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 the perfect ratio of chili powder and cumin. I left out the cayenne because we are wanting just a universally good chili without a kick.
I also used a Vidalia onion but just because I had that on hand. I also added a can of pinto beans.
I think this a perfect recipe as written but one that allows minor adjustments for your family.
I’ve made this on the stovetop, and it was a big hit. I’d like to double the ingredients for a larger crowd and make it in the crockpot. Do I need to make any adjustments to the ingredients? Thanks
Added some Hatch chilli’s 🌶 to spice it up, was VERY good 👍
I have tried this recipe and I have to say it is the best chili recipe hands down!!! This was so yummy and my family thoroughly enjoyed every bite lol. Definitely my go to when I need to make a pot of chili.
You are a lifesaver! My (adult) kids despise chili and especially if it has beans in it. After trying this recipe, exactly as written, they now beg me to make my (your) chili regularly, and they even eat the beans! Added bonus is that it’s completely gluten free, as long as I watch my ingredients. Thank you so much for sharing this recipe with the world!
Love it but i added a few extra things an it was even better i luv it ty
This is the best! So so good! Does anyone know the serving size? I know it’s says 6 servings but I need to know the amount in a serving size
This is truly the BEST Classic Chili recipe. All I did was add one more secret ingredient and won 1st place at a chili cook off at church! First prize was a new ladle, which I really did need. 😃
Thank you for this excellent recipe!
Quick and easy
I will only use 1 T of sugar next time.
I’ve been using this recipe for years. I cook it anytime I want to impress someone and I have received compliments every single time, without fail. Minimal clean up and soooo yummy!! I add extra broth and hatch green chilis sometimes so good
It is truly the best! I plan to use it in an upcoming chili cookoff. Just wondering what is the size of the servings that the nutritional information is based on.
The best chili ever. I make it multiple times a year!
I ws never fond of homemade chilli until I tried this recipe. My husband loves it, too
Best chili recipe! Big hit with my family. We make it often. I use only 1 TBS of sugar and add cayenne. So great!
Simple, quick , and delicious. I only had Bison instead of ground beef. This recipe is a keeper. Thank you for sharing.
I’ve made this chilli before on several occasions
Following the recipe as usual or making some modifications
Tonight I didn’t have any tomato sauce so I used 2 cans of diced tomatoes and 2 cans of beans (white and red kidney beans) so it tonight it was extra chunky- but that’s great cuz I love that.
It’s not overly spicy which is great for the kids
It’s easy to come together and quickly which is great for weeknight meals
I make this more often in the winter and serve it with tortilla chips and sour cream and the kids love it. Thank you for an awesome recipe and even if you don’t follow it exactly, it still turns out great!
I have this recipe saved and have made it dozens on times- it is sooo yummy; my friends all rave every time i make it.
Every time I make this chili I get the best compliments! I even used this recipe in a chili cook off amongst friends and it was a hit! Came in 2nd!
i’ve made this recipe twice and i love it! super delicious, flavourful, and easy to whip up quickly. i did however make some changes! i decided to forego the sugar, and substituted the beef broth for vegetable broth (just what i had on hand). i also added a healthy amount of minced garlic and an extra can of kidney beans, as i enjoy a bean-heavy chili.
This is always a hit with my hubby. This time, I only have chicken broth. Is it ok to substitute? Thank you!
My family asks for this chili all the time. This recipe is definitely a keeper! Thank you.
Love this recipe. I use only one TBSP of sugar. Also Rotel tomatoes are very good in the recipe. I used mild but the regular is a tad more spicy. Also if you don’t like kidney beans or don’t have any chili beans are great, too.
We eat this regularly in the winter.