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. Really good! Topped it with sour cream, cheese, green onions and avocado and it was delicious.
Wonderful! Thank you!
This is my FAVORITE CHILI RECIPE ! I have been using this recipe for years and it has always been and still is a hit! Don’t forget the Frito Lays tortilla chips and a dollop of sour cream.
Loved this!!!!
I tried this recipe and it was the best chili I have ever made..
I made chili with an add in seasoning package. Once I finished I felt there was something missing. I ran across your chili recipe and found the missing links. I will continue to use your recipe to get that down home comfort food.
This really is the best chilli I’ve ever eaten, and I’m a senior citizen just learning to cook!
This recipe is wonderful – absolutely delicious! I plan to make this several times this Winter. I added a little green pepper, oregano, and brown sugar vs. white. I did not add the cayenne. It’s the best chili I have ever had!
I love this recipe and quick and easy it is.
This is definitely the best chili recipe! I made this last night (12/06) for my husband and he absolutely loved it!! This recipe reminded me of my childhood…when my mom would make chili. Thanks so much for sharing your recipes with us.
Chilli is very good .Tonite is the fifth time I made it ! We all love it !
BEST chili EVER!!
I share this a lot with friends and family! It ALWAYS garners MUCH praise!!
THANK YOU!
I thought it was quite salty. Very good but salty- maybe cut back on the salt
Eliminate the salt completely. The canned tomato products and the kidney beans already contain salt.
This chili recipe is so good!! Everyone that tried it told me how good and how much they liked it also!!! Thanks!
Your recipe won me a chili cookoff
Great recipe 😋
Best Chilli ever!
I have a yearly church chili competition and I’m absolutely certain this recipe with crush my competition. How does the chili hold up if I were to place it on a crock pot to keep it warm for the tasting event? I don’t want to overcook it.
Kelly… I have always cooked mine in the crock pot (except for cooking the onion and beef first, then adding to the crock pot). I cook on low setting for 3-4 hours. Just turn it on warm, and bring it to the event. Hope you win !!!
This was a really easy and delicious recipe. Everyone loved it!!
I was wondering if this can be done in a crockpot as well?