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.
This is straight-up good chili, just by sticking to the basics. I made two changes — used fresh minced garlic instead of the powder, and used black beans since I don’t like kidney beans. Delicious!!
The flavors are perfect! Definitely the most delicious chili I have made, maybe tasted.. I used a combo of black beans and cannellini beans, fresh garlic and added corn.. thank you for sharing this flavourful and simple recipe! ❤️
I give this recipe 5 stars
My Daughter made this chili when we were visiting and liked it. She gave me the recipe and when me and my husband want some good chili I make this. It’s our favorite now.
Unbelievably good! I make it with half turkey and half ground beef. I usually only add 1/8 teaspoon of cayenne. I goes so quickly at my house that I’ve started making double the amount and even then my husband says, “Funny how you think this is going to last more than a day.”
Excellent and delicious recipe; very clear instructions, will be one of the family’s favorites
Wow! Nicely spiced, quick cooking chili that really hits the spot. When it’s chilly outside, it’s chili inside! Thanks for a great recipe. Love the heat from the spices.
This is real chili. Thanks for the recipe!
I’ve made this chili twice for my wife and I. We love it.
Amazing. Great flavor and thickness. Super easy too.
This is the best chili recipe I’ve tried. I discovered it about a year ago and it’s a staple in my winter rotation. Occasionally I add a jalapeño pepper chopped, or just a regular green pepper, but the recipe doesn’t need anything extra to be delicious.
This recipe made me won a work chilli contest !! Thank you!!!
I’ve had this recipe bookmarked for ??? only God knows how long. Finally made it today! Simple, Delicious & Quick! My favorite ingredients to a recipe! You’re the best! THANK YOU!!! 💙 💙💙💃🏾
Yes, indeed a delicious, simple recipe from start to finish in less than 30 minutes. I use pinto beans instead of kidney and pressure cook them fresh!😋Sometimes I’ll ad a finely chopped jalapeño for extra spice and flavor!
Very good!
Great recipe best chili recipe ever!
I really liked this basic recipe! Doesn’t take hours and is very tasty. Thanks!
I won’t lose this recipe! Loads of compliments when brought to a work pot luck. Now they keep asking for me to bring it. Easy to make.
So Easy and so favourable!!! Best chili ever
I made this chili it is really good so I had to make it again I will keep this recipe