Introduction
Classic Beef Chili is the ultimate comfort food – warm, hearty, and packed with rich flavors. This beloved dish features ground beef simmered with beans, tomatoes, onions, peppers, and a blend of aromatic spices. Perfect for chilly evenings, game day gatherings, or a quick weeknight dinner, chili never goes out of style.
It’s a one-pot wonder that fills your home with irresistible aromas while delivering a delicious, satisfying meal. Whether you like it mild or spicy, this recipe can be tailored to suit your preferences, making it a family favorite.
Why I Love This Recipe
I love this Classic Beef Chili because it strikes the perfect balance of savory, smoky, and spicy. The beef adds richness, while the beans give it heartiness and nutrition. It’s incredibly versatile – you can serve it over rice, with cornbread, or even as a topping for baked potatoes and nachos.
Another reason this chili is a must-try is that it tastes even better the next day after the flavors meld together. It’s budget-friendly, easy to make, and freezes beautifully, which means you can always have a batch ready for busy days.
Why It’s a Must-Try Dish
- Flavorful & filling: A true comfort food that pleases everyone.
- Easy one-pot meal: Simple prep, minimal cleanup.
- Customizable: Adjust spice levels, swap beans, or even make it vegetarian.
- Great for meal prep: Stores and freezes very well.
- Crowd-pleaser: Perfect for potlucks, family dinners, and gatherings.
Preparation & Cooking Time
- Preparation Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Servings: 6 servings
- Calories: ~350 calories per serving
Cuisine & Course
- Cuisine: American, Tex-Mex
- Course: Main Course
Ingredients
For the Chili:
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large onion, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 ½ lbs (700 g) ground beef
- 2 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (15 oz) can diced tomatoes
- 1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup beef broth (or water)
- 1 tsp sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
For Garnish (optional but recommended):
- Fresh cilantro, chopped
- Shredded cheddar cheese
- Sour cream
- Sliced jalapeños
- Green onions, chopped
Simple Cooking Directions
- Sauté aromatics (onion, garlic, and peppers).
- Brown the beef until fully cooked.
- Stir in spices to bloom their flavors.
- Add tomatoes, beans, and broth.
- Simmer until thickened and flavorful.
- Taste and adjust seasoning before serving.
Step-by-Step Recipe Preparation
- Heat the oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add onion and red bell pepper, cooking for 4–5 minutes until softened.
- Stir in the garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spoon. Cook until browned, about 7–8 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Sprinkle in chili powder, cumin, paprika, cayenne, oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir well to coat the beef and veggies.
- Add crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, beans, and beef broth. Mix to combine.
- Bring the chili to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover partially and let simmer for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- If too thick, add more broth or water. If too thin, simmer uncovered until thickened.
- Taste and adjust with salt, pepper, or sugar if needed.
- Serve hot, topped with your favorite garnishes.
How to Serve
- Serve in bowls topped with cheese, sour cream, and cilantro.
- Pair with warm cornbread or crusty bread.
- Spoon over rice, baked potatoes, or nachos for variety.
Additional Recipe Tips
- Blooming the spices in oil intensifies flavor.
- Use a mix of beans for better texture.
- Let the chili rest for 10 minutes before serving for a thicker consistency.
- Make it ahead – flavors develop and deepen overnight.
Variations
- Vegetarian: Swap beef for lentils, quinoa, or plant-based ground meat.
- Spicy Kick: Add chipotle peppers in adobo sauce.
- Turkey Chili: Substitute ground turkey for beef.
- No Beans: Skip beans for a classic Texas-style chili.
- Slow Cooker: Cook on low for 6–8 hours for hands-free prep.
Freezing & Storage
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Freezer: Freeze in portions for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stove.
Special Equipment Needed
- Large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Ladle for serving
Conclusion
Classic Beef Chili is the ultimate comfort dish – hearty, flavorful, and endlessly adaptable. It’s a dish that satisfies every craving, perfect for cold nights, family gatherings, or game days. With its rich flavors, versatility, and ease of preparation, this chili truly deserves a spot in your regular meal rotation.
Classic Beef Chili
Description
Classic Beef Chili is the ultimate comfort food – warm, hearty, and packed with rich flavors. This beloved dish features ground beef simmered with beans, tomatoes, onions, peppers, and a blend of aromatic spices.
Ingredients
For the Chili:
For Garnish (optional but recommended):
Instructions
-
Heat the oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion and red bell pepper, cooking for 4–5 minutes until softened. Stir in the garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
-
Add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spoon. Cook until browned, about 7–8 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
-
Sprinkle in chili powder, cumin, paprika, cayenne, oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir well to coat the beef and veggies. Add crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, beans, and beef broth. Mix to combine. Bring the chili to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover partially and let simmer for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. If too thick, add more broth or water. If too thin, simmer uncovered until thickened.
-
Taste and adjust with salt, pepper, or sugar if needed. Serve hot, topped with your favorite garnishes.
