recipe! I’ve made it many times. My grown son moved in with me and he really enjoys it! In fact i wasnt making it because we are headed into summer season and he ask me to please make it cause he just l8ves it no matter what the time of the year it is. Also, I may vary it a little depending on ingredients on hand or the mood I am in. One of the other reviewers said they vary it a little but keep to the main recipe. So do I!
Tried this recipe today and Hubby loved it, no more packages for me. Added bell peppers, my only addition. This is a keeper for sure.
I made the chilli today exactly what the recipe called for ….
and it’s perfect ,super yummy!
Thank you !
This was just the most perfect chili. Really flavorful and the consistency was excellent. I did add a couple more tablespoons of tomato paste, as I like my chili thick not runny.
Just made chili for the first time ever using this recipe and it came out amazing. Thank you!!
This has become my new go-to Chili recipe! I add black beans, that’s the only change I make 👍😋
The best chili recipe ever!! It’s been awhile since I’ve made it, so I’m making it tonight. But I don’t have any tomato paste. Will the chili be okay without it?
Excellent recipe, went a little lighter on seasonings but could of added all. Thank you #wholesomedish
Followed the recipe almost to a T. Only changed this (first time making) by adding one 15 oz can of garbanzo beans. And draining meat before adding spices, etc. Delicious. Will make again. Next time might slightly reduce cumin and slightly increase chili powder. But still, delicious.
I love this recipe it’s my go to chilli 😋
This is my go to recipe for Chili
I made it exactly like this + a dab of liquid smoke & ½ mini can of green chili peppers diced, with & poultry seasoning & OMG IT’S DELICIOUS! Ty
Great recipe. I would suggest draining the tomatoes and I would also suggest using beef stock.
My whole family loved it,it’s delicious 😋
Excellent
Amazing chili! Next time I think I’ll add two cans of beans. Ate bowls of chili the first day and then made nachos with chili on top tonight. The family loved it both ways!
I followed this recipe and added a can of corn and it was DELICIOUS!
My husband and young children all asked for seconds. It’s hearty, meaty and very filing. This recipe is definitely going into my book.
I’ve made this chilli lots of times and each time it does not fail. It hits the spot. Its like my grandmothers chilli. It’s really tasty and you feel fulfilled and satisfied with wholesome food. Thanks for sharing this recipe..
First time making chili, and surprised how easy it was. I’m cut cumin to half and it taste fine. I would probably cut down on the sugar in 1/2 next time and add smoke paparika for smokeyness. Otherwise very happy on how it turned out.
Love this recipe, but was always puzzled about the ‘leaving out the cayenne pepper’ bit for your kid. I mean, it’s nothing compared to the 2.5 tbsp of chili powder that go into the recipe…
I used 2.5 tbsp of dried and powdered mixed Indian chillies and jeez, even for a hothead like myself that was verging on a bit too much…
Only recently found out Chili powder is a spiceblend lol. Made a much milder batch today that has so much more depth to the flavour instead.
My husband and I thought the balance of this seasoning is perfect HOWEVER it makes a ton. I didn’t even have enough of all of the ingredients but when I was done I saw how much it made and thought it was way more than any packet used for 1 lb of meat. So I made the spice ingredients (didn’t use sugar as I don’t like it in my chili and used a limited amount of the tomato paste/sauce)but then started with 3 tablespoons of the seasoning and then suited to taste from there. I’m keeping the recipe because it is a solid base and better than the store bought. Thanks!! Now if I could find taco seasoning that was perfect….still on the hunt for that, lol
This chili was absolutely delicious! We love veggies, so I added half of each green, yellow, orange, and red bell peppers. I also added white kidney beans and a little extra beef broth to compensate for the extra substance. Even then, I didn’t change the spices at all and it was perfect. Exactly what I’ve been craving. Thanks so much for the yummy recipe. It’s definitely a keeper!
So tasty and simple. Great for cornbread casserole! You could use this recipe for anything chilli, thanks for sharing :>D
This is awesome. I had never made chilli before. I did add more beans and some Rotelle. I’m making it again today. My man loves it.
Love this recipe, it’s a family favorite! Perfect every time! Top with shredded cheddar and a dollop of sour cream!
I have tried many different chili recipes over the last 20 years, including several of my own. This recipe, as presented, is my hands down favorite.
This is My go to chili recipe with a couple of changes. I add 1 chopped green pepper, 1/2 teaspoon of all spice, more cayenne pepper and I’ll simmer it on low for an hour stirring occasionally. My boyfriend can’t get enough of it. Every time it finishes he wants me to make more.
Came out beautifully
Perfect blend of spices. I tend to cook it a bit longer to thicken the chili, but this has become a go-to recipe not just for at home, but to bring to parties or to help out busy friends and family who need help with extra meals because it stores well. Thank you!!
Great recipe thank you! I made with 50/50 mince beef and BBQ pulled pork for a cowboy chilli and it was amazing 😋
I had a packet of McCormick Chili seasoning and a pound of beef. Then company showed up! Ut-OH, took out another lb of beef ad followed this recipe. Best best chili EVER. Will use this from now on instead of packet.
Good tasting chili but added 1 diced green pepper and would use less cumin next time. That’s what I love about this recipe. It’s a good base for chili and you can add or subtract as you like. We were sure glad we had leftovers (2 people) as it will always better the next day. Kudos for a great recipe.
I love this recipe, the whole family loves it. Simple yet delicious.
This is my favorite recipe for a chili. My 3 year old requests it frequently, so we tend to skip the cayenne 🤣. We love beans so I add cannellini, garbanzo, and black beans. I also add bell pepper and corn. Such a great recipe with the seasoning-I really appreciate you sharing! It is a staple in our house.
First time making chili and this was so easy to make and so good, like im getting myself another bowl of it as im writting this, TOO GOOD
This is the BEST and EASIEST chili recipe I have ever tried! It was so easy to make, it doesn’t require any crazy ingredients, just simple, amazingly good chili!
In my pot, I substituted the cayenne pepper for about 5 or 6 drops of Tobacco habanero sauce. It came out delicious!
Delicious!!!!!! Found it just in the nick of time! Winter is at the doorstep here in the Southern hemisphere !!!!!
Unfortunately my chili tasted like there was much too much cumin…
Ummm so made this 4 times. It’s really good
It’s my go to chili recipe. It’s my 8 year old boy’s favorite meal. Just as good with ground turkey instead of ground beef.
I don’t measure when I make mine so I used your recipe to walk my daughter through it for her first time and she loves it! She added just a lil more pepper and cayenne! She’s a hot little pepper! First chili success! Thanks!
I prepared the chili today, had everything in my pantry except the kidney beans & tomato paste. I just added more diced tomatoes and used Bush pinto beans (canned) and the cayenne pepper. I’ve never added sugar to my chili. It was so so delicious. My husband asked me to save the recipe. Thanks
I made a no bean chili because I don’t like kidney beans. My husband said it came out Really , good just wish there was beans in it ,so tomorrow I’m going to buy a can of red kidney and put it in the chili just for him!
I enjoyed making this easy dish. It was very simple and easy to follow. Next time I will less Cumin than recommended since I do not lot like the taste of it. Overall this was my first time making chili and it was delicious especially the next day.
Loved it easy simple recipe everyone loved it!
Very nice, simple, and to the point, the way chili was meant to be. Of course, I tossed in a little of this* and that** along the way but didn’t wander too far from the proffered path. Many thanks, Amanda.
* smoky paprika, chipotle chili powder, a small can of hot green chilis
** 12 oz of lager beer instead of broth
Daniel
How does this recipe hold up in the crock pot? I need to make chili a few hours before it will be eaten. I thought I could cook on the stove then transfer it to a crock pot on “keep warm” for a few hours. I haven’t seen any comments where someone has put this recipe in the crock pot.
I cook this in the crock pot and it’s perfect for about 7 hours on low. Makes it real thick and the meat is tender
I prep the chili on the stovetop and transfer to my crock pot. Cook it for 5-6+ hours on low. Comes out great!
I like a little Spicy so added a pepper jalapeño pepper and green peppers. I used all the rest of your recipe it was great.
Delicious and easy
The best homemade Chili I ever made!! Ty for your recipe …it was fantastic!! 😘
Pretty good recipe, just wished they would tell me how long to soak the red kidney beans…
Very delicious. We didn’t have beef broth so I used veggie broth, but it still turned out yummy! I also added a can of chickpeas. I’ll be a bit more careful on the cayenne, but I added a bit of apple cider vinegar to balance the heat. Will make again!
Added a little more spice other than that really good recipe
Thank you! It turned out very easy to make and super tasty! My kids kept asking for seconds.
great chili, excellent flavor, Family said it was one of my best!
Absolutely love this recipe! It is now my go to when craving chili.
Great. Thank you sooo much.
I usually make a slow cooker chili, but had to be home all day, so tried this recipe in my le cruesett.
Added ortega chilis and a tablespoon of cider vinegar at the end. Topped with sharp cheddar. So good! And so quick ! I might sneak in some veggies like another reviewer suggested, to up the nutritional value. Will be making again!
My family said this was the best chili they ever had. I had always used those chili packets before. This is the only recipe I’ll ever use from now on.
I made this dish tonight, for the for time. My husband is a very picky eater, and he loved this dish. I added a couple of ingredients, and man it is DELICIOUS!!! Husband went back for a second bowl!!
I used ground turkey and chicken broth instead of beef . It turned out delicious
I made this tonight and it was booming with flavor! The entire family loved it. It will def be a family keeper. Great job!
I added a lil diced jalepenos a dollop of mustard a lil cream cheese like a couple tablespoons then my cocoa and Chipotle blend I use a lil bit of molasses as well it was the perfect spicy sweet chili substituted deer meat
I love how you made your own chili and it taste really good and I love chili
This was perfect!! I love that you can really taste the spices and adjust to your liking (heat/salt/etc). I made a few adjustments to stretch this dish for those on a budget… first, I prefer fresh garlic so I substituted the garlic powder for 3 fresh minced garlic cloves. I added additional veggies by chopping a red and a green pepper which I sautéed with the onion & garlic. Also used two cans of beans but one, I mashed to give the soup extra protein and a heartier consistency (also because my husband is not a huge fan of beans and I can sneak more in!). Lastly, I used a full 32oz carton of beef broth. Yields just a bit more chili for our lunches this week!! Delish!!
Perfectly traditional & tasty!
Made this recipe last night. My husband is a fan of chili and I had everything in the pantry for it. We really liked it and it was great the next day for lunch. I used canned pinto beans instead of kidney beans since it was what I had on hand, and added some minced garlic to the cooking onion. I also used the cayenne which made it pretty spicy, but we like spicy so it wasn’t a problem. We will definitely make this recipe again.
Yes this recipe was really good. Used good ground beef and left it in bigger chunks. We all really liked it. We were out of beans, so no beans in what I tasted.
This chili is so basic and yet so satisfying. I have made so many different recipes and this is such a classic recipe. I will not use another chili recipe again. I did share this recipe and made it for a large funeral luncheon. The comments from the attendees was that it was so comforting and just a classic thing to serve. They were so grateful.
Thank you for sharing this recipe.
This chili was delicious, but far too spicy for toddlers. I have 2 toddlers. My 23-month-old ate it but acted like it was bothering her. My 4-year-old wouldn’t touch it (but that was mostly because it didn’t “look good” to him). I didn’t use any cayenne, and even reduced the black pepper to just 3 pinches. I added 1 red bell pepper to the mix, and a can of corn.
Not sure why it was spicy – maybe chili powder is spicy in higher amounts? I’m stumped. But I sure liked it. Made me a little hot in the face. Mind you, we don’t do ANYthing hot most of the time because of our kids (and it can sometimes cause me digestive issues). So if you’re on here complaining it wasn’t spicy enough, you probably eat spicier food more regularly. Not sure if you realize this, but you can actually desensitize your taste buds to hot foods, to an extent.
Anyway, I thought it was amazing and would make it again but for my picky little jerks… er… I mean angels. Good recipe! Thanks.
This one of the best chili’s I’ve ever eaten. I did omit the added salt and thought it was perfect. For those more salt-sensitive, you could also use low sodium or sodium free beef broth in place of regular beef broth. The spice blend is perfect for my taste, but I admit that I do like my food spicy. This is the only chili recipe that I make again and again and actually look forward to the leftovers.
This dish was delicious and people kept coming back for more. Instead of 1 pound of meat and 1 can of beans I used 2 pounds of meat and 2 cans of beans. I kept everything else the same and it came out great.
Excellent! I used Rotel instead of plain diced tomatoes, diced up some yellow pepper, used sea salt, and used dark kidney, cannelloni, and light red kidney beans. Both adults and kids loved it. Thanks for the delicious recipe.
This is by far the best chili recipe I have tried. I am in my 60’s so you can imagine how many recipes I have tried. I don’t need to look anymore. I found the best recipe with THE WHOLESOME DISH. I just don’t add the sugar and instead of just diced tomatoes I use Rotel. Thank you wholesome dish for the best chili!
Hello! Have a quick question… 🙂
I’m making this for a film set of 24 people tomorrow. I’m wanting to make it ahead of time in the crockpot. Could I just make it in the crockpot and then place it in the fridge until needed? Then heat it up by putting it in the crockpot again tomorrow morning?
Looks delicious!!
in my opinion, it’s far too spice heavy. The texture and everything else is good, just don’t prefer this spice blend
So fast and easy to make and full of flavour
Loved it
I’ve made it several times now but I use turkey instead. The spices are great, they’re what I normally use. I add 4 tablespoons of butter for a little more fat (turkey) and I add more beans ( I just like them) but this is a great recipe. You can use the left overs for omelets, skillet meals, or backed potatoes. Thanks for sharing.
This has been my go to recipe since I found it. Quick and easy and GOOD. Not to hot but that’s an easy fix when serving. Most people don’t like it as hot as I do. Just right for the wimps.
First time I’ve ever made chili. I was asked to be one of five to make chili for our church mens fellowship meeting. I made the large batch 18 servings size. Since having never made chili before I made sure to follow the recipe as written and I must say it is a very delicious chili. It didn’t last 30 minutes before it was all gone. Everyone stated this was the best chili there. I’m now asked to make chili for our upcoming church senior lunch gathering. Thanks so much great chili simple to make. A Win Win!
Have been using this recipe for many months now both my roommate and I have enjoyed it immensely! The only things I’ve altered/added is fresh garlic and hot tomato sauce. Also, have used black beans instead of kidney a few times. Both are tasty. Thank you!
This is a great recipe. I did however change it a little bit. I put in Raos marinara sauce with some tomato paste instead of the tomato sauce and tomatoes. There’s something so natural about this marinara sauce and it is fantastic in every dish I make. I also put in a little bit of the chili pepper flakes instead of cayenne pepper. Of course I really upped the chili powder as well.
Too salty, absolutely no heat.
Read the reviews and figured with such a high rating, it would come out ok. Nope! It did not. I see people complaining about it being spicy but I think they’re confusing salty with heat. Should of used a 1/2tsp of salt not 1.5 tsp!!!?!?! Absolutely no heat whatsoever as well. Very bland.
I will not do this recipe again. Posting this knowing very well my review will be deleted.
Having no heat is not a flaw, so you shouldn’t make it sound like one. Some people, including myself don’t like or in my case can’t have hot spices in their food….. OR have children who won’t eat it if it bites them back.
I for one am so happy to see people post recipes intended for everyone.
If you want spice and heat…..add it…..or find another recipe that is spicy and hot.
Delicious! I added a can of pinto beans, chipotle chili powder and some diced nacho style (pickled) jalapeños. I thought the salt was going to be too much but it worked out perfectly.
The nice thing is, you can adjust the spice/salt/heat to suit every differing palate!!!
Peter, calm down. It’s not that serious, it’s a recipe. I’m writing this response because I read your review. You know, the one that hasn’t been deleted…
This is delicious. Easy. My new go to chili recipe! We love the depth of flavor. I did use Better than Bouillon chili base paste in,and omitted the salt, but otherwise used recipe as is.
My very favourite chili recipe. Thanks!!
Made for a Pot luck. Everyone enjoyed it, Little a left over. I rated it Great. Even some people wanted the reccipe. I used my own Canned beans & Tomato. Nice to have the basic on hand. I soaked the beans 12 hrs. rinsed canned set aside for times like this. Cost was light when you have canned your own stuff
This has been my go-to recipe for the last two years and, my family loves it. In fact I have a double batch simmering on my stove right now! We will have a bowl tonight and I’ll freeze the rest.
I used this recipe. Family loved it. I did add a bit of honey, not to taste but to off set the tomato.
Excellent recipe! It is now my go to on cold evenings.
I have made this recipe over 20x. From the first time I made it I knew this would be my go to chili recipe. Simply the best. Easy and delicious!!
Every time I make this my family says it’s the best chili they ever tasted. They keep telling me I need to enter a chili . Fantastic recipe.
I make this recipe just as it’s written and I love it. My family loves it. Wouldn’t change a thing. Thank you for sharing.
Wonderful and quick chili – in our all-time, record breaking snow year in Utah. Wanted a stay at home day with warm food. Easy stuff to find in pantry! My kiddo loved it, too (she can do spice, although, I didn’t find it too overwhelming in heat, anyhow). I halved the sugar upon reading reviews. Thank you for this gluten free chili recipe. I will make it again. 🙂
This really is the best chili ever. I didn’t add the broth, just everything else and it was perfect. Tastes like Wendy’s Chilli yum! Thanks for the recipe.
I’ve made this recipe many, many times in small batches and huge batches… always a winner! I’ve got a triple batch going right now. I recommend this recipe for it’s high flavor level with no one ingredient dominating the others. It’s got enough flavor to please adult palates but not too spicy for kids. Another plus? The short cooking time. I used to simmer chili in crock pots for many hours… even with triple batch, I will not simmer the chili (stove top, uncovered) for more than an hour. I’ve learned that all those hours of simmering sort of “kill” lively flavors.
I tried this recipe and I’m very pleased. Tweaked it a bit but I’m definitely keeping this recipe. I would show you pictures but everyone ate it quickly
I’m not really a chilli fan but this chilli man knock your momma socks off good we had it plain then I made french fries 😂😂😂 omg chilly cheese fries AMAZING !! 😍😍😍😍😍 Then baked potatoes yes y’all we ate it three days in a row I I made × 3 of the recipe I have a family of 4 omg 😱 good 👍
This is the best chili recipe I’ve ever made! It was a big hit with my family! I also added one clove of garlic, minced, in with the onion. And instead of mixing the tomato paste in with the spices, I added that at the end with the tomato sauce and other canned ingredients; that way I was able to prepare the spice mix ahead of time in a small bowl.
This is the first homemade chili I’ve ever made and it was DELICIOUS! The recipe was simple to follow and the ingredients were things that I naturally have in my cupboards. Thank you so much!
I made this recipe and my son said it was the best chili I’ve ever made!! I have to agree. The spices were spot on and I did add the cayenne, and it was just spicy enough! I will certainly keep this in my recipe file!! Enjoy
Great, very “classic” chili recipe, much like my mother’s southern rendition. The only difference between recipes is the addition of one can of corn and the beef broth which Mom never used and I didn’t have any on hand so I used vegetable broth instead. All in all it turned out really good much as I had expected. Oh, and another southern addition would be a warm and crispy hunk of cornbread on the side for dipping….😋
This is a nice chili recipe. We really enjoyed it.
I made this “The Best Classic Chili Recipe” on 3/30/2023 and it’s the best.
I read all the great reviews for this chili and was looking for a new recipe. This is one of the best chili recipes that I have tried and will be saving this for future lunches and dinners! Because I browned a larger amount of the ground beef, I added extra tomato sauce and an entire can of tomato paste. This turned out amazing!
Very easy to make and very tasty to eat! I do recommend.
Excellent. Perfect blend
for a perfect chili.
I just made this during a monster snow storm….over a foot dropped on us in 24 hours. So, I went to make chili and dang, no chili mix packets. So I had to search for a recipe with the actual spices listed to make it. I know. Ridiculous that I’ve never done that. But wow! This recipe. BEST chili I’ve ever had. I don’t love any kick, at all. So, I left out the cayenne and was just so happy. What a flavor punch. My husband felt the same way. As he was eating it, he said, “OK. We have to have this again. Like right now.” Then, while eating another whopping bowl of it, “Tell me everything that went into this. I love it!”
I didn’t use as much chili powder or cumin, added a can of black beans too, and it’s the perfect amount of filler in my opinion, I have 6 small kids so they don’t like spicy but the flavor is amazing
I can rate only as a base recipe because I changed a few key ingredients to make it vegetarian. I used a Not Beef Boullion Cube with 2 cups of water and Beyond Beef. I also added diced green pepper and reduced the sugar (based on the reviews), otherwise I followed all other ingredients. It’s still simmering, but I tasted it and I’m very happy with the result. It will go great over our baked potatoes tonight. Thank you!
I made this chili recipe for a chili contest I didn’t place top 3 out of 14. I thought it tasted delicious and so did my family.
You probably didn’t get any prizes because it didn’t burn their mouths. I learned at a young age that when cooling chili for contests, they want heat! They don’t understand that not everyone wants their food to bite them back. LOL
Very, very good chili!!!
Amazing chili!!
Made this tonight. Smells good, however, too much chili powder. How can I make this work with the leftovers. Can I put something in it to cut the chili powder? I would make it again but cut back on the dry spices.
Put cooked noodles in it, add cheese and sour cream for topping and a slice of cornbread.
I used the Rotel diced tomatoes with habanero peppers instead of plain diced tomatoes for fun😋 it was delicious. I also only used one tablespoon of sugar as any chili recipe I’ve ever used has been too sweet and one was definitely perfect. Waited to salt until nearing the end so I could taste, not sure how much I ended up using. Overall great recipe!
I would try another can of diced tomatoes, then simmer the chili on low heat for about ten minutes.
I always use this recipe when making chili. Very easy to make and the whole family loves it! Thank you!
The chili was delicious and my grandson loved it. This chili recipe is a keeper.
I think acid and fat should cut some heat! Try squeezing some limes in there or add some butter maybe? Sorry if it doesn’t work but that would be my first thing I would try 🙂
Use lemon juice to cut the spice flavor.
I’ve made this delicious chili several times, the only change I made was instead of garlic powder I use fresh garlic, I always have plenty around so I minced 2 but I’m sure the powder is just fine. I also omitted the sugar ( made once with the sugar and family didn’t care for it, too sweet) other than that perfect, simple, and the ingredients I always have handy in my pantry!
All I buy is the meat and some tortillas.
My husband never liked my chilli, until I tried this recipe. Now he loves my chilli!
I made the same changes… fresh garlic and no sugar. smells great, now just to wait for dinner.
It would have been a great recipe if you don’t add the sugar in until later after you taste it. The amount of sugar it calls for just makes it too sweet. Wait until you see what the heat level is and then add your sugar in. A whole pot got ruined and there wasn’t any saving it. Other than that, it was very simple and easy to make.
Way too sweet. Taste first before adding sugar
OMG! My first time EVER making chili and it’s the Bomb! Love, love , LOVE! this simple yet very flavorful recipe. I’ve looked for a recipe, on and off, all winter that didn’t require a entire day to cook. I like chili but not that much. I always eat others chili.
I made recipe as is with one exception. I used water instead of the broth because watching my sodium intake but I was generous with the spices! I love heat and flavor! Also didn’t use sugar this go around. Craving spicy chili even though there are times I like my chili a little sweet and spicy.
Thank you so much for sharing this recipe. I’m done looking. I found my chili recipe!
Thank you Amanda!
This chili is the best I’ve ever had!! I swapped ground beef for Impossible Ground “Beef” and it I swear it came out just as good. I highly recommend this recipe for anyone looking for the perfect balance of sweet and savory chili
Thank you for sharing. Best chili recipe ever
Sooooo good !!!
First time trying this recipe, my whole family loved it!
Easy and just the right amount of heat. I used the cayenne pepper. It’s a keeper.
I won a chili cookoff at work with this recipe by substituting Lee Kum Kee chili garlic sauce for cayenne pepper. Topped it with grated cheese, bacon bits and chopped scallion greens (for St Patricks Day). They loved it! Thank you for a great recipe!
Fabulous homemade chili. Very rare for me to comment, but here we are.. I struggled to find the perfect chili recipe for 30 years. Why is it so hard to find old fashioned recipes? Sooo, we ate the whole pot in one meal. And family told me that I didn’t make enough. So I will double in the future. My little tweaks are to add a little wine to taste after cooking tomato paste and spices. Then about a TBS of vinegar at the end of cooking. Balances flavors. Make sure that you like the taste of your brand chili powder and tomatoes first. Makes a huge difference. Add chili powder a little at a time, tasting as I go. I like juicy chili. Not dry or soupy. So I don’t use broth, cuts salt. I use water as needed. Leave out the sugar. Preferences is your best friend.
This is really good and is just like what Mom and then I used to make! Not sure why I started going fancy on the chili!!
I do however typically use real maple syrup in place of the sugar or half and half. Just cuts that acid a little bit.
Wonderful recipe…….tasted great😋…..I did lower the amount of sugar…..and I did use the cayenne. Thanks for the recipe❤️
It’s so good! Full of flavor (I didn’t add the cayenne) and excellent consistency. This was my first time making chili but I’m so glad I picked this recipe! I absolutely love it and will definitely be making it again! Thanks for sharing!
Excellent! I have to agree with a few others that it was a bit too sweet for my and my husband’s taste. Will probably leave out next time, but there WILL be a next time! He thought there was too much cumin, but I liked the flavor a lot. Used the cayenne and heat was just right. Thank you very much for sharing with us.
The chili was absolutely delicious. I’m glad I didn’t have any cayenne pepper. I used brown sugar.
Thanks for the great recipe.
Very good, but WAY too sweet. Too much sugar. Will make again, but adjust or omit the sugar.
My first time, came out great
I love it.
Yummy!😋😃
This is an awesome recipe, go easy on the cayenne pepper …
I’m renting a holiday home and supplies and utensils are limited. Having friends from home. Stay so I wanted something easy and not a lot of ingredients
This is PERFECT! I only used 1 1/2 Chile powder but I shall borrow the suggestion in the comments and put the hot sauce out just in case they would like it spicer
Very nice dish. Thankyou
So so good. I did have to make a couple of adjustments, I used actual garlic instead of garlic powder (3 cloves, I love garlic) and I did a bell pepper instead of beans. I also added 2 jalapeños!
I added the cayenne and after adding the recipe amount of spices I added more by heart feel haha
thumbs up!
This chili was quick, easy and delicious
Tried this recipe for 1st time making chili from scratch; not using a box or envelope. It was delicious. I should have doubled the recipe because it was all gone with my husband, son & I being the only persons eating. So simple to make.
I haven’t stopped making this recipe. Love it. I add mushrooms and corn kernels and reduce broth to 1 cup. Love it.
Love this recipe. Being from the southwest, I use two cans of Rotel and also add jalapeños. It’s a fast and easy recipe and delicious!
Excellent!!! Very easy to make a nd tastes wonderful!
This is such a great recipe! I did add a red bell pepper other than followed it exactly. Everyone loved it. Will double it next time for leftovers.
So good! I didn’t have tomato sauce but I had some spicy salsa so I halved the amount of chili powder and cumin and left out the cayenne pepper. Still had plenty of kick to it!
I love this recipe. It is the best chili recipe I have found
Love this recipe. And so easy
Definitely one of the best recipes I’ve tried but I would definitely put less of the chili powder
Good chili receipe
I just added 2 green peppers and some Tabasco sauce. I had over 2 lbs of beef so I made some adjustments on the liquids. Was very good. Served with garlic bread. Thank you!
I just won 2nd place out of 16 at a church chili cook off with this recipe! I added smoked paprika and chili lime seasoning.
Quick recipe, but most of all..delicious! Didn’t change a thing, and enjoyed by all.
My husband does most of the cooking in our house. After I made this chili he said I had to cook whenever we have chili. The chili was fantastic! My daughter and her boyfriend also loved it. Delicious!
I made this chili tonight. I used 1.5 lbs of ground beef (because that’s what I had) and I added 2 extra cans of beans. Those were the only changes I made to the recipe. I was surprised at how hot it came out. I love spicey and I love hot but this was almost inedible for me. I know it would be for anyone else I know. I am surprised I am the only one to say anything in the comments/reviews. Is it really supposed to be 2.5 tablespoons of chili powder and 2 tablespoons of cumin? Or should it read 2.5 teaspoons of chili powder and 2 teaspoons of cumin? Something was way off to cause it to have this much heat. Otherwise it tasted good but I had to add some cream cheese just to cut through some of the heat so I could eat it. I can’t imagine how hot it would be if I hadn’t added extra ground beef and beans.
Chili power shouldn’t add heat- nor does cumin. Maybe you used cayenne pepper instead of chili powder?
Excellent chili recipe. I had a 50/50 lean beef and venison hamburger that I used along with Penzey’s Chilli 3000 spice blend that has cumin with the chili powder for the recipe. I was able to use our diced garden bell peppers, tomato sauce and stewed tomatoes and it turned out excellent. I will definitely make it again. The addition of the 2 TBS of sugar with the 1 TBS of garlic powder add some nice flavor accents to it. I did however hold back on the recipe salt recommended because of family sodium restrictions. Great chili!!!
I have made this chili twice now. The second time I added cooked, small red beans to the kidney beans. I feel like this is teaditional from our California parents! It is our tradition now! My family at home is from 9 years old to 79 years old. Everyone loves it. Thank you.
So yummy and full of flavor! Simple enough my 4yo made most of it!
Hubby really liked it. It was too spicy for me, even without the cayenne. Next time I might use half as much chili powder.
Our family Absolutely love this recipe. I ALWAYS make a double batch The only thing I changed up is , instead of kidney beans I add one can of chili beans, one can of black beans and one 4 ounce can of diced green chilies. Otherwise the recipe is followed to the T. Makes going through winter that more desirable. 🤪
Absolutely delicious!
Delicious chili! I have made it 3-4 times now. I do not use tomatoe paste but use a little more tomatoe sauce than the recipe calls for. I cut the sugar down to about 1 tablespoon. I use 1 tsp.chopped organic garlic with about 1 tablespoon of garlic power. Top it with organic shredded sharp cheddar cheese and I have a meal that I can feast on that helps keep me warm during our historic California storms this winter.
Easy, delicious and economical for a crowd. I served over rice and offered cheese, tabasco and sour cream for toppings. Left overs reheat well.
Thank you for this Great recipe! It tastes delicious and it very quick and easy to make. It’s the only chili I make now and my family of 5 ( including 3 kids under 13) love it. I skip the cayenne, half the cumin and beans, add a red, yellow, or orange bell pepper and serve with noodles or crackers just for our preferences but it was perfect exactly as written.
This is probably the best chili recipe I have ever made! My family loves chili and I’m always looking for a good recipe and I finally found it! This chili is delicious! Make it!!
Amazing and so delicious. I had never made Chili in my life and my husband who loves Chili was so in love! Very yummy!
This chili was perfect! So delicious and perfectly seasoned.
This recipe is delicious!! Like I printed it out and added it to my recipe keeper to be made again & again delicious!!
Slight changes I made:
-Added a diced red pepper – added when cooking the onion
-Omitted the sugar
-Reduced chili powder to 1/2tsp
-Added a heaping tbsp of flour at the end to thicken.
Enjoy!!!
This is probably my 10th time making this chili. The seasoning so on point! It’s fantastic and if I could rate it higher than 5 stars I would. I now have to double the recipe because my husband loves it so much he wants more left overs.
Thanks so much for the top notch recipe!
I love this recipe! It is my go-to for chili night. It is very versatile and the whole family enjoys it. I like to pack it full of extra veggies (peppers, celery, carrots and a can of mixed for good measure) and find that a little less than 1/8 tsp of cayenne is perfect to satisfy everyone and both my 8 and 10-year old can tolerate that little bit of heat. I also use an extra 1/2 cup of beef broth. We finish it off with a top of cheddar cheese and some tortilla chips. No matter what I do to it, it always turns out great!
A little sweet for me I never had sweet chili before.! I will ad some HEAT!,!
Amazing !!! Definitely a keeper Thank you for sharing
My late wife was the chili maker. So this was the first chili made myself. VERY impressed and loved!!
this will be my go to recipe from now on. Thank you.
Love this recipe!! I did add a can of white beans and corn to the pot. Served with corn bread and cheddar cheese. Will definitely make again.
GREAT recipe, i did substitute Deer burger for hamburger i also added 2 more cans of dark red kidney beans, i like lots of beans !! its a keeper. i usually make my own chilli with a lil this N that but by the time i get it looking exactly how i want it i have to start putting stuff into a second pot, (then i have to add a lil more meat ect to fill 2nd pot up, it happens EVERYTIME ! Ive decided to find a good recipe and follow it so i dont end up with 2 whole pots and it worked perfectly !! delicious chilli, thank you for sharing..
Best Chili ever!!
Fantastic classic recipe! You nailed it! I nailed it making it! 😀
This was such an easy recipe, and it smells so good! I added green and red peppers, as well as corn, just to spice it up a bit.
So delic!! Thanks for sharing!
Just made this! It was very very good!
This completely ruined my chili it was too hot to even eat!!
I love this recipe.
I modified a National chili cook off winning recipe and have used it for years. Wifey wanted a simple, quick chili so I tried this one. No joke, it’s better than the one I usually make that takes way more time. This is my new standard. Added more paste and stock to get the consistency I like.
Our son made this recipe, compares well to my wife’s all day version.
I use frozen or canned garden tomatoes, so then I just add a Tbsp beef Better than Bullion and skip the broth.
this is the best Chili I have ever made ,and I’m pretty old,Ive made many pots! i used minced garlic and organic paste and canned tomotoes. honestly. this is fantastic .
I don’t usually leave comments, but this was a BIG hit in our household. My 2 year old decided that she “loves Chili.” Thanks for the quick and easy recipe!
My family just love this recipe. I used half the sugar as I’m not a big fan of sweet chili and it was perfect.
used this recipe to make chili for the first time and it was a hit !! I have made it like 5 more times and its still perfect ! <333
I made this recipe for our local homeless shelter as well as for my husband. It was the most delicious chili I have ever made. Just excellent.
Delicious! Definitely going to save this recipe!
This has been our favorite chili recipe since I discovered it almost 4 years ago. Guests always compliment it and go for seconds.
I like to use chili powder and cayenne, but skip the sugar because of food restrictions for some family members. Once, I didn’t have enough chili powder so I used some Hot Mexican Chili Powder and it was just as delicious! When I made it again the other night, I used half of that and half of the regular. Everybody loved it and said it was their favorite!
Hi Amanda, I am so glad to find you. Your chilli was a hit the whole family loved it. I can’t wait to explore. In your website to find other treasures.!
Excellent chili recipe! My family said this was the best chili ever. However, I did make the following changes – used two cans of kidney beans instead of 1, up the beef broth to 2 cups, and increased tomato paste to being 1 small can.
Really good! All 5 of my boys loved it! And when I find something everyone loves, that’s a BIG DEAL!!
I’ve always used Williams Chili Seasoning, but didn’t want to go to the store. I had everything for this recipe in my pantry, so tried it. It was delicious. Not going back to a premade mix!
This recipe is delicious. This will be my got to, from now on.
My family loves this recipe. We didn’t change a thing.
CHILI was very tasty. I will make this recipe again.
We have 3 boys under 8 and we all love it! Made 5 times already!
Outstanding!! Quick, simple and so good! Everyone raves about this chili.
Pretty much my recipe but I always add a grated carrot, so much better.
This is the best chili recipe I’ve ever made! It has a nice, rich flavor! Oh, I also added a little minced garlic but it probably didn’t need it.
I added about 1 1/2 tsp of worchteshire to it and a dash more of garlic and onion powder and cumin. Without my added it was still delicious as is!!!
This recipe is exactly as described…The Best Classic Chili! Like my mom used to make, but sorry mom, this one is actually even yummier. This is our new go-to chili recipe. Thank you!
Absolutely the best chili I have ever enjoyed. I will not order it, when out to dinner any more !!!
Best recipe I have tried. But I had to cut down on cumin for my hubby!
Sometimes I get two pots going at once: I follow the same steps in each, except in one pot, I exclude the meat and replace the beef broth with vegetable broth. Both are fantastic! I’ve made this recipe a dozen times, and it’s always the BEST chili recipe I’ve ever encountered! For my taste, I sometimes use less cumin so it has a flavor more similar to what I grew up with in the Midwest.
Delicious! For thirty years, I have made different chili recipes, looking for a permanent recipe that everyone in the family loves. This is it. The first time I try a recipe, I follow the recipe exactly. I have tried many, many chili recipes-with green peppers, with red wine vinegar, with chocolate. All those were good. This recipe was great, as is. Finally!! Writing it down in the family cookbook.
Great recipe, but just a bit too much cumin – but that’s my personal preference. Will make it again, but will cut the cumin in half.
Hi I did not have any cumin will that make a big difference in the taste of is there something I can substitute for it thank you
Great recipe! Easy to make and very tasty. I only added some garlic to the chopped onion, and less chili powder.
Subbed extra firm tofu for the beef & veggie broth instead of beef broth. 10 out of 10!!
This was soo delicious!! Very easy to follow. I did not add the cayenne because I don’t like spicy foods, but this chili had plenty of flavor without it. Will definitely make this again.
Very good. I made it for Super Bowl and everyone lovedy it! I will definitely make this again. Thanks
I really liked the flavor and ease of this dish. I was very nervous about adding a whole teaspoon of cayenne pepper, but I did. And it was perfect. I only used 2 1/2 TBS of sugar because I didn’t want it to be too sweet. But next time I will use the 3 TBS and make as written. Then the balance between the pepper and the sugar will be right on. This is the first recipe I’ve made from The Wholesome Dish and I will not doubt your ingredient measurements again! I will mention that the key to a very flavorful sauce is to make sure you drain the fat. I put the sauce into a fat separator measuring cup and then I don’t have to worry. Also, look for the very best short ribs you can find. If they are too fatty it will spoil the meal, in my opinion. Thank you and enjoy!
Truly best chili! Has a kick plus sweetness. Excellent balance of both flavors. Will be my go to chili for now on!
Best Chili ever. I love the taste of the spices.
Very tasty. I Added rotel tomatoes and green chillies.
I’ve made this multiple times. Fast, easy and delicious!
This is one of the best chili recipes I have ever tried. The ingredients are awesome, the consistency is perfect and it truly is a classic timeless chili
Very nice, not too spicy.
This is an excellent recipe! So tasty
Delicious, good flavor, will make again!
Everyone loved it!! It’s now my go-to chili.
This is the best Chili recipe ever! My husband and I love it I’m glad I made a big pot I just doubled all the ingredients. We like spicy food do I did add red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper and hot sauce and wow sooooo good I will be making this chili again.
This was the most delicious chili I’ve ever eaten. 10/10 recommend
I always love your recipes but this one was very disappointing. Too spicy.
I’m not a big chili fan , but my husband is. He would eat it daily, if he could. He thought that this was a perfect batch of chili!
I’m saving this recipe.
I have tried a lot of Chili Recipes, but this one is not only easy, it taste great. I added some red pepper flakes, we like it with a little more heat. GREAT!!
Absolutely brilliant recipe mince is difficult to get right.just the flavors the mince tends to
Come out with the strongest taste even though I always buy steak mince 👍
Excellent and truly classic tasting chili recipe! I only strayed from the recipe as written just a tiny bit. I browned the beef in a separate pan so that I could control the heat level and get it good and crusty brown, and drained it before adding to the onions. And I used great northern beans rather than kidney because I prefer the texture. But other than that I made it as written and it’s fast to make and tasted amazing.
Love your recipe. I now know it by heart. I use much more cayenne than you called for. We like the chili a bit Spicer. And cayenne adds flavor besides the heat.
First time ever making chili and everyone loved it.
I did this but doubled the recipe. I did 1 lb lean ground beef, 1 lb ground pork, 1 lb of chopped andouille sausage. Also added a can of drained corn. Turned out great!
This IS the best classic chili recipe and it is very forgiving. I’ve been looking for a recipe like this for years.
My son suggested we make chili on a cold afternoon after school. He found this recipe online. We doubled the recipe but only had 1 lb meat so added 2 cans (pinto and aduki) of beans. Then I was nervous to add so much chili and cumin seasoning and lessened both by 1 Tbsp. I also skipped the tomato paste and halved the salt to be easier on my stomach.
The result: our favorite Chili recipe.
Thank you Amanda Finks!!!
I have made numerous homemade chili recipes but this one has topped them all. I am from Texas and I can tell you that this recipe is definitely worth making!!!
This is our favorite! When we plan on making it we call it “bomb-ass chili night”. I love that this recipe makes it so easy to make it your own. I enjoy making it a sort of Tex style by adding 1/4th teaspoon chipotle powder, white corn, and a small can of those Ortega green chilis. We like it hot hot. So I also add a Serrano and jalapeño after all the seasonings. Instead of regular diced tomatoes, we use fire roasted garlic.
I’m not a huge chili fan, but my hubby loves it so I decided to try to make him some. This was so easy to make and tastes fantastic! Since I’m not a fan of spicy foods, the sugar gave it a subtle sweetness which toned down the spice and made it absolutely amazing… and actually made me a chili lover!! This recipe will definitely a keeper….
DO NOT ADD THE SUGAR
I’ve tried numerous recipes for an easy chili and this is the one I will always make! So good! I used the whole small can of tomato paste (skipped tomato sauce) and added an additional 1/2 c of beef broth. I also added a can of drained black beans. We love thick chili. Thank you so much.
NGL best chili recipe easy to make and already had all the ingredients at home
Delicious!!! And so easy to make! Keeping this recipe for sure.
I make this recipe all the time. The only thing I do differently is I add about 1 1/2 tsp cinnamon and about a tbsp. of peanut butter. My wife and I love the small amount of heat from the cinnamon and the peanut butter and a bit of a nutty flavor.
I love this recipe! I love how it uses full cans of most of the ingredients, and the taste is great!
Delicious 🤤. It’s -7 degrees here in Boston so I made this for my kiddos & Hubby for dinner today, we just added frito pie toppings. Thanks for this meal 🍽️.
If you like your chili on the sweeter side, this is for you. Kids will like it. A hint of spice.
Really good flavor and consistency.
Best ever. Easy to follow, GREAT flavor. Everyone enjoyed it
Excellent flavor.
Question – to double the recipe do I just double the ingredients?
Thank you.
So far best recipe for Chili I have made and will stick to this one for sure!!!
I forgot to put 5 stars!!
I just made this recipe!! It is delicious!!! So excited!! I just started cooking and baking everyday. I love doing it .. I am on a health kick trying to lose weight! I had no idea that you have to eat to lose weight until recently!! Now I eat little meals throughout the day! This is perfect for that! Yum!!!!!
Fabulous! Usually chili is an all afternoon event and I’ve found quicker recipes don’t pack the same punch but this was ridiculously delicious! I added the 1/4 tsp cayanne and ended up putting in 7 more oz of tomato sauce, 1 more tbsp of tomato paste, and an additional can of beans (mixed it up with black beans) to cut the spice and add more texture. Totally melds in a half hour and clean up was a breeze. Bravo!!!
Fun and easy recipe I found online ready to cook for the day with no hasle.
Very good chili. Just made it. Just the right amount of hot too. Tastes great with the corn bread too.
VERY GOOD. Better than the recipe that I had been using for over 30 years!
🔥🔥🔥🔥 absolutely fantastic recipe. I followed the directions precisely. Turn out perfect on first try! Family very happy! Yummy.
Fast and easy – all with ingredients most people have in their pantry. And versatile! As long as you use her base of spices and sauces, you can add many other things (green chiles, jalapeños, etc). I’m a pretty staunch “no sugar” in my tomato based sauces but it definitely works in this recipe. The only change I made was using 2 cans of beans (black and white northern as that’s what I had). Yummy – much better than McCormick or French’s chili seasoning pkgs. Thanks for the recipe – already saved.
One of the best chili recipes I’ve ever made. Back in the mid eighties, there was a bar/restaurant named Remey’s in Hilton Head. My husband and I loved their chili. This is the closest I’ve ever come to duplicating it. I think it is the cumin which is more than traditional recipes. Made it again tonight and so so good. Five stars from me and a big thank you for this recipe!
This is alot better with 2# of beef and 2 cans of beans
I love chili…really love chili. This is one of the best recipes that I have tried. I did decrease the sugar to 2 teaspoons…my husband would havenoticed more…and doubled the canned tomatoes bc I could not find any tomato sauce. But it was fantastic. Thank you!
This is the best chili I’ve ever made! Seriously so much flavor and kid approved as well!
The best homemade chili recipe and it’s so full of flavor!
Best chili recipe ever!!! Me and the kids love it and my 11 year old son who is very picky btw said that it’s the only chili I’m allowed to make now lol!
I followed the recipe exactly. It was so simple and so good!
This was an easy recipe to make. I followed it to a T as far as the ingredients go, and I found it a little salty, If you add a little bit more water that should take care of it and it’s really good. I made a double batch of this and it was gone and within 24 hours.
I love this recipe for making chili and I can understand how it gets 5 stars. I have printed it out and made it many times. What I love about it is that I do not use many pans and the spice mix is spot on! However, I have made a couple of tweaks that I want to share that work for me. In no way am I saying there is anything wrong with this delicious recipe!
1. I changed this to a crock pot recipe so I can have it cook all day long. I add the beans to the cock pot and add the mixture of all the other ingredients after it has been cooked. I can then cook it on low for 8 hours (I maybe stir it once an hour).
2. I added a can of garbanzo bean (drained), and a can of chili bean in chili sauce (whole can). (I like more beans.)
3. I got rid of adding the tomato sauce and just added a whole 6 oz can of tomato paste. (The small cans are much easier to find and store than tubes of tomato paste and it costs less. Also, I do not like having half used cans of tomato paste in my fridge.)
4. I will sometimes use ground turkey instead of ground beef and I do not stick steadfast to the 1 pound. (I will sometimes use a whole package of Costco ground turkey which is 1.7 lbs.). I have found that the spice mixture of this recipe compensates A LOT for the quality of meat as I even use a 1 lbs tube of frozen turkey meat from Aldi’s and the chili is still awesome.
Thank you SO much for this chili recipe. I really appreciate it!
If doubling the recipe, do you double the spices? Thank you
Wow! So much flavor! Followed your recipe just added 1/2 cup of corona beer! This recipe is easy and delicious it’s a keeper! Thank you!
Yummy!!! This was quick to throw together. It’s perfect for a cold day!!
Good basic recipe
The only chili I now make. My family loved it! I added an extra can of red beans as we like a lot of beans. So much flavor.
I tried your chili. I didn’t change a thing.. It was amazing👍.
Easy, simple and full of flavor
Will definitely be my go to chili,
I give you 5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Thank you for sharing.
Wow! This is the best chili I have ever made. Thank for a new go to recipe. The ingredients sounded perfect and although I usually make changes, I did not here and it is perfect! A hit with my man, as well.
Hello (fellow Hoosier),
Second time I’ve used this recipe. All said, the best and easiest chili recipe I’ve ever cooked. Thank you.
I add frozen corn for the simmer/at the end of recipe and a generous pat of unsalted butter (to take a little edge off the acidity of the tomato ingredients) and round out the taste with a subtle richness.
Very good !,,
Great chilli recipe! Delicious
I make this quite frequently and it’s really a hit in the neighborhood and with friends and relatives as they all want the recipe! I add an ingredient that really adds a lot of flavor. I browned up 12 Italian sweet sausage and slice them up and add them to the chili……try it. Unbelievable!
Tasty indeed. Working primarily with items on hand, I had no cayenne, but added red pepper flakes and a small can of whole kernel corn, and topped with shredded cheddar. Two thumbs up from everyone 👍 👌
Great Recipe. easy to make..thx
The chili recipe is GREAT!!! Most recipes are under seasoned, this one was perfect. I cut the beef broth and added a can of beer. Thanks for sharing your recipe
Sue Florida
Just made this and it’s the basic, delicious chili I was looking for on a 23 degree Vermont night. Quick, economical, easy and customizable for different tastes. I did not add the cayenne.
Loved it! Think i’ll cut back a bit on the sugar next time. Added a bell pepper. Forgot the tomato paste – doh! Didn’t miss it. Will make this again!!! And will definitely check out other Wholesome Dish recipes! Thanks!
This is my go-to chili recipe. I follow the recipe as is, minus the salt. My family loves it.
Love this recipe! It’s my go to for chili now.
I’ve made this twice so far. Boyfriend has said both times it is best chili he’s ever had. 🙂
Perfect!💫💫💫💫💫
Easy and great flavor. Not spicy(hot) so add something for heat if you like it that way
Great recipe, cooked this last night and believe it or not had a bowl to warm up this morning for breakfast and it was better than last nights.
Thank you for sharing this recipe.
I added 1 cup of beer, 1/4 tsp of chilli flakes and 1/4 tsp of paprika. It’s now a hit whenever anyone visits my house!!
Very flavorful! I made a double batch, and was short a 1 of the 2 cans of diced tomatoes, so I substituted about 8 oz of ketchup and a fresh 🍅. I may keep it that way, it os delicious.
This was the best Chile Bean’s I made in a long time and it was all done in thirty minute.
My husband and I agreed this was the best chili I had ever made! I did change one thing – I happened to have ingredients that were close, not exact; diced tomatoes “chili ready” and Bush “chili beans” (with sauce). I didn’t add the cayenne pepper because the tomatoes added extra spice. I left it out until we tried it and we thought it was perfect! If you have never made chili – this is the recipe to use. If you’ve made all kinds of varieties and want to get back to basic Sunday football chili – this is the one!
Made the chili recipe, added green pepper and celery it was very good. I would love the recipe for the chocolate chip cookies that are shown on the sign up page!
Ever since I tried this it has been my go to Chili recipe. My son used to say he didn’t like Chili, now he requests it often. It’s easy and the leftovers are great. It never goes to waste.
My go to recipe for chili! My family loves it!
TL,DR: Excellent chili recipe, flavorful and easy to make with staples you usually have on hand! Borderline too salty and slightly to sweet for my family’s taste as written, but still delicious.
Longer review: I’ve made this recipe 4 times now, the first 2 times I followed the recipe as written except for using a 15 oz can of tomato sauce, as I couldn’t find an 8 oz. (Still turns out nice and thick). We found the recipe wonderful, flavorful, and it comes together fast and easy, which is a huge plus. For our taste buds though, we found it to be a bit salty and slightly too sweet. The third time I made it, I decreased the salt from 1.5 to 1 teaspoon, and the sugar from 2 tablespoons to 1 tablespoon. Near perfection! The fourth time, I kept it at 1 tsp of salt and 1 TBSP of sugar, but also added 2 TBSP of worcestershire sauce. Bingo, we have perfection! The recipe didn’t feel like it was really “missing” anything, but the extra umami provided by the worcestershire gives it a little something extra that has you licking the bowl. I’ve pre-measured a few containers worth of the spice mix to keep on hand, because this has become a family favorite. We serve it with shredded cheddar cheese, and sometimes corn bread.
Very good…
The best chili I have ever made
Good, but personally I would have cut down on the sugar. It is too sweet for my liking.
Excellent flavors!
This is my first critique of a recipe, ever. That’s how good this recipe is!! It’s an all American chili recipe. Love the seasoning as is. As for the thickness, while a little loose first day (which I personally love), leftovers thicken up. Thanks for posting this recipe. I’m so glad I found it!!
Best chili I’ve made. Definitely my go to now!
This is hands down and by far the BEST homemade chili I’ve ever made. I only make a few slight modifications – I use ground bison instead of regular ground beef, I leave out the sugar and diced tomatoes (my youngest doesn’t care for them), add 2 cans chili beans, and replace the can tomato sauce with my homemade version! I usually double the recipe and it still doesn’t last long. Delish!!
Great chili just the right amount of spices for the entire family. I use a couple tablespoons of cornmeal or masa for a bit of corn flavor and to thicken the chili a bit. So good!
Best chili ever! But I only put 1/2 tsp. Of cumin & omit the sugar.
Best chili I ever had, I made it countless times now
I have spent a lot of time making different chili recipes with 30 ingredients or more– chiptole peppers, different tomato varieties, tons of herbs, roasted bell peppers, beer, wine, you name it.
THIS recipe, simple and tastes as good, but I think better than all those.
If you’re beef isnt 90% lean then drain the fat, then add in oil/onions etc
Very good and easy to follow instructions. Passed on the cayenne because I prefer savory not five alarm hot. Will definitely use this method again.
I use White Kidney Beans instead or Red. This Chilli gives less gas and really has a very pleasant taste. When my Mother was at the cottage and company stopped by for dinner, she would add fresh bean sprouts to stretch the Chilli for the meal.
Are you wondering…why is this the best chili recipe?!?!? I was scared with the amount of cumin so I held back and did half. Not only is this recipe easy, it’s extremely flavorful. I added a carrot and celery stalk. 10/10 would recommend. This was gone sooooo fast in our house. So easy to experiment with and change to your liking too! Very impressed. Excited to make it vegetarian and also try with turkey. Thank you for posting 🙂
Made this for the first time and it’s A-MA-ZING!!! Thank you so much for the recipe!!! I will be making this often!
Just made this chilli. Best ever!👍hard not to finish the whole pot it was so good.
Really good chili recipe that everyone loved!
Thank you!
Reminded me of my moms I live in the south but she was from the NE. PERFECT CONSISTENCY.
So basic but so good. We use ground turkey and beef bone broth. Delicious.
The Chile was delicious. My husband is chef in our family but I tried this recipe. He loved it and wanted to print recipe.
Made this recipe exactly by the directions, except I used the whole box of beef broth (1 1/2 cups more).Chili didn’t have much taste! What can I add?
Absolutely delicious! We doubled the recipe, used both ground beef and ground turkey, and I added one and a half amounts of the seasonings. I served it with shredded Mexican triple cheese, sour cream, a little cilantro and scallions and a side of cornbread! Awesome for a 47 degree day in SOFL!
I’m always on the lookout for a good basic chili recipe. I grew up having it weekly but my dad only used ground meat, kidney beans, chili pepper, hot pepper flakes and tomatoes. In the summer he would make the chili with fresh garden tomatoes and it was really good but kind of bland, the hot pepper flakes didn’t add a good flavor depth, it just made my nose run. Anyway, I doubled this recipe because I like to freeze soups. I didn’t have beef broth so I used water with better than bullion roasted beef base. I only had 1 can of kidney beans so black beans went in as the 2nd can. The tomato combination and beef base created a rich flavor, oh yea… this is a keeper. Next batch I’ll add some bell peppers because I really like them and cut the cumin and sugar in half, maybe add a pinch of oregano.. just my personal preference. Thanks for sharing.
Great recipe!
Modification: Added 1 teaspoon chipotle powder and 1 teaspoon onion powder since we only had a small onion.
Subtracted 1 tablespoon of sugar and 1/2 tablespoon chili powder.
We didn’t have tomato paste, but still came out delicious!
Delicious and so quick and easy!
I made this for my family and they said it was the best chili they’ve ever eaten. I did sub the kidney bean for charro beans though. My brother in law doesn’t like things to spicy and this was the perfect combination of spices. I’d been looking for a chili recipe that pleased everyone so thank you so much. It’s my go to recipe now.
I had to quadruple the recipe. It still wasn’t enough. It is that hood
Wow! I had never seen a chili recipe that calls for broth and was skeptical but curious…this is the BEST chili I have ever had! We made it twice in one week and now we double the recipe every time we make it. I wish everything I liked came out as amazing as this!
Excellent recipe I added Chipotle chili powder for kick.
The best chili I have ever had!! As a 47 year old man and a self proclaimed chili con·nois·seur I am the final word on chili. Period.. And this here is #1 by a country mile. For me to rank this above my mother’s homemade chili took every inch of my being. But I did. Sorry Mom God rest her soul 🙏 I believe she would agree with me in this particular case. I’ve been telling everyone that I tried a few things differently to attain such an amazing chili meanwhile I just followed this recipe to the T, and everyone absolutely loves it. Oh well I’ll sleep just as well every night knowing I told a small white lie. Anyways I want to personally thank you for sharing this Recipe. I’ll never change a thing 😁
Delicious!!
Love!! Next time we are going to double the recipe since it got gobbled up!!
Best chili recipe I have tried
Amazing, so delicious
Our favourite Chili Recipe! Used fresh garlic instead of powder, left out the sugar and the cayenne. Delicious, tasty and hot enough for us. A definite keeper thanks so much❤️
Amazing! Thank you so much, family loved it!
The best Tks
Very good, thank you, hubby had 2nd’s
Finally, a recipe that lives up to it’s name. This was really the BEST chili I have made , extremely flavorful, perfect texture. I will definitely be making again
Made this tonight. Quick to make and really flavorful. Every had two bowls. Excellent chili recipe.
This is near perfect for my taste anyway. Can’t remember how I came to find it here on the internet but am so happy I did.
It is the perfect base chili that cooks can add to or subtract from to find just what they like. Me I left it alone and made it just the way the recipe called for. It was great. Thanks for the recipe.
I never post comments, but this is my favorite classic chili recipe! I’ve tried more recipes that’s I can count and this one is IT!! It is on repeat at my house. Thank you for such a wonderful, easy recipe!
This is such a great chili recipe and super easy. It is one of my favorites to make.
Fantastic basic chili recipe that’s easy to tweek to your own liking. It was my first time making chili and it was delicious.
Some things I did differently were using canned chili beans (1 kidney and 1 black beans) with their sauce and left the tomato sauce out. I also added a finely chopped Carolina Reaper for a little extra kick.
I made this chilli and added canned mushrooms and pure beef smoked sausage cut into bite size pieces which came fully cooked so I added them in the last 10 minutes to heat them up, my family said it was delicious and a keeper. Excellent chilli thank you
All I can say is delicious! I prepared a pot of this amazing Chili on a rainy day paired it with a great movie my family snd I truly enjoyed. Thank you for the recipe.
Everytime I make this chili, people ask me for the recipe!! This is a super easy dish to make and so yummy!!
Nine eaters, all adults, gave this two thumbs up. I’ve been making chili “my way” for many years, but decided to give this recipe a try. Very, very glad I did. Great flavor, easy to make. Oh, I used ground turkey instead of ground beef and no one knew until I told them! Also left out the cayenne due to one guest’s aversion to hot spices. Otherwise followed recipe (doubled) exactly. Stop looking and know: This is the chili recipe you want.
Made a vegan version of this recipe and it was delicious.
Best chili recipe- I sautéed onions and beef in Ghee, but everything else as recipes states and my teenagers even commented on how delicious the flavor was.
First of all, it was delicious. I was reluctant to measure everything, because I usually eye ingredients. That’s because I’m Italian!! I have