The Best Classic Chili Recipe

User Reviews

5

11,550 reviews
Excellent
  • Prep Time

    5 mins

  • Cook Time

    25 mins

  • Total Time

    30 mins

  • Servings

    6 servings

  • Calories

    334 kcal

  • Cuisine

    American

The Best Classic Chili Recipe

The Best Classic Chili Recipe uses ground beef cooked with diced onion and a blend of chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and other spices to create a robust flavor. Tomatoes, kidney beans, and beef broth simmer together to develop a hearty stew with balanced heat that can be adjusted with cayenne pepper. The dish is simmered gently to meld flavors and can rest briefly before serving to deepen the taste, making it a filling and comforting meal.

Description

This chili recipe features ground beef browned with diced onion before incorporating a blend of seasonings including chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and tomato paste. Adding beef broth, diced tomatoes, kidney beans, and tomato sauce creates a thick, stew-like mixture. It cooks by simmering uncovered to reduce slightly and marry the flavors.

The chili balances savory and mildly spicy notes, depending on optional cayenne pepper inclusion. The spices develop depth while the beans and tomatoes contribute body and texture. The dish offers warmth and heartiness typical of classic American chili.

Serve this chili alone or with accompaniments like rice, cornbread, or shredded cheese. Adjust seasoning and heat level to taste. Letting it rest after cooking allows the flavors to settle before serving.

Notes mention that chili powder brands vary in heat, so choose one that fits your preferred spice level. The recipe also suggests omitting cayenne for mildness and providing hot sauce separately for those who want added heat.

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Ingredients

Servings
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 medium yellow onion -diced
  • 1 pound ground beef 90% lean
  • 2 1/2 tablespoons chili powder
  • 2 tablespoons cumin ground
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 tablespoon garlic powder
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper ground
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper optional
  • 1 1/2 cups beef broth
  • 1 (15 oz.) can diced tomatoes petite
  • 1 (16 oz.) can red kidney beans drained and rinsed
  • 1 (8 oz.) can tomato sauce

Instructions

  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.

Notes

  • Select chili powder carefully since brands differ significantly in spiciness and flavor.
  • Omit cayenne pepper for a milder chili suitable for children, and offer hot sauce on the side for adults who want extra heat.

Nutrition Information

Show Details
Serving 1/6th of the recipe Calories 334kcal (17%) Carbohydrates 34g (11%) Protein 25g (50%) Fat 11g (17%) Saturated Fat 3g (15%) Cholesterol 49mg (16%) Sodium 1249mg (52%) Potassium 1110mg (24%) Fiber 9g (36%) Sugar 10g (20%) Vitamin A 1445IU (29%) Vitamin C 12.8mg (14%) Calcium 99mg (10%) Iron 7.5mg (42%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 6servings

Amount Per Serving

Calories 334 kcal

% Daily Value*

Serving 1/6th of the recipe
Calories 334kcal 17%
Carbohydrates 34g 11%
Protein 25g 50%
Fat 11g 17%
Saturated Fat 3g 15%
Cholesterol 49mg 16%
Sodium 1249mg 52%
Potassium 1110mg 24%
Fiber 9g 36%
Sugar 10g 20%
Vitamin A 1445IU 29%
Vitamin C 12.8mg 14%
Calcium 99mg 10%
Iron 7.5mg 42%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.

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