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.
Me and my family love this recipe. This the only one my kids would always tell me to make. Soo much favor!!! With leftovers we make some nachos and chill dogs as well. If you looking for a chili recipe this is it 😁
I don’t know why it bothers me so much… but who eats chili with a fork!!??? Lmaooo! This is a great recipe!! I’ve made it several times now and it is the only chili recipe I use! The only small change I make is I also add black beans! I like the extra fiber and flavor 🙂 Thank you so much for this recipe!
Have to say this IS the tastiest chili I’ve ever had. Plus it uses ingredients you probably already have in your pantry so you can make it in a pinch. It will be my go to chili recipe from now on.
Best chili I’ve ever had!! Husband loved it!! Will for sure be making this again!! Thank you!! 🙂
Love making this dish the kids love it as does my husband <3
Great recipe, love chili.
Absolutely perfect! Normally I follow a recipe for the first time to the letter, but this time I had about 2 lbs Of leftover smoked beef brisket from poker night, so instead of ground beef, I diced up the brisket, and then doubled the recipe. I’ve never made chili before bc my dad is the chili king and I always have him make it for me, even though I’m 37, but I decided to try it. Google directed me here when I searched “best chili recipe” and I’m glad it did! This recipe is amazing. I wouldn’t change a thing, the spice levels are perfect.
Recipe was fantastic. I actually used ground turkey vs. ground beef. All loved it.
This was the best chilli recipe Iv done!! go for it ❤️
I love to cook and have tried several chili recipes and this is by far THE BEST I’ve ever made. I do adjust the sugar a bit, so it is not too sweet. I also make mine with turkey and not ground beef! There is not a person that doesn’t love this chili 🌶!!!
Have made this countless times using Bison! Soo delicious. Five star recipe.
This good. If you have people that don’t like heat, maybe cut down on the chili powder a little bit. Is perfect for me, not so much for the wife and 2.5yo. 5 star for sure though
Just awesome. Love it.
This is my go to chili recipe. I like to add a can of Pinto beans, fresh garlic and some orange, yellow or red bell pepper. I also use a good hot sauce instead of cayenne. This is a perfect recipe to eat as is, or experiment with to make it your own. Thanks for the great recipes Wholesome Dish!
This is without a doubt the best Chili ever. I make it using the exact ingredients and measurements. The only things I add are drained can of black and white beans.
Made this recipe several times. My Favorite hands down. Easy and tasty.
I did not have beef broth so I used organic chicken broth, no change in the chilli taste. I also added black beans (for the fibre content) It was still very delicious.
I would definitely make this one again!
This is a really good basic chili. I’ve made it several times and I usually make a double batch then freeze the leftovers. The only changes I’ve made are I leave out the sugar as I think it is plenty sweet from the tomatoes. I also use half hamburger and half sausage caue my mom’s recipe calls for that.
I really think this recipe is great as is and also provides a good base that you can adjust and tweak to your own liking. Thank you for sharing.
Can i use ground chicken instead of beef
I grew up eating and then making my grandmother’s chili recipe (beef, onion, tomato soup, chili hot beans, salt and pepper, TEASPOON of chili powder XD). Over the years I started adding to hers and recently my mother commented how tomato paste doesn’t belong in it. So I searched for a classic recipe using it specifically and found this. I just finished making it and I knew the moment I started measuring out the spices it was going to be good!! After my first taste I prayed for forgiveness because I know when I serve this tonight my mom is going to die. May she Rest In Peace.
Awesome
This the best chili recipe and it’s so delicious tangy and to die for!!
Chili was easy and basic. Sometimes getting back to basics is the best way to go. And you can use this recipe and add to it and make it your own. Five ⭐’s