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.
So good! It has just the right amount of spice/kick. Easy to follow and doesn’t take too long. I added diced green pepper and corn, (and jalapeño and avocado to the top).
Made this today. Wow! Will be my go to chili recipe. I used pinto beans instead of kidney beans because that’s what I had. Also added green pepper. Wife said it was best chili I have made! This one is a keeper.
Great recipe but next time I would start with 1/2 the sugar. Great flavor but a bit sweet
I am now a fan! I am a teacher and look for recipes that are fast, easy and inexpensive. However, the number one ingredient is taste. It’s hard to find any recipes online that have great taste, but are also fast easy and inexpensive. This chili recipe is the best I’ve ever had. I will now be looking up all of the recipes from Amanda. Thank you for making my life easier and happier!
My first attempt at chili and it turned out great. Doubled the beans by adding a can of pinto beans as well (added more sauce and tomatoes to compensate). Wanted to spice it up as well so I added diced poblano peppers with onions and some dabs of hot sauce at the end. Thanks for the recipe.
Hello! I am fixing to make this recipe, the 12 servings. BUT, I just realized I do not have enough garlic powder and can not run to the store! Can I substitute the garlic powder for minced garlic? If so, how much would I need to use? Thank you so much! 😊
Love this chili. The taste is amazing.
Amazing! Such a crowd pleaser. I went ahead and made the alterations below and I highly recommend!:
My alterations:
-double the meat
-put 2 tablespoons of brown sugar
-1 jalapeño
-minced garlic
-+ 1-2 tablespoons of chili powder
For some reason, mine tasted a little heavy on the chili powder and cumin. But otherwise fantastic tasting. I am going to try your modifications. Sounds good.
My go-to chili recipe for the past 3 years! The best
This is, by far, THE best chili!!! I’ve given this recipe out so much thru the years because EVERYONE loves it!
I subbed beyond meat and vegetable broth to make it vegan. I also added corn. Delicious!
Amazing chili recip my family love it ❤️
Yummy 😋 made this for a family party and I will definitely be using this recipe again. Easy and delicious!
I made this tonight it was amazing! Thank you so much ♥️
Best recipe ive ever tasted! Followed recipe to the exact. Making for the 2nd time and many many more
I love this recipe. It’s quick and easy. I do add fresh garlic and black beans to the recipe. It’s definitely a go to Chili recipe
I’ve got two little ones that are fairly picky with spices. Thanks for a nice simple recipe that they love.
Best chili ever! I did use 2lb of ground beef and 2 cans Ranch Style Beans. Loved all of the spices.
So delicious and SO easy!! Making for the second week in a row!!
I made this chili and it was delicious! I have picky eaters in my house but everyone ate this and there unfortunately were no leftovers…next time I am doubling the recipe :0)