Name: Classic Chili Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 20 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound ground beef; 1 medium onion, chopped; 1/2 green pepper, chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon salt; 1-1/2 tablespoons chili powder; 1-1/2 teaspoons ground cumin; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 2 (14.5 oz) cans diced tomatoes; 2 (4 oz) cans diced green chilies; 1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce; 1 (15 oz) can chili beans; 1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, , drained; Cheese, sour cream, chips, green onions, optional

This post was updated on November 8, 2019 by Jesseca

This hearty and comforting classic chili recipe is made with ground beef, diced tomatoes and beans. It is the perfect easy weeknight dinner recipe.

It is no secret that chili is one of my favorites. Simple to make, filling, and the best comfort food. I have a few different varieties on this site, including our all-time family favorite recipe of baked bean chili.

THIS recipe is the very first to come close to taking the top spot away from the baked bean version. It is incredibly simple to make, full of flavor, and perfect to customize!

Hearty Chili Recipe

So, what exactly do you need to make chili? This answer to this question might surprise you. There are a few key main ingredients, but the secret is in the seasonings!

Classic chili ingredients:

Ground beef
Onion
Green pepper
Garlic
Salt
Chili powder
Cumin
Oregano
Diced tomatoes
Diced green chilies
tomato sauce
Chili beans
Kidney beans

What spices are best for chili?

Ok, so I mentioned spices are IMPORTANT in this recipe. Here’s why… The base ingredients, while delicious, need a little assistance getting pushed up to the next level. We help this chili by stirring in cumin and chili powder and take things a step further and stir in some oregano! It gives this easy recipe a quick boost in flavor and blends things together beautifully after simmering.

Here are a few more great add-in’s you might consider: liquid smoke, Worcestershire, coffee, or even chocolate! Don’t be afraid to experiment. This recipe is very forgiving.

How to make homemade chili:

Heat a dutch oven or large pot over medium heat.
Add the ground beef, chopped onion, and pepper. Cook until the ground beef is browned and the onions and pepper are soft.
Drain any grease. Add the beef and onion mixture back into the pot.
Stir in the salt, cumin, oregano, diced tomatoes, green chilies, tomato sauce, chili beans, and kidney beans. Bring to a simmer. Allow the chili to cook over low heat for one hour.
Serve with additional toppings if desired.

While I can eat this chili by the bowl full without any additions, the rest of my family loves to customize their dish with toppings!

Best toppings for chili:

Cheese
Sour cream
Green onion
Chips (especially love fritos)
Hot sauce
Queso

Can you freeze chili?

Yes! Chili freezes surprisingly well. Our favorite way is to fill a freezer safe zip top bag with chili. Seal closed while making sure to press out as much air as possible. Label and freeze until solid. If stored properly, frozen chili should last around 6 months.

Like this recipe? You will love my:

Classic Chili Recipe

Yield: 4 servings

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 1 hour

Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes

This hearty and comforting classic chili recipe is made with ground beef, diced tomatoes and beans. It is the perfect easy weeknight dinner recipe.

Ingredients

1 pound ground beef
1 medium onion, chopped
1/2 green pepper, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon salt
1-1/2 tablespoons chili powder
1-1/2 teaspoons ground cumin
1 teaspoon dried oregano
2 (14.5 oz) cans diced tomatoes
2 (4 oz) cans diced green chilies
1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce
1 (15 oz) can chili beans
1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, , drained
Cheese, sour cream, chips, green onions, optional

Instructions

Heat a dutch oven or large pot over medium heat.
Add the ground beef, chopped onion, and pepper. Cook until the ground beef is browned and the onions and pepper are soft.
Drain any grease. Add the beef and onion mixture back into the pot.
Stir in the salt, cumin, oregano, diced tomatoes, green chilies, tomato sauce, chili beans, and kidney beans. Bring to a simmer. Allow the chili to cook over low heat for one hour.
Serve with additional toppings if desired.

Classic Chili Recipe

Hearty Chili Recipe