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.
Super easy and very tasty! Great for cool nights or just when you need something quick!
The best chili ever. It seems to me, it’s hard to go wrong in making chili; so, I would sometimes ‘wing it’ which most people do. It seems like a lot of ingredients; but, you probably have most in the pantry. I add them one at the time when cooking ground beef and onions. Easy-peasy. So worth it!
Yum-MY! The past couple times I’ve made this it’s been great. I remembered this time to make the following modifications and it was even better: 1/2 tbsp of brown sugar instead of the 2 tbsp white, an extra tbsp of garlic, and two bay leaves.
I just put this in my crockpot for dinner tonight and it is phenomenal !! tastes so good
This Chili was wonderful. I used it for ‘walking tacos” a real hit with my son. I did not have cumin but did not want to go back to the store. It was lovely nonetheless. My son is having seconds! SmilewThank you for sharing.
Made tonight for first time. Actually my first time making chili and it was delicious
I haven’t made chili in quite some time and was looking for a flavorful recipe. This one right here is it! No need to buy the packet chilli seasoning with all the extra preservatives. I mixed my spices while the meat was cooking, sampled it and knew it was gonna be a hit. I made this last night with Italian chicken sausage, fire roasted tomatoes, red beans in chipotle peppers and served it over fries…. Chefs kiss
Delicious, this is a keeper!
Doubled the recipe. Husband loves it. Topped with shredded cheese and sour cream. Added some sweet corn and bell pepper. Best chili recipe!
Tasty and easy instructions. Since I mixed ground beef and ground chicken, I used vegetable broth for a more neutral liquid. I did 2 teaspoons of white pepper, 1 teaspoon of black pepper, and 1 teaspoon of cayenne pepper to give it a stronger kick.
Just tried it and it was delicious, thanks for the recipe 🥰🥰🥰
This recipe was awesome!! Great flavor
SOOOOOOO GOOD!
Made it for dinner on a rainy evening! Kids were not very eager to try it but after 1 taste they were hooked!
I am of Asian-Indian origin and used the India. Red chili powder, but 2 tbsp was waaay too much, especially for the kids, so will use 1/4 tbsp next time, but other than that, WHAT A FIND!
Where do I find your other recipes! 😍
Good!
Delicious & Simple to make! Made some corn bread and my family loved it!! Definitely a keeper! Thanks for sharing 😊
this is the second time I’ve made this recipe. My wife and I loved it! 5 stars!
This chili recipe is great,
Could taste all of the seasonings. I did drain the fat off of the hamburger before I added the ingredients and it turned out great. Everyone loved it. Looking forward to trying other recipes you have.
Best recipe! I have a big family so I double all of the ingredients, with the exception of the spices, and substitute the beef broth with stout beer. And it is amazing!
Excellent tasting Chili! Thanks for keeping it simple.
Our favorite chili recipe EVER!!!!