Warm up with a bowl of hearty classic beef chili that's packed with flavor! This easy recipe combines ground beef, beans, and aromatic spices to create a satisfying dish perfect for any occasion. Discover how to sauté veggies, season the beef, and let all the delicious ingredients simmer together in just over 50 minutes.
1 lb (450 g) ground beef
1 medium onion, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 bell pepper (red or green), diced
1 can (15 oz/425 g) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
1 can (15 oz/425 g) black beans, drained and rinsed
1 can (28 oz/794 g) crushed tomatoes
2 tablespoons chili powder
1 tablespoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon dried oregano
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
2 tablespoons olive oil
Optional toppings: shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped green onions, diced avocado
![To make a tasty classic beef chili, you need some key ingredients. Each one adds to the rich flavor and hearty texture. - Ground beef: 1 lb (450 g) gives the chili its meaty base. - Vegetables: Use 1 medium onion, 1 bell pepper, and 3 cloves of garlic. These add flavor and nutrition. - Beans: Use 1 can of kidney beans and 1 can of black beans. They provide protein and fiber. - Crushed tomatoes: 1 can (28 oz/794 g) brings moisture and a fresh taste. - Spices: Combine 2 tablespoons chili powder, 1 tablespoon ground cumin, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, and 1 teaspoon dried oregano. These spices create the chili's signature flavor. - Salt and pepper: Season to taste. These enhance all the other flavors. - Olive oil: 2 tablespoons are needed for sautéing the vegetables. When serving your chili, toppings can make it even better. Here are some great options: - Shredded cheese: Adds creaminess and richness. - Sour cream: Provides a cool contrast to the heat. - Chopped green onions: Adds color and freshness. - Diced avocado: Offers a buttery texture. For the complete preparation steps, check the Full Recipe. First, warm 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add 1 medium onion and 1 diced bell pepper. Sauté these for about 5 minutes. You want the onion to turn soft and clear. This step builds a strong flavor base. Next, stir in 3 minced garlic cloves. Let the garlic cook for another minute. Be careful not to let it burn, as burnt garlic can taste bitter. Now, it's time to add the star of the show: 1 pound of ground beef. Break apart the meat with a wooden spoon as you add it to the pot. Cook it for about 5 to 7 minutes until it turns brown. If there’s extra fat in the pot, drain it now for a cleaner taste. After browning the meat, season it well. Add 2 tablespoons of chili powder, 1 tablespoon of ground cumin, 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon of dried oregano, and salt and pepper to taste. Mix everything together, so the spices coat the meat evenly. This seasoning is key to a flavorful chili. Now, let's combine all the ingredients. Pour in 28 ounces of crushed tomatoes and stir to mix them with the beef. Then add 1 can each of drained kidney beans and black beans. Mix well until everything is combined. Reduce the heat to low and let the chili simmer uncovered for 30 to 40 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. This simmering time helps all the flavors blend beautifully. Before serving, taste your chili. Adjust the seasoning if needed. If you like heat, add some hot sauce or a pinch of cayenne pepper. Finally, let it rest for a few minutes to deepen the flavors before you serve. For the full recipe, check the details above. To make your chili pop, adjust the spices. Start with the basics like chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika. You can add more chili powder for depth, or a hint of smoked paprika for warmth. For heat options, consider cayenne pepper or chopped jalapeños. You can add these at the end for a kick. If you want a milder chili, remove the seeds from the peppers. This simple step will help control the spice level. Simmering is key to the perfect chili. Let it cook low and slow for at least 30 minutes. This allows the flavors to blend well. Stir it occasionally to keep it from sticking. Managing fat is also crucial. After browning the beef, drain any extra fat. Too much grease can make the chili heavy. If it seems too lean, you can add a splash of beef broth for richness without extra fat. For ideal pairings, serve your chili with cornbread or rice. These sides will soak up the sauce and balance the meal. When presenting the dish, choose deep bowls. Top each serving with shredded cheese and a dollop of sour cream. A sprinkle of green onions or diced avocado adds color. For an extra crunch, add tortilla chips on the side. This makes for a vibrant and inviting dish. For the full recipe, check out the [Full Recipe]. {{image_4}} Chili is flexible, and you can change the beans. Common choices include kidney beans, black beans, and pinto beans. Each type adds its own flavor and texture. If you want something unique, try lentils. They cook fast and add a nice bite. Lentils also help thicken your chili. You can swap out the ground beef. Ground turkey or chicken works well. These meats are leaner but still tasty. For a vegetarian option, use mushrooms or textured vegetable protein. Both provide a hearty texture and soak up spices nicely. To make your chili stand out, add cocoa or coffee. These ingredients deepen the flavor and add richness. You can also explore regional spices, like chipotle for heat or cumin for warmth. Each twist gives your chili a new personality and keeps it exciting. For the full recipe, check out the complete guide to making hearty classic beef chili. To keep your chili fresh, store it right. First, let the chili cool to room temperature. Then, put it in an airtight container. You can keep it in the fridge for up to four days. For freezing, use freezer-safe bags or containers. This way, it lasts for about three months. Label each bag with the date. That helps you keep track. When you’re ready to enjoy your chili again, reheat it properly. The best way is on the stove over medium heat. Stir it often to prevent sticking. You can also use a microwave. Just heat it in short bursts. Stir in between to make sure it warms evenly. To keep the taste, do not overcook it. If it seems too thick, add a splash of water or broth. This keeps it tasty and helps regain that great texture. You can serve many tasty sides with Classic Beef Chili. Here are some great options: - Cornbread: This soft bread pairs well with chili's flavors. - Rice: A scoop of rice can balance the hearty chili. - Tortilla Chips: These add a nice crunch and make a fun snack. - Salad: A fresh green salad can lighten the meal. - Sour Cream and Cheese: Toppings like these add creaminess and flavor. Cooking Classic Beef Chili takes about 55 minutes in total. Here’s a break down: - Prep Time: 15 minutes to chop and measure. - Cooking Time: About 40 minutes to simmer and blend flavors. This quick time makes it easy to enjoy a warm meal on busy days. Yes, you can use a slow cooker for Classic Beef Chili. Here’s how: - Sauté the onion, garlic, and peppers first. - Add these vegetables to the slow cooker with the beef and spices. - Pour in the crushed tomatoes and beans. - Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. This method lets the flavors meld more deeply. Classic Beef Chili can be as spicy as you want. It usually has a mild heat. Here are some ways to adjust the spice: - Add more chili powder: This boosts the heat level. - Use hot sauce: A few drops can add a nice kick. - Cayenne pepper: A pinch can spice things up. You can taste as you go to find your perfect heat level. In this article, we explored how to make a great chili. We covered essential ingredients, step-by-step cooking methods, and tips for flavor and texture. I shared variations to fit your taste and preferences. Remember, you can customize it to suit what you like. Enjoy your chili adventure! Experiment with toppings and sides for the best experience. Your homemade chili can become a family favorite. Happy cooking!](https://dailydishcraft.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/76966a91-e8ab-4e1b-a6a1-cae542adee30-250x250.webp)