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.
SOOOO good! Really great flavors and easy to make. I added red pepper flakes for a kick. Also doubled the amount of diced tomatoes and tomato paste. Will make again and again.
Quick, Easy & Delicious. Easy on the pocketbook, too. Perfect chili.
I had made this receipt and every time is has been a huge success! I do modify the spices to my liking specially the chili. Thank you
Everyone loved it! Tastier than my regular recipe. I will definitely fix again. Thank you!
Simple and perfect, followed every step came out amazing! Going to try leftover prime rib instead of ground beef… probably going to be terrible.
I have made this recipe several times and it is now my go-to chili recipe! Delicious!
I like this recipe! Very good.
I just made this chili tonight and have to say it’s delicious I made it for 12 servings so I can have leftovers the only thing I would say is if you don’t like a lot of spice I would encourage to cut it down a bit the chili powder and cumin and cayenne but other than that it’s awesome…….thanks.
The recipe calls for sugar! Do you omit while on the 40 day fast??
I’ve tried many chili recipes trying to duplicate Moms and this one is the closest. I added a can of fire roasted green chili peppers and besides the ground beef cut up small chunks of sirloin, browned them with the hamburger and simmered the pot for 45 minutes. This is the best chili EVER! Made my own tortilla’s and ate way to much, but it’s so good it’s worth it.
Spice it up at the table, So everyone gets what they like.
So delicious! I made it without onions and garlic powder – FODMAP style – and put in a table spoon of ground cloves instead of cayenne pepper. Also added an extra can of mixed beans, and skipped the tomato paste (didn’t have any!). It was delish!!!
It’s a family favorite. I always make it with ground venison and it suits it perfectly. I leave out the cayenne and sometimes add a bit of semi sweet chocolate or a beer……it doesn’t need modification at all!!! Thanks for sharing it!
Is it OK to use chili ready diced tomatoes
So good. I used sausage and ground Turkey instead of ground beef. Add corn
The best and easiest I’ve ever made. Get lots of compliments.
50 years old and never had a favorite chili recipe until now!
Every time I make this easy recipe I get rave reviews. Thank you for sharing!
This is the best chili recipe ever! I do 4 tbsp of sugar and add the cayenne which makes the perfect sweet and spicy. This is a go to. So glad I found this recipe.
I don’t ever leave reviews but this chili recipe is solid – coming from a Texican. Thank you!