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The Best Classic Chili Recipe

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4.4 from 13 reviews

This Best Classic Chili Recipe delivers a hearty and flavorful meal, perfect for cozy nights. It features lean ground beef simmered with a robust blend of chili powder, cumin, and spices, combined with tomatoes, kidney beans, and beef broth to create a rich, satisfying chili. Ready in just 30 minutes and serving six, it's an easy, comforting dish that balances spice and sweetness beautifully.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

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

Instructions

  1. Heat the oil and sauté onions: Add the olive oil to a large soup pot and heat over medium-high for two minutes. Add the diced onion and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally until translucent and softened.
  2. Brown the ground beef: Add the ground beef to the pot, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Cook for 6-7 minutes until browned, stirring occasionally to ensure even cooking.
  3. Add spices and seasoning: Stir in chili powder, cumin, sugar, tomato paste, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and optional cayenne pepper until all ingredients are well combined with the cooked beef and onions.
  4. Add liquids and beans: Pour in the beef broth, diced tomatoes with their juice, drained kidney beans, and tomato sauce. Stir everything together to combine evenly.
  5. Simmer the chili: Bring the mixture to a low boil, then reduce the heat to low or medium-low. Let the chili simmer uncovered for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and allow flavors to meld.
  6. Rest before serving: Remove the pot from heat and let the chili rest for 5-10 minutes to thicken slightly and deepen the flavors before serving.

Notes

  • Adjust cayenne pepper according to your preferred spice level; omit for a milder chili.
  • Using 90% lean ground beef helps keep the chili flavorful but not too greasy.
  • Simmering uncovered helps the chili thicken and intensify in flavor.
  • Letting the chili rest off the heat allows it to settle and improves texture.
  • This chili pairs well with cornbread, rice, or tortilla chips.

Find it online: https://recipeplenty.com/the-best-classic-chili-recipe/