The Best Classic Chili Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 tbspolive oil
- 1 mediumyellow onion
-diced
- 1 lb90% lean ground beef
- 2 ½ tbspchili powder
- 2 tbspground cumin
- 2 tbspgranulated sugar
- 2 tbsptomato paste
- 1 tbspgarlic powder
- 1 ½ tspsalt
- ½ tspground black pepper
- ¼ tspground cayenne pepper**
-optional
- 1 ½ cbeef broth
- 1 canpetite diced tomatoes
- 1 canred kidney beans
- 1 cantomato sauce
Directions
- 1
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.
- 2
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.
- 3
Add the chili powder, cumin, sugar, tomato paste, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and optional cayenne. Stir until well combined.
- 4
Add the broth, diced tomatoes (with their juice), drained beans, and tomato sauce. Stir well.
- 5
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.
- 6
Remove the pot from the heat. Let the chili rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.
The Best Classic Chili Recipe
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About this Recipe
Craving a hearty, comforting bowl of classic chili that comes together in a flash? This recipe for The Best Classic Chili delivers that deeply satisfying flavor you love, ready to enjoy in just 30 minutes, making it the perfect weeknight meal.
Why This Classic Chili is a Winner
What truly sets this classic chili apart is its thoughtful blend of robust spices and pantry staples. The combination of chili powder, ground cumin, and garlic powder creates a warm, aromatic base, while a touch of granulated sugar beautifully balances the acidity from the tomato paste, diced tomatoes, and tomato sauce. This harmonious mix, simmered with savory ground beef and tender kidney beans, builds incredible depth of flavor that tastes like it cooked all day, but with a speedy prep and cook time.
Get ready for a rich, meaty chili with a perfect balance of savory, sweet, and a subtle warmth from the cayenne pepper, if you choose to include it. The texture is wonderfully satisfying, with tender ground beef, soft kidney beans, and chunky petite diced tomatoes suspended in a thick, hearty sauce. It’s the kind of comforting bowl that sticks to your ribs and warms you from the inside out, providing a truly comforting experience without the fuss.
Customization & Variations
This classic chili is incredibly versatile. While the recipe calls for lean ground beef, you could easily swap it for ground turkey or even a mix of ground pork and beef. If you prefer a milder chili, simply omit the ground cayenne pepper. For those who like extra heat, feel free to add a pinch more to taste. Though the recipe specifies kidney beans, you could experiment with other varieties like pinto or black beans for a slight flavor variation.
Serve this cozy, flavorful chili with your favorite toppings like shredded cheddar cheese, a dollop of sour cream, or fresh chopped green onions. It’s an ideal dish for a casual family dinner, a game day gathering, or a comforting meal on a chilly evening.