There’s something magical about a warm, hearty bowl of chili on a chilly day—or any day, really. It’s the kind of meal that fills your home with rich, savory aromas and brings everyone to the table. Whether you’re hosting a game day party, need an easy weeknight dinner, or are just craving some good ol’ comfort food, this Classic Beef Chili Recipe is a must-have in your cooking repertoire.
With its perfect blend of ground beef, kidney beans, tomatoes, and spices, this recipe delivers a robust, soul-satisfying flavor that will have you coming back for seconds. Even better, it’s a one-pot wonder that’s easy to make and versatile enough to customize to your liking. Ready to dive into the ultimate chili experience? Let’s get started!
Why You’ll Love This Classic Beef Chili Recipe
You’re going to fall in love with this recipe, and here’s why:
- Hearty and Filling: Packed with protein and fiber, this chili is as satisfying as it is delicious.
- Rich Flavor: A perfect balance of smoky, spicy, and savory flavors comes together in every bite.
- Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and minimal prep, this dish is perfect for beginners and seasoned cooks alike.
- Great for Meal Prep: Make a big batch and enjoy leftovers throughout the week. Chili always tastes even better the next day!
- Customizable: Adjust the spice level, swap out ingredients, or add your own twist to make it your own.
Ingredients for Classic Beef Chili
Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this delicious beef chili. These ingredients work together to create a perfectly balanced, flavorful dish:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Vegetable oil | 2 tablespoons |
| Yellow onions | 2 medium, finely chopped |
| Red bell pepper | 1, stemmed, seeded, and finely chopped |
| Chili powder | ¼ cup |
| Ground cumin | 1 tablespoon |
| Cayenne pepper | ½ teaspoon |
| Salt | 1 teaspoon, divided |
| Garlic cloves | 6, minced |
| Ground beef | 2 pounds, 85-90% lean |
| Dark red kidney beans | 30 oz can, drained and rinsed |
| Diced tomatoes | 28 oz can |
| Tomato puree | 28 oz can |
How to Make Classic Beef Chili
Making this Classic Beef Chili Recipe is easier than you might think! Follow these simple steps for the perfect bowl of chili:
1. Prep Your Ingredients
Start by chopping your onions and red bell pepper and mincing the garlic. Rinse and drain the kidney beans to remove any excess sodium.
2. Heat the Oil
In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the chopped onions and red bell pepper. Sauté for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are soft.
3. Add the Spices
Sprinkle in the chili powder, ground cumin, cayenne pepper, and ½ teaspoon of salt. Stir well to coat the vegetables in the spices and cook for another 1-2 minutes, allowing the spices to release their aroma.
4. Cook the Garlic
Add the minced garlic to the pot and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly to avoid burning.
5. Brown the Ground Beef
Increase the heat to medium-high and add the ground beef to the pot. Break it up with a wooden spoon or spatula and cook until it’s no longer pink, about 7-10 minutes. Drain any excess grease, if necessary.
6. Add the Tomatoes and Beans
Pour in the diced tomatoes (with their juices), tomato puree, and drained kidney beans. Stir everything together until well combined.
7. Simmer the Chili
Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let the chili simmer for 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
8. Adjust Seasoning
Taste your chili and add the remaining ½ teaspoon of salt if needed. You can also adjust the spice level by adding more cayenne or chili powder to taste.
9. Serve and Enjoy
Ladle the chili into bowls and serve hot. Garnish with your favorite toppings, such as shredded cheese, sour cream, diced avocado, or fresh cilantro.
Tips for Making the Best Beef Chili
- Use Quality Meat: Opt for 85-90% lean ground beef for the perfect balance of flavor and texture.
- Toast the Spices: Cooking the spices with the vegetables helps enhance their flavor. Don’t skip this step!
- Simmer for Flavor: Letting the chili simmer allows the flavors to meld together for a richer taste.
- Customize the Heat: If you love extra heat, add more cayenne or diced jalapeños. If you prefer mild chili, reduce the chili powder and omit the cayenne.
- Make It Thicker: If you like thicker chili, let it simmer uncovered for the last 10 minutes to reduce the liquid.
Serving Suggestions for Classic Beef Chili
This chili is a meal in itself, but pairing it with a few sides can make it even more special:
- Cornbread: Sweet and crumbly cornbread is a classic pairing for chili.
- Rice: Serve your chili over white or brown rice for a hearty meal.
- Tortilla Chips: Use chips to scoop up the chili or crumble them on top for extra crunch.
- Salad: A simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette can balance the richness of the chili.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~350 |
| Protein | 25g |
| Carbohydrates | 20g |
| Fat | 18g |
| Fiber | 6g |
| Sodium | 800mg |
Variations of Classic Beef Chili
This recipe is a great base, but you can easily make it your own with these variations:
1. Turkey or Chicken Chili
Swap the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version of this classic dish.
2. Vegetarian Chili
Omit the ground beef and add more beans, such as black beans or pinto beans, and diced vegetables like zucchini or mushrooms.
3. Smoky Chili
Add a teaspoon of smoked paprika or a splash of liquid smoke for a smoky flavor.
4. Sweet and Spicy Chili
Stir in a tablespoon of honey or brown sugar to balance out the heat with a touch of sweetness.
FAQs About Classic Beef Chili Recipe
1. Can I make this chili ahead of time?
Absolutely! Chili often tastes better the next day as the flavors continue to develop. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
2. Can I freeze leftover chili?
Yes! Let the chili cool completely, then store it in an airtight container or freezer bag. It can be frozen for up to 3 months.
3. How can I make this chili spicier?
Add diced jalapeños, extra cayenne pepper, or even a splash of hot sauce to increase the heat.
4. Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
Yes, you can substitute fresh tomatoes. You’ll need about 6-7 medium tomatoes, peeled and diced, for this recipe.
5. What toppings go well with chili?
Some popular toppings include shredded cheese, sour cream, green onions, diced avocado, crushed tortilla chips, or fresh cilantro.
6. Can I use a slow cooker for this recipe?
Yes! Brown the beef and sauté the vegetables first, then transfer everything to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
Bring Comfort to Your Table with Classic Beef Chili
There’s nothing like a bowl of Classic Beef Chili to warm your soul and satisfy your appetite. This hearty, flavorful dish is perfect for cozy nights, family gatherings, or any occasion when you need a little comfort in your life.
Why wait? Gather your ingredients, grab your favorite pot, and start cooking this timeless recipe. Don’t forget to make extra—it’s even better the next day!
Print
Classic Beef Chili Recipe: A Comforting Bowl of Flavor
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
Description
There’s nothing like a bowl of hearty, flavorful Classic Beef Chili to warm your soul and satisfy your hunger. Packed with ground beef, kidney beans, and bold spices, this one-pot wonder is perfect for family dinners, game days, or cozy nights in. Easy to prepare and even easier to love, this chili will quickly become a favorite in your home!
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 medium yellow onions, finely chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, stemmed, seeded, and finely chopped
- ¼ cup chili powder
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt, divided
- 6 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 pounds ground beef (85-90% lean)
- 30 oz can dark red kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 28 oz can diced tomatoes
- 28 oz can tomato puree
Instructions
1. Prep Your Ingredients
Finely chop the onions and red bell pepper, and mince the garlic. Drain and rinse the kidney beans to remove excess sodium.
2. Sauté the Vegetables
Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the onions and red bell pepper, and sauté for 5 minutes or until softened.
3. Add the Spices
Stir in the chili powder, ground cumin, cayenne pepper, and ½ teaspoon of salt. Let the spices cook with the vegetables for 1-2 minutes to release their aroma.
4. Cook the Garlic
Add the minced garlic and stir constantly for 1 minute to prevent burning.
5. Brown the Ground Beef
Increase the heat to medium-high and add the ground beef. Break it up with a wooden spoon or spatula and cook for 7-10 minutes, or until no longer pink. If necessary, drain any excess grease.
6. Add the Tomatoes and Beans
Pour in the diced tomatoes (with their juices), tomato puree, and kidney beans. Stir until all the ingredients are well combined.
7. Simmer the Chili
Bring the chili to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and simmer for 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
8. Adjust the Seasoning
Taste your chili and add the remaining ½ teaspoon of salt if needed. For extra heat, add more cayenne pepper or chili powder to taste.
9. Serve and Enjoy
Ladle the chili into bowls and serve hot. Top with your favorite garnishes like shredded cheese, sour cream, diced avocado, or fresh cilantro.
Notes
- Make It Ahead: Chili tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld. Make it a day in advance for the ultimate flavor boost.
- Freezing Tips: Let the chili cool completely before storing in airtight containers or freezer bags. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
- Spice Level: Adjust the cayenne and chili powder to suit your heat preference. Start small, then add more as needed.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
