Warm up with this hearty classic beef chili that’s packed with flavor and easy to make! This recipe combines ground beef, kidney beans, and vibrant veggies in a rich, savory broth that’s perfect for cozy nights. It's simple enough for beginners and deliciously satisfying for everyone.
1 lb (450g) ground beef
1 medium onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 bell pepper (red or green), chopped
1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 tablespoon chili powder
1 teaspoon cumin
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon oregano
Salt and pepper to taste
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 cup beef broth
Optional toppings: sour cream, shredded cheese, chopped green onions
![To make the best classic beef chili, you will need: - 1 lb (450g) ground beef - 1 medium onion, diced - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 bell pepper (red or green), chopped - 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes - 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed - 2 tablespoons tomato paste - 1 tablespoon chili powder - 1 teaspoon cumin - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - 1 teaspoon oregano - Salt and pepper to taste - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1 cup beef broth These ingredients come together to create a hearty and flavorful dish. Each one adds its own taste and depth to the chili. The ground beef gives it a rich base, while the beans add texture. The spices truly bring this dish to life. Toppings can elevate your chili. Consider these options: - Sour cream - Shredded cheese - Chopped green onions These toppings add creaminess, zest, and crunch. You can mix and match based on your taste. You might need to adjust ingredients for dietary needs. Here are some ideas: - Swap ground beef with ground turkey or lentils for a lighter option. - Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth for a vegetarian chili. - Try black beans instead of kidney beans for different flavors. These substitutions make the chili more inclusive for everyone. You can enjoy a delicious bowl no matter your dietary needs. If you want the full recipe, check it out here: [Full Recipe]. To start, gather all your ingredients. This makes cooking easier and faster. You will need: - 1 lb (450g) ground beef - 1 medium onion, diced - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 bell pepper (red or green), chopped - 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes - 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed - 2 tablespoons tomato paste - 1 tablespoon chili powder - 1 teaspoon cumin - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - 1 teaspoon oregano - Salt and pepper to taste - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1 cup beef broth - Optional toppings: sour cream, shredded cheese, chopped green onions Now, chop the onion and bell pepper. Mince the garlic. This helps to release their flavors. Next, heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the diced onion and bell pepper. Sauté them for about 5 minutes until they soften. After that, stir in the minced garlic. Cook for another minute. You want to smell the garlic but not burn it. Then, add the ground beef to the pot. Break it apart with a spatula. Cook until it turns brown, about 5 to 7 minutes. If there is excess fat, drain it. Now, sprinkle in the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix well to coat the beef and vegetables. Next, stir in the tomato paste, diced tomatoes (along with their juice), kidney beans, and beef broth. This will create a thick and hearty base. Bring the mixture to a simmer. Once it simmers, reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Let it cook for at least 30 to 40 minutes. Stir occasionally to keep it from sticking. This allows all the flavors to blend together. Before serving, taste the chili. Adjust the seasoning if needed. Enjoy your hearty classic beef chili with your favorite toppings. For the full recipe, you can refer to the earlier sections. To make your beef chili taste even better, try these tips: - Use fresh spices. Fresh chili powder and cumin give a stronger flavor. - Add a splash of beer or wine to deepen the taste. - Include a teaspoon of cocoa powder for a rich finish. - A dash of hot sauce can add heat and zing. - Let the chili simmer longer to mix the flavors well. Here are some common mistakes when making chili: - Don’t rush the browning of the beef. This adds deep flavor. - Avoid using too much liquid. It can make the chili too soupy. - Don’t forget to taste as you cook. Adjust salt and spice as needed. - Skip the canned beans if you want a smoother texture. Go for dried beans instead. - Don’t skip the resting time. Letting the chili sit helps the flavors meld. These tools will help you make the best chili: - A large pot or Dutch oven is perfect for even cooking. - A wooden spoon helps you stir without scratching your pot. - Use a sharp knife for chopping onions and peppers. - A can opener makes it easy to open your diced tomatoes and beans. - A ladle is great for serving your chili into bowls. For the full recipe, check out the entire section on Classic Beef Chili. {{image_2}} You can make a great chili without meat. Use lentils or mushrooms instead of beef. Lentils add protein and a nice texture. Mushrooms bring a savory, umami flavor. You can also use black beans or chickpeas. These options keep the dish hearty and filling. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth. You can find many great recipes online for vegetarian versions. You can control the spice level in your chili. If you like it hot, add jalapeños or cayenne pepper. For a milder chili, skip the spicy peppers. You can use sweet bell peppers for flavor without heat. Adjust the chili powder to make it less spicy too. Always taste as you go to find your perfect balance. Mix in unique ingredients to make your chili stand out. Try adding corn for sweetness and texture. A splash of beer can deepen the flavor, too. Want a smoky taste? Add chipotle peppers in adobo sauce. Fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley can add freshness. You can also add a bit of dark chocolate for richness. Experiment with your favorite flavors to create something special. For the full recipe, check out the Hearty Classic Beef Chili. After enjoying your hearty classic beef chili, let it cool. Place leftovers in an airtight container. Store it in the fridge for up to four days. Make sure to label the container with the date. This helps you track how long it has been stored. You can freeze classic beef chili if you want to save some for later. Use a freezer-safe container or a heavy-duty freezer bag. Leave some space at the top to allow for expansion. It can last for about three months in the freezer. When you're ready to eat, just thaw it in the fridge overnight. To reheat leftovers, choose your method. You can use a pot on the stove or a microwave. If using the stove, heat on medium-low, stirring often. This helps it heat evenly. If using a microwave, place in a microwave-safe bowl and cover it loosely. Heat in short intervals, stirring in between, until hot. Always check if it's heated throughout before serving. For the best taste, enjoy your chili warm with fresh toppings. Classic Beef Chili lasts about 3 to 4 days in the fridge. Store it in an airtight container. Make sure it cools down before you put it away. This helps keep the flavors fresh. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing it. Yes, you can make Classic Beef Chili in a slow cooker. Brown the beef, onion, and garlic first. Then, add all the other ingredients to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours. This method makes the chili rich and tasty. You can serve Classic Beef Chili with several tasty sides. Here are some ideas: - Crusty bread or rolls for dipping - Tortilla chips for crunch - Rice for a filling option - A simple green salad for freshness - Toppings like sour cream, shredded cheese, and green onions add flavor and fun. For the full recipe, check out the details above! We covered a lot about making classic beef chili. You learned the ingredients you need, including options for toppings and swaps for diets. I shared clear steps to prepare and cook your chili. We also explored tips to boost flavor and avoid mistakes. Don't forget to store leftovers properly and try variations to keep it fresh. Classic beef chili is versatile, and you can adapt it however you like. Enjoy the process and your delicious chili!](https://greenmealmap.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/29eaba2d-7d18-468a-baa0-e1586d2a70c4-250x250.webp)