Classic Beef Chili

The chill of autumn always brings a specific craving to my kitchen. You know the feeling, right? That crisp air outside, the kids running in from school with rosy cheeks and rumbling tummies, looking for something warm and comforting.

For me, that feeling immediately conjures up the rich, savory aroma of a pot of Classic Beef Chili simmering on the stove. It’s a scent that promises warmth, love, and a satisfying meal. As a mom of three, I believe food is truly love, and this particular Classic Beef Chili recipe is one of my most cherished ways to show it.

It’s more than just a meal; it’s a moment of connection, a comforting embrace in a bowl, perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekend gatherings. This simple yet incredibly flavorful homemade beef chili recipe has been a family favorite for years, and I am so excited to share our Classic Beef Chili with you. It’s nourishing, easy to make, and guaranteed to become a staple in your home too, delivering that ultimate chili experience every time.

Why You’ll Love This Classic Beef Chili Recipe

You will absolutely adore this Classic Beef Chili for so many reasons. First, its simplicity makes it perfect for any home cook. You don’t need fancy skills to create something spectacular.

Moreover, this beef chili truly nourishes your family from the inside out. It’s packed with protein, fiber, and wholesome vegetables. Furthermore, it’s a versatile dish.

You can customize the spice level to suit everyone, even the little ones. This Classic Beef Chili is also incredibly budget-friendly, stretching a few ingredients into a hearty meal for a crowd. Plus, it’s a fantastic make-ahead option; the flavors deepen beautifully overnight.

Imagine coming home to a batch of homemade beef chili ready to heat and serve. Finally, it’s simply delicious. Each spoonful of this Classic Beef Chili delivers robust, comforting flavors that satisfy every time. Consequently, it’s a perfect choice for game day, a cozy night in, or feeding a hungry family.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering your ingredients for this Classic Beef Chili is a straightforward process. You likely have many of these staples already in your pantry. We use fresh, simple ingredients to build incredible flavor in this homemade beef chili. Do not skip any of these essentials for the best Classic Beef Chili experience.

Smoked Paprika1 teaspoon

Substitutions & Variations

This Classic Beef Chili recipe is wonderfully flexible. You can easily adapt it to your family’s preferences or what you have on hand. For instance, if you prefer a leaner option, use ground turkey or ground chicken instead of beef.

Simply brown it thoroughly. Alternatively, a mix of ground pork and beef creates a richer flavor profile for your homemade beef chili. Do you love more veggies?

Add diced carrots, celery, or zucchini during the sautéing stage. Moreover, you can swap the beans. Try black beans, cannellini beans, or even great northern beans.

Just rinse them well before adding them to your Classic Beef Chili. For a spicier Classic Beef Chili, increase the cayenne pepper or add a dash of hot sauce. You could even include a diced jalapeño or serrano pepper with the onions.

Conversely, for a milder version, omit the cayenne entirely. Finally, consider adding a square of dark chocolate or a tablespoon of unsweetened cocoa powder to the chili during the simmering phase; it deepens the flavor wonderfully. This particular Classic Beef Chili always welcomes your personal touch.

While this Classic Beef Chili offers wonderful versatility, you might also enjoy exploring other comforting options for your meal rotation. If you’re looking for a delightful twist on a classic, consider our unique Classic Creamy White Chicken Chili Recipe.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Making this Classic Beef Chili is a straightforward and rewarding process. Follow these simple steps for a truly delicious homemade beef chili.

1. Brown the Beef: First, heat the olive oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef. Break it apart with a spoon and cook until fully browned, about 6-8 minutes. Drain off any excess grease. This crucial step provides the base flavor for your Classic Beef Chili.
2. Sauté Aromatics: Next, add the diced onion, minced garlic, and diced green bell pepper to the pot with the browned beef. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables soften and become fragrant. The aroma will already fill your kitchen, promising a fantastic Classic Beef Chili.
3. Build the Flavor: Now, stir in the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, dried oregano, and cayenne pepper (if using). Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly, to toast the spices. This step really awakens the flavors of your Classic Beef Chili.
4. Add Tomatoes and Broth: Then, pour in the crushed tomatoes and tomato paste. Stir everything together. Add the beef broth. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. This creates the rich base for your Classic Beef Chili.
5. Add Beans: After that, stir in the rinsed and drained kidney beans and pinto beans. Ensure everything is well combined.
6. Simmer to Perfection: Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let your Classic Beef Chili simmer for at least 1 hour, or up to 3 hours, stirring occasionally. The longer it simmers, the more the flavors meld and deepen. This slow cooking creates the signature taste of a truly Classic Beef Chili.
7. Season and Serve: Finally, taste the chili and adjust salt and black pepper as needed. Sometimes, it needs a little more salt. Ladle the warm Classic Beef Chili into bowls. Serve immediately with your favorite toppings. Enjoy your homemade beef chili!

Pro Tips for Success

Achieving a truly exceptional Classic Beef Chili requires just a few extra touches. These small efforts elevate your homemade beef chili from good to truly great.

• Drain the Fat: Always drain the excess fat from your ground beef after browning. Too much grease makes your Classic Beef Chili oily and less appealing.
• Toast Your Spices: Do not skip the step of toasting the spices. Cooking the chili powder, cumin, and other spices for a minute before adding liquids dramatically intensifies their flavors. This small step makes a huge difference in your Classic Beef Chili.
• Longer Simmer = Deeper Flavor: While 1 hour is sufficient, simmering your Classic Beef Chili for 2-3 hours on low heat allows the flavors to truly meld and develop. The chili becomes richer and more complex. Consequently, this homemade beef chili tastes even better the next day.
• Sweetness Balance: If your tomatoes taste a bit acidic, add a pinch of sugar or a teaspoon of maple syrup. This balances the acidity and enhances the overall flavor profile of your Classic Beef Chili without making it sweet.
• Taste and Adjust: Always taste your Classic Beef Chili before serving. Adjust the salt, pepper, and even a little more chili powder or cayenne if needed. Everyone’s palate is different.
• Fresh Herbs at the End: Stir in fresh cilantro just before serving for a vibrant burst of flavor and color. It really brightens up this Classic Beef Chili.

Mastering the art of chili involves specific techniques, many of which can be applied to various chili styles. For another hearty and flavorful option, you might find our guide to making the Ultimate Classic White Chicken Chili with White Beans Recipe equally helpful.

Storage & Reheating Tips

This Classic Beef Chili stores beautifully, making it perfect for meal prep or enjoying leftovers. Proper storage also ensures your homemade beef chili stays fresh and delicious. We often make a double batch of Classic Beef Chili for this very reason!

• Refrigeration: Store leftover Classic Beef Chili in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making your next meal even better.
• Freezing: This Classic Beef Chili freezes exceptionally well. Allow the chili to cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Leave a little headspace if using containers, as the chili will expand slightly. It will maintain its quality for up to 3 months. Clearly label the containers with the date.
• Reheating (Stovetop): For best results, gently reheat Classic Beef Chili on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. Add a splash of beef broth or water if it seems too thick.
• Reheating (Microwave): Reheat individual portions in the microwave in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between, until hot.

What to Serve With This Recipe

A bowl of Classic Beef Chili is fantastic on its own, but serving it with a few key accompaniments truly completes the meal. These additions elevate your homemade beef chili experience and add delightful textures.

• Cornbread: A warm, buttery slice of cornbread is the quintessential companion for Classic Beef Chili. It’s perfect for soaking up all that delicious broth.
• Shredded Cheese: Sharp cheddar cheese or a Mexican blend melts beautifully into the hot chili.
• Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt: A dollop of cool sour cream or plain Greek yogurt adds a creamy tang that contrasts wonderfully with the rich flavors of this Classic Beef Chili.
• Fresh Cilantro: Chopped fresh cilantro provides a burst of freshness and color.
• Diced Red Onion: For a pungent crunch and extra bite, sprinkle some finely diced red onion on top.
• Sliced Jalapeños: If you love extra heat, fresh or pickled jalapeño slices are a great addition.
• Avocado: Sliced or diced avocado adds a creamy, healthy fat that balances the robust flavors of the Classic Beef Chili.
• Tortilla Chips or Fritos: For a crispy texture, serve with a side of tortilla chips or Fritos for scooping.
• Rice: Some families enjoy serving their Classic Beef Chili over a bed of fluffy white or brown rice.

Just as a bowl of beef chili is satisfying, a well-rounded meal can always be elevated with the right accompaniments. If you appreciate dishes that are both hearty and bursting with flavor, you’ll love our Classic Chicken Taco Soup with Black Beans Recipe.

FAQs

How long does classic beef chili last in the fridge?

This Classic Beef Chili lasts for 3-4 days when stored properly in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Its flavors often improve overnight.

Can I make this classic beef chili spicier?

Absolutely! To make your Classic Beef Chili spicier, increase the amount of cayenne pepper. You can also add a pinch of red pepper flakes, a dash of hot sauce, or a diced jalapeño or serrano pepper during the sautéing stage.

Is it possible to freeze classic beef chili?

Yes, this Classic Beef Chili freezes beautifully. Allow it to cool completely, then transfer to freezer-safe containers or bags. It stays fresh for up to 3 months in the freezer.

What makes this classic beef chili so flavorful?

The depth of flavor in this Classic Beef Chili comes from several key steps: browning the beef thoroughly, toasting the spices, using quality crushed tomatoes and beef broth, and allowing it to simmer for an extended period. Each step builds layers of taste.

Can I use ground turkey instead of beef in this chili?

Certainly! Ground turkey makes an excellent substitution for beef in this Classic Beef Chili. Just ensure you brown it thoroughly and drain any excess liquid before adding the other ingredients. The recipe still creates a delicious homemade beef chili with turkey.

Chili con carne, often simply called chili, is a stew-like dish containing chili peppers, meat (typically beef), tomatoes, and often beans. It has a rich history rooted in American cuisine, evolving from simple frontier meals to a beloved comfort food across various cultures. This hearty dish is celebrated for its robust flavors and versatility, making it a staple in many households worldwide, often served with toppings like cheese, onions, and sour cream, or alongside cornbread.

Nutrition Information (per serving)

Here is an estimated nutritional breakdown for one serving of this Classic Beef Chili (without toppings). Please note that exact values can vary based on specific brands and ingredient preparations.

Classic Beef Chili

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This Classic Beef Chili recipe is a cherished family favorite, promising warmth, love, and a satisfying meal. It's easy to make, packed with protein and fiber, versatile for spice adjustments, budget-friendly, and perfect for busy weeknights or gatherings. The flavors deepen beautifully overnight, making it an excellent make-ahead option.

• Total Time: 1 hour 40 mins
• Yield: 8 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

2 pounds Ground Beef
2 tablespoons Olive Oil
1 large Yellow Onio
4 cloves Garlic
1 large Green Bell Pepper
3 tablespoons Chili Powder
1 tablespoon Cumi
1 teaspoon Smoked Paprika
1 teaspoon Dried Oregano
½ teaspoon Cayenne Pepper
28 ounces Crushed Tomatoes
6 ounces Tomato Paste
2 cups Beef Broth
2 (15 ounce) cans Kidney Beans, rinsed & drained
1 (15 ounce) can Pinto Beans, rinsed & drained
1 ½ teaspoons Salt
½ teaspoon Black Pepper

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Instructions

1. Brown the Beef: Heat the olive oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef. Break it apart with a spoon and cook until fully browned, about 6-8 minutes. Drain off any excess grease
2. Sauté Aromatics: Add the diced onion, minced garlic, and diced green bell pepper to the pot with the browned beef. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables soften and become fragrant
3. Build the Flavor: Stir in the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, dried oregano, and cayenne pepper (if using). Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly, to toast the spices
4. Add Tomatoes and Broth: Pour in the crushed tomatoes and tomato paste. Stir everything together. Add the beef broth. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer
5. Add Beans: Stir in the rinsed and drained kidney beans and pinto beans. Ensure everything is well combined
6. Simmer to Perfection: Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let your Classic Beef Chili simmer for at least 1 hour, or up to 3 hours, stirring occasionally. The longer it simmers, the more the flavors meld and deepe
7. Season and Serve: Taste the chili and adjust salt and black pepper as needed. Ladle the warm Classic Beef Chili into bowls. Serve immediately with your favorite toppings. Enjoy your homemade beef chili!

Notes

Drain the Fat: Always drain the excess fat from your ground beef after browning. Too much grease makes your Classic Beef Chili oily and less appealing.

Toast Your Spices: Do not skip the step of toasting the spices. Cooking the chili powder, cumin, and other spices for a minute before adding liquids dramatically intensifies their flavors.

Longer Simmer = Deeper Flavor: While 1 hour is sufficient, simmering your Classic Beef Chili for 2-3 hours on low heat allows the flavors to truly meld and develop. The chili becomes richer and more complex.

Sweetness Balance: If your tomatoes taste a bit acidic, add a pinch of sugar or a teaspoon of maple syrup. This balances the acidity and enhances the overall flavor profile without making it sweet.

Taste and Adjust: Always taste your Classic Beef Chili before serving. Adjust the salt, pepper, and even a little more chili powder or cayenne if needed.

Fresh Herbs at the End: Stir in fresh cilantro just before serving for a vibrant burst of flavor and color.

Refrigeration: Store leftover Classic Beef Chili in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight.

Freezing: This Classic Beef Chili freezes exceptionally well. Allow the chili to cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. It will maintain its quality for up to 3 months.

Reheating (Stovetop): For best results, gently reheat Classic Beef Chili on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. Add a splash of beef broth or water if it seems too thick.

Reheating (Microwave): Reheat individual portions in the microwave in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between, until hot.

• Author: Emily Martinez
• Prep Time: 20 mins
• Cook Time: 1 hour 20 mins
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 bowl
• Calories: 450 kcal
• Sugar: 7g
• Sodium: 950mg
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 9g
• Protein: 35g
• Cholesterol: 80mg