The Best Classic Chili

Rate Now
Jump to RecipeJump to VideoPrint 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.

The Best Classic Chili recipe in a red bowl topped with cheese and sour cream

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.

onions and ground beef sautéing in a soup pot

  • Add chili powder, cumin, sugar, tomato paste, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and optional cayenne. 
  • Stir until well combined.

chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, sugar, salt, and pepper over browned beef and onions in a pot

  • Add diced tomatoes, kidney beans, beef broth, and tomato sauce. 
  • Stir well.

diced tomatoes over chili seasoned ground beef and onions in a soup pot

  • Simmer for 20-25 minutes.
  • Let the chili rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.

beans, beef broth, and tomato sauce added to chili seasoned beef, onions, and tomatoes in a pot

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.

Find more of my recipes on TikTok

The best classic chili recipe in a red bowl topped with cheddar cheese and sour cream

The Best Classic Chili Recipe

4.96 from 3628 votes
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

Servings 6 servings
Calories 334 kcal

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
Course Dinner, Entree, Main Course
Keyword best chili, chili recipe, classic chili, homemade chili
Cuisine American
Author Amanda Finks

Check out all of my great ground beef recipes.

Want more recipes?
Sign up here to have new recipes sent directly to your inbox.
newsletter signup

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Comments

  1. 5 stars
    I found this recipe and made this for a Chili cook-off at work. Out of 18 entries I won third place. I’m not a cook so this is saying A LOT about this recipe.

  2. 5 stars
    This recipe was amazing!! I’m SO glad I doubled it. If you’re like us you’ll want to enjoy the leftovers, or freeze it for an easy meal later. Really glad I tried it!

  3. Omg!! I made this last night! Fantastic but was a little soupy so I added flour mixed with beef broth to thicken. I also used 2 pounds of ground beef.
    Best Chili I have ever eaten and from Texas

  4. Way too much sugar. I would halve it next time. It’s weirdly sweet. Spice level is good – though you could cut down on the cumin too as most chilli powder already has it. Also, I ended up covering it and letting it cook for 15 mins more as I like my beans a bit softer. I would add them in the beginning after softening the onions next time. Wasn’t bad but not the best I’ve had. Good served over rice.

    1. Too much sugar!!
      Good and easy recipe. I’ll make it again but, as others have noted, it’s a little too sweet (and I love sweet).
      For those trying the recipe for the first time, I’d suggest cutting The sugar in half and adjusting to taste.

  5. 5 stars
    I’ve been searching for a good chili recipe for a while and this one was a hit! I added a can of black beans as well, and it was delicious!

  6. 5 stars
    I’ve eaten and made lots of chili in my 67 years and this was absolutely the very best that I have ever eaten. I normally use a packet of store bought chili seasoning mix. For the past year or so, it seems to always be too spicy for us. I was hesitant to not add the packet in this recipe. However, I doubled the recipe as directed with the addition of a can of corn and 2 tsp. of cocoa. And I used Splenda brown sugar instead of regular sugar. OMG. I don’t think I will ever use a store bought seasoning packet again. I did not use the hot pepper but may the next time. I think it needs a little heat, but that’s just my opinion.

    1. Hi,
      The sugar does not add sweetness, per se, but balances all the flavors, acidity and mellows out any hint of bitterness. It’s similar to when you make spaghetti sauce. Personally, I wouldn’t prepare either without it.
      Hope this helps : ) Happy cooking : )
      Rebecca

  7. 5 stars
    Some of the best chili I’ve made. Goes great with cornbread. Now if I can only remember where to find the recipe the next time I make it.

  8. This recipe is delicious. My 10 year old just loves eat and gobbles it it. It is delicious and quick to get on the table.

  9. 5 stars
    I alwAys substitute a string beer for any liquid in chilli. It adds depth…lager, Belgian Beer or Guinness

  10. 5 stars
    My new favorite recipe for chili. My old recipe used chopped green peppers and Mexicorn and was quite sweet. The left overs made excellent Chili Mac as there was plenty of liquid to keep it from being too dry.

  11. It was okay. I felt like the spices were a little heavy to the point it made the ‘sauce’ gritty even after I simmered it per the directions. Perhaps if I added more broth, it would have helped?

  12. 5 stars
    Best recipe ever!!! We like it hot so we added more cayenne! Also, we did not put beans in the pot. It was delicious!!!!

  13. 5 stars
    Easy. Delicious. And just the basic ingredients. Although I must admit I add a dash of cocoa and cinnamon. Thanks for this great recipe!!

About Amanda Finks

I’m a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist living in Zionsville, IN. I’m an avid cook, travel nerd, & lover of good food! I’m trained in Food Science & recipe development. It’s my mission to bring you the BEST recipes your whole family will love!

Read more