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.
Fantabulastic
I never write reviews but this recipe deserved one. I’ve tried several online chili recipes and this is by far the best one I’ve ever made. It was a hit with the family! Definitely a must try! No need to go looking for any other recipe!
Being Puertorican and not brought up with Chilli even though I’ve lived in Texas 50 years , I never took challenge to make Homemade Chilli.
Your recipe was super easy to follow and I got all the ingredients the receipe called for.
It turned out Awesome! I wanted Chilli dogs for Labor Day and I will eat the Chilli by itself, some Tabasco and crackers.Thanks again!!!( I used black beans instead of red)
One of the better recipes out there for a thick, wholesome chili.
Great chili recipe. My go-to for chili. I substitute masa harina for tomato paste. Adds a nice flavor.
Savory, hearty flavor, makes a great base . I amp it up with different chilis , or variety of beans. Freezes well too!
This recipe is absolutely amazing. It is so flavorful and I didn’t have to change a single thing. I made it exactly like the recipe says. It is definitely one of my to go meals for the week. It was so easy to make too.
Thank you for sharing the ultimate recipe this came out fantastic!
Absolutely delicious. Didn’t put cayenne, and added some frozen corn kernels and some chopped fresh mushrooms. The flavours in this recipe are delicious.
Can this recipe be made with Stevia instead of sugar?
I used stevia and it worked out great fyi
Made this Chili for dinner and it was absolutely fantastic! Loved the simplicity of the recipe as well!
Delish! And so easy to make. My husband came home and said he wasn’t hungry. Then? He managed to polish off a decent sized bowl.
I also made Jalapeño Corn Bread for that extra kick. And, that was a winner also!
A perfect combination.
This is my new favorite recipe. Can’t wait until winter.
I’ve been making this chili for over a year now. It is so good!
We make this all the time and love it
Question. When doubling up the recipe does the cook times change? I would assume so
Very good, easy recipe, nice flavor
I made this and it is delicious!!
Best Chilli recipe EVER! Thank you
LOVE this recipe! Everyone loves it, and it’s so easy! It gets lots of compliments! I always serve it like a chili bar with cornbread, sour cream, green onions, shredded cheddar, avocado, crackers, and Mexican type chips! Yummmmm!
Yum!
Can we talk about how forgiving and adaptable this recipe is?! I have made it strictly adhering to the ingredients. Fantastic. I have made while missing half the ingredients. Stupendous. I have made it at 3am, drunk, stumbling and slurring, not measuring anything – still amazing. I just made it again on my day off, half working-half doing laundry, sipping an early Vod-Sod, and I think this might be the most amazing version yet (added extra tomato paste and beef broth, Parmesan and sour cream). This is hands down the quickest and most delicious Chili I have ever had. You cannot mess it up. Quit scrolling and make this already!!!