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.
Made this for the first time tonight for a Chili cookoff, I used ground turkey, added 3 T of paste to add more tomato flavor, and since I didn’t have kidney beans I used black beans. I won 2nd place!! This was delicious chili and I can’t wait to make it again!!
I don’t usually leave reviews for anything really, but I made this chili and my family loves it. I was skeptical of adding sugar but this chili is really amazing. I added a couple minced cloves of garlic with the onions at the beginning and yeah I just have to say thank you for sharing this recipe!!
Delicious!!! I cut the cayenne in half and it was perfect. We served it over cornbread and garnished with cheddar cheese, sour cream and green onions. It was excellent!
Freakin GOOD!!!! Thank you so much!! I cooked it according to the recipe 🧡🧡🧡
Excellent recipe that is easy to follow and tastes delicious!
My fiancé loved it.
Seriously the best chili ever! When I double the recipe I use 1lb of Turkey burger and 1lb of bison. It is so good!
This is my favorite chili recipe! It’s perfect! Thank you for sharing. 😊
Fabulous! Thank you!
Very tasty easy to make. Love it
Love this recipe! Just made it this morning but have it simmering in a crock pot. My house smells amazing!
Great, maybe less sugar.
Super easy and delicious! Personally, I like replacing the cayenne with chipotle powder now and then for a lighter spice and a smokier flavor. Thank you 😀
Tastes great! Easy to make!
Really good. Make it a few times a month
Made 3x the serving size of this and its by far the best and tastiest chili I’ve ever had. Served it with sour cream and mild/sharp cheddar cheese on top! I am not into super spicy, and still loved the cayenne in it for a little spice!
This was a really great recipe, even though I was missing some key ingredients. I’ll definitely be making it again with ALL of the ingredients! 10/10
Great recipe. Chilli turned out delicious. I left out cayenne pepper as well. It was just right for hubby and me. That’s again best chilli ever!
Wow!! Did I just say Wow? O meant to say Wow,Wow,Wow!!!!
By far the Best Easiest Chili recipe!! Thank you!
It is just like my mother made. Brings back memories of coming home from school for lunch to a delicious bowl of chili