Chili is the ultimate comfort food—perfect for cozy dinners, football Sundays, or gatherings with friends and family. This classic beef chili recipe is rich, flavorful, and can be made in under an hour. Whether you’re serving it over rice, with cornbread, or on its own, this chili will satisfy everyone at the table. With its hearty ingredients, zesty spices, and customizable toppings, it’s no wonder chili is a staple in many households.
In this recipe, we combine ground beef with kidney beans, tomatoes, and an array of seasonings to create a chili that’s both filling and flavorful. Top it off with a dollop of sour cream, shredded cheese, and chopped green onions for extra richness and texture. Read on to learn how to make this classic beef chili from scratch!
Why You’ll Love This Classic Beef Chili Recipe
- Quick and Easy: Ready in under an hour, this chili is perfect for busy weeknights or weekend get-togethers.
- Customizable: Adjust the spice level to suit your taste. You can add extra heat with jalapeños, or keep it mild with less chili powder.
- Comforting: Packed with protein, fiber, and rich flavors, this chili will warm you up on the coldest of days.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: Chili stores well in the fridge for up to five days and freezes perfectly for future meals.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make this delicious and hearty classic beef chili, gather the following ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef (preferably lean, 80/20)
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 bell pepper, diced (green or red)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (6 oz) tomato paste
- 1 can (4 oz) diced green chilies (optional, for extra heat)
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
- 1 cup beef broth (or water)
- Olive oil for cooking
Toppings (optional but recommended):
- Sour cream
- Shredded cheddar cheese
- Green onions, chopped
- Fresh cilantro, chopped
- Tortilla chips or cornbread (for serving)
Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Classic Beef Chili
Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef
In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef to the pot and cook, breaking it up with a spoon or spatula. Continue cooking until the beef is fully browned, about 5–7 minutes. Once the beef is browned, drain any excess fat to avoid greasy chili.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
Next, add the diced onion, bell pepper, and minced garlic to the pot. Stir occasionally and sauté for 3–4 minutes until the vegetables are softened. The garlic should become fragrant, and the onions will turn translucent.
Step 3: Add the Spices
Add the chili powder, cumin, paprika, black pepper, salt, and red pepper flakes (if using) to the pot. Stir the spices into the meat and vegetable mixture, ensuring everything is well-coated. Let the spices cook for an additional minute to release their flavors.
Step 4: Add the Tomatoes and Beans
Pour in the diced tomatoes (with their juice), tomato paste, and diced green chilies (if using). Stir everything together, then add the drained kidney beans to the pot. Mix thoroughly to combine.
Step 5: Simmer the Chili
Add the beef broth (or water) to the pot to give the chili its desired consistency. Bring the chili to a simmer over medium heat. Once it reaches a simmer, reduce the heat to low and let it cook uncovered for 30–40 minutes, stirring occasionally. The chili will thicken as it cooks, and the flavors will deepen.
Step 6: Adjust the Seasonings
Taste the chili and adjust the seasonings as needed. You can add more salt, pepper, or chili powder if you like your chili spicier. If the chili is too thick, add a little more beef broth or water to reach your desired consistency.
Step 7: Serve and Garnish
Once the chili is cooked and the flavors have melded together, serve it in bowls. Top with sour cream, shredded cheddar cheese, chopped green onions, and fresh cilantro for added flavor. You can also serve the chili with tortilla chips or cornbread for a complete meal.
Tips for the Perfect Chili
- Beef Choice: Opt for lean ground beef (80/20) for a balanced mix of flavor and fat. You can also substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner version.
- Adjust Spice Levels: If you prefer a milder chili, reduce the chili powder and omit the red pepper flakes. For an extra spicy kick, add fresh jalapeños or use hot salsa instead of mild.
- Slow Cooker Option: To make this chili even more convenient, you can cook it in a slow cooker. After browning the beef, transfer everything to the slow cooker and cook on low for 6–8 hours or on high for 3–4 hours.
- Add More Vegetables: For added nutrition, consider adding diced zucchini, corn, or carrots to the chili. These vegetables blend well with the other ingredients and add extra fiber.
- Make It Ahead: Chili often tastes better the next day, as the flavors have time to meld together. Make it in advance and refrigerate it for up to 5 days or freeze it for up to 3 months.
Why You’ll Love Classic Beef Chili
- Comfort Food for All Seasons: Chili is comforting in the winter and perfect for backyard BBQs in the summer. It’s a versatile dish that fits all occasions.
- Meal Prep-Friendly: This chili recipe can be stored in the refrigerator for several days or frozen for later use, making it perfect for meal prepping.
- Rich in Protein and Fiber: Packed with protein from the ground beef and kidney beans, this chili will fill you up and keep you satisfied.
- Perfect for Feeding a Crowd: Chili is easy to make in large batches, so it’s perfect for feeding a family or hosting a party.
Conclusion
This classic beef chili recipe is a crowd-pleaser that combines savory flavors and hearty ingredients. It’s perfect for weeknight dinners or larger gatherings. With the option to adjust the spice level and toppings, it’s a customizable dish that everyone will enjoy. Try this recipe today and bring the comforting flavors of chili to your table!