Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes

Servings: 6–8

Difficulty: Easy

Ingredients

For the Chili

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 pounds ground beef (80/20 recommended for richer flavor)
• 1 large yellow onion, diced
• 1 large red bell pepper, diced
• 1 green bell pepper, diced
• 5 garlic cloves, minced
• 3 tablespoons tomato paste
• 2 (14.5-ounce/410 g) cans diced tomatoes
• 1 (28-ounce/800 g) can crushed tomatoes
• 2 (15-ounce/425 g) cans kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 (15-ounce/425 g) can pinto beans, drained and rinsed
• 2 cups beef broth
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce

Chili Seasoning Blend

• 3 tablespoons chili powder
• 2 teaspoons ground cumin
• 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
• 1 teaspoon cocoa powder (optional, for deeper flavor)

Optional Toppings

• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Sour cream or Greek yogurt
• Chopped fresh cilantro
• Sliced green onions
• Diced avocado
• Jalapeño slices
• Crushed tortilla chips
• Oyster crackers
• Lime wedges

Equipment

• Large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot
• Wooden spoon
• Cutting board
• Chef’s knife
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Ladle

Instructions

Step 1: Brown the Beef

Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven or soup pot over medium-high heat.

Add the ground beef and cook for 7–10 minutes, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon, until browned and fully cooked.

Drain excess grease if necessary, leaving a small amount for flavor.

Step 2: Cook the Vegetables

Add the diced onion and bell peppers to the pot.

Cook for 5–7 minutes until softened.

Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30–60 seconds until fragrant.

Step 3: Add the Tomato Base

Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1–2 minutes to deepen the flavor.

Add the diced tomatoes, crushed tomatoes, beef broth, and Worcestershire sauce.

Stir until everything is well combined.

Step 4: Add Beans and Seasonings

Add the kidney beans and pinto beans.

Stir in the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, cayenne pepper, and cocoa powder if using.

Mix thoroughly.

Step 5: Simmer the Chili

Bring the chili to a gentle boil.

Reduce heat to low, cover partially, and simmer for 60 minutes, stirring occasionally.

The chili should become thick, rich, and deeply flavored.

For even better flavor, simmer for up to 2 hours on low heat.

Step 6: Adjust and Finish

Taste the chili and adjust seasoning as needed.

Add more chili powder for extra spice, salt for more depth, or a splash of broth if the chili becomes too thick.

Allow the chili to rest for 10 minutes before serving.

Step 7: Serve

Ladle into bowls and add your favorite toppings.

Serve hot with cornbread, crackers, tortilla chips, or warm bread.

Serving Suggestions

Classic Chili pairs perfectly with:

• Homemade cornbread
• Garlic bread
• Tortilla chips
• Baked potatoes
• Rice
• Macaroni noodles
• Green salad
• Coleslaw
• Pickled jalapeños
• Fresh avocado

Storage

• Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Freeze for up to 3 months in freezer-safe containers.
• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheat on the stovetop over medium-low heat or in the microwave until warmed through.

Tips for Success

• Brown the beef well to create a richer, deeper flavor.
• Toasting the spices with the meat and vegetables enhances their aroma.
• Simmering longer creates a thicker, more flavorful chili.
• Use a mixture of beans for better texture and flavor.
• Add a splash of lime juice or vinegar at the end to brighten the flavors.
• For smoky chili, add chipotle peppers in adobo sauce.
• Make it a day ahead—the flavor improves after resting overnight.

Variations

Spicy Chili

Add:

• Extra cayenne pepper
• Fresh jalapeños
• Chipotle peppers
• Hot sauce

Texas-Style Chili

• Use extra beef
• Reduce or omit beans
• Add more chili peppers and spices

Slow Cooker Chili

Brown the beef and vegetables first, then transfer everything to a slow cooker. Cook on:

• Low: 6–8 hours
• High: 3–4 hours

Turkey Chili

Replace ground beef with ground turkey and use chicken broth instead of beef broth.

Nutrition Information (Per Serving, Approximate)

• Calories: 480
• Protein: 34 g
• Carbohydrates: 38 g
• Fat: 23 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Fiber: 11 g
• Sugar: 8 g
• Sodium: 780 mg
• Potassium: 1,050 mg
• Iron: 25% Daily Value

Frequently Asked Questions

Should chili have beans?

It depends on personal preference and regional style. This classic version includes beans for texture, fiber, and heartiness, but they can be adjusted or removed.

Can I make chili ahead of time?

Yes. Chili is one of the best make-ahead meals because the flavors become richer after resting.

How do I make chili thicker?

Simmer uncovered for longer, mash some beans into the sauce, or add a little extra tomato paste.

Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes. Ground turkey creates a lighter version while still absorbing the chili spices beautifully.

What is the secret to great chili?

The key is layering flavors: properly browning the meat, blooming the spices, and allowing enough simmering time for everything to come together.

Recipe Summary

This Classic Chili is a hearty, flavorful comfort food made with seasoned ground beef, beans, tomatoes, vegetables, and a bold blend of chili spices. Slowly simmered until rich and thick, it’s perfect for weeknight dinners, game-day parties, meal prep, or cozy family meals. Top it with your favorite garnishes and enjoy a timeless bowl of homemade chili packed with warmth and flavor.