The Best Classic Chili is a traditional chili recipe 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.
I’ve been playing around with this 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!
How To Make Homemade Chili
Note: This is a summary. The full printable recipe and step by step video are located at the bottom of this post.
- 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 it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.
What do you top chili with?
In addition to the chili ingredients listed in this recipe, 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
How To Store
Store in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to five days. Or, store in the freezer for up to three months. Transfer the container to the refrigerator to thaw the day before you want to reheat it.
Pro Tip – Is It Too Spicy?
The brand of chili powder you use will have a huge difference in how spicy your chili will be. Different brands of chili powder have VERY different levels of spiciness.
I always use McCormick Chili Powder (No affiliation) because it is flavorful without being spicy.
More Great Chili Recipes
Find more of my recipes on TikTok
The Best Classic Chili Recipe
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
Nutrition
Check out all of my great ground beef recipes.
This is good chilli. I substituted for grass feed beef, 1 can of Dei Frateelli 28 oz can of sauce, only. I used organic chicken broth , instead of beef broth, and lowed the salt. I also used 15 oz dried red beans, and prepared according to the directions. I’ve made this chilli about 4 times. Making it again tonight. Love it!
Can this recipe be doubled?
I just doubled it today and it came out just how it did when I made a single batch. My kids love it
I was hesitant with putting sugar in it but I just cut it in half and used better than beef broth, doubled the cayenne , added pinto beans,black beans and red beans! It was amazing!
My family was raving about it!
Nice, simple chili that tastes AMAZING without having to buy a ton of different ingredients as in many other recipes! My go to chili recipe every time!! It never disappoints and the flavoring is totally on point! Highly recommend.
I make this quite a bit for my family and it’s become a household favorite! Best chili I’ve ever had. Thanks for sharing!
🔥🔥🔥👊! Just amazing 😍🤤
I made it and ur recipe is so good! I added green chili’s and fire roasted canned tomatoes and really added some more great flavor! I’ve never used beef broth with tomato paste and it was really good!
Made this today by the letter of the recipe (didnt substitute anything) except I doubled everything to have leftovers for luches. Best chili I have made in years
I’m making this now! Smells so good. I also added sausage and peppers
How do you heat up when it’s frozen?
Amazing. Loved it. Added extra meat and beans. Very yummy
Easy recipe! Making it now and my house smells delicious!
How many ounces is each serving?
Cannot eat red meat, so…used ground chicken and omitted garlic, (allergic!) added can each of Romano and Pinto beans and freshly-made hard-boiled egg on top at serving . Super-simple recipe, clear directions … Great!
Unbelievably delicious! The whole family loved it!
This was so easy and so delicious. I have never cooked chili before. I made it with much apprehension for my husband (who prides himself on his own chili, but is growing increasingly lazy about cooking). We both loved it!! I can’t wait to try your other recipes. Thanks Amanda!
Very good. I like spicey..added fresh chopped garlic and. Jalipane chopped ,,ground red pepper flakes. Yeah * did not have to cook a,ll day…saving your recipe for week nights…john
Great recipe! Definitely going to use half the sugar next time, just not a fan of sweet chili. I used one extra can of beans too, probably use a bit more tomato as well next time. Overall, great recipe!
The BEST CHILLI EVER !!!!!
First time I made chili! Tastes very, very good. The only substitution I made was brown sugar for regular sugar. I did use about 1 teaspoon of cayenne pepper. Thank you!