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.
Incredible recipe! I made it for my boyfriend. I added chopped red bell pepper and it was delicious! I also kept the stove on low heat prior to serving so it stayed warm. Thank you!!!
I’ve added this to my regular rotation of recipes. It truly is a classic chili. Husband loves it. And I love how easy it is to make ;3
I typically like spicier chili, however with three picky kids, I made this recipe and they all loved it. I continue to follow this recipe now and we enjoy it.
Tastes Great! Easy to make. 3 year old gave it 2 thumbs up! 👍🏻👍🏻
It was delicious! The recipe was exact, the ingredients were on-hand, and the directions were simple to follow!
Thank you for this recipe. It will be used now for every time I make chili.
This chili is criminally good. Please make this. You will thank me later.
I just had my husband stop at the store to get a few things for this recipe. I’m hoping it will be good. My husband is so picky when it comes to chili. 🤞🏼
I thank you!
I used elk burger, and this is probably THE BEST chili I have ever made ! Thanks so very much for the recipe
sounds good. Is 25 mins enough for it?
Sooooo yummy! THe best chili I’ve made! I just put in about 3/4 Tbsp less chili powder so it wouldn’t be spicy for me or the kids!
What can I use instead of beef broth ?
Chicken broth
Vegetable or mushroom broth maybe if your tryna make it vegan, I made mine vegan tonight with gardien grounds so good
Chicken broth or vegetable stock.
Vegetable broth should work or even water
Are you trying to avoid meat? If so, you can try vegetable broth. If you are just looking for a substitute in your pantry, you could try chicken broth or just water with a dash of extra salt. Or even a bouillon cube.
Add a 2nd 8oz can of tomato sauce. That’s what I did, turned out great.
Chicken broth or vegetable broth. Can also use water and bouillon cubes.
I use beer
I didn’t use any broth. I used 2 cans of tomatoes
Hi! I used turkey and then chicken broth since we don’t eat red meat !
Great recipe, I added liquid smoke to the beef and added corn and peppers. Turned out to be the best chili I’ve ever made! Thanks a bunch!!:)
This chili is amazing! Perfect mix of spices and seasonings. It makes a great base to add in extras too. I substituted ground venison and added a can of green chili’s. Sooooo good!
How much liquid smoke to one pound ground beef?
I used chicken broth and seasoned diced tomatoes. Added a drizzle of olive oil. It turned out delicious.
If I double the recipe should I double all ingredients? Thanks!
Amazing chili recipe. I used Rotel instead of regular diced tomatoes. Only mistake I made was adding the sugar. Will omit it next time.
Made it for the second time. Husband hates what I cook. He came back for seconds both times.
Great Everytime I make it
This turns out awesome every time. I leave out the cayenee.
I add cocoa powder. Great recipe!
I made this for a chili cook off at my work and I won first place! I had never made chili on my own before, so I am grateful I found this recipe.
Delicious!!! I first found this a couple years back and it is still my favorite. Once I found this recipe, I haven’t needed any other chili recipe. The flavors are so good! Highly recommend!
Great recipe!!!!! I guess most people don’t realize that it’s not unusual to add sugar to recipes containing tomato sauce because it cuts down on the acidity and makes it more balanced. I sometimes add corn to mine as well.
So, I rarely cook anything that’s cool. Hubby has been asking off and on for chili. I found your recipe and it looked simple enough, so I gave it a try. My hubby went nuts for it! I believe I did very well! Easy peasy for me! I hate kidney beans…I only added one can. I LOVED them! This recipe spice clearly made them stupid good! I just made it again tonight and am waiting for it as I write. TY TY TY! I’ve got to look at more of your recipes! I feel like a chef now and this has motivated me to cook more things that I never thought I could do.