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Classic Chili Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 135 reviews

This Classic Chili recipe is a hearty and flavorful dish that combines lean ground beef, kidney beans, tomatoes, and a robust blend of spices. Simmered to perfection, this chili is ideal for a comforting meal and can be customized with your favorite toppings such as shredded cheese, sour cream, and fresh herbs.

Ingredients

Scale

Base Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 large onion (diced)
  • 2–3 jalapeno peppers (diced, use bell pepper for milder heat)
  • 6 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 2 pounds lean ground beef

Spices and Flavorings

  • 3 tablespoons chili powder (or more to taste)
  • 1 tablespoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra spicy)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste

Liquids and Beans

  • 1 1/2 cups beef broth
  • 1 15-ounce can diced tomatoes (with juices, fire roasted preferred)
  • 1 15-ounce can crushed tomatoes (with juices)
  • 2 15-ounce cans red kidney beans (drained and rinsed)

Optional Extras

  • 1 tablespoon or more hot sauce (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon or more red pepper flakes (for a spicier version)

Toppings (optional)

  • Shredded cheddar cheese
  • Spicy chili flakes
  • Sour cream
  • Chopped green onion
  • Chopped cilantro or parsley
  • Fritos or tortilla chips

Instructions

  1. Heat Oil: Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat until shimmering.
  2. Sauté Vegetables: Add the diced onion and jalapeno peppers to the pot and cook for 2-3 minutes until they soften and become fragrant.
  3. Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute, being careful not to let it burn.
  4. Brown Ground Beef: Add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the meat is thoroughly browned and no longer pink.
  5. Add Spices and Tomato Paste: Stir in the chili powder, ground cumin, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, black pepper, and tomato paste. Cook for 1-2 minutes to let the spices bloom and become fragrant.
  6. Add Liquids and Beans: Pour in the beef broth, diced tomatoes with juices, crushed tomatoes with juices, and the drained and rinsed kidney beans. Stir everything together to combine.
  7. Simmer the Chili: Bring the chili to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer uncovered for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. You may simmer up to 60 minutes for an even deeper flavor.
  8. Serve: Ladle the chili into bowls and serve with your favorite toppings such as shredded cheddar cheese, spicy chili flakes, sour cream, chopped green onions, cilantro or parsley, and crunchy fritos or tortilla chips.

Notes

  • For a milder chili, substitute jalapeno peppers with bell peppers.
  • Feel free to adjust the chili powder, cayenne, and hot sauce amounts to suit your preferred spice level.
  • Simmering longer (up to an hour) allows the flavors to develop more deeply.
  • You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner alternative.
  • The recipe freezes well for meal prep and leftovers.
  • For vegetarian variation, omit the beef and use vegetable broth with additional beans or lentils.

Keywords: classic chili, ground beef chili, homemade chili, kidney beans, spicy chili, comfort food

Find it online: https://nataliereeve.com/classic-chili-recipe/