Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Classic Chili Recipe

Classic Chili Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 8 reviews

  • Total Time: 27 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Simmering Classic Chili brings warmth to your dinner table with rich, deep flavors that comfort and satisfy. Packed with ground beef, beans, and a perfect blend of spices, this recipe delivers a delicious meal your family will crave.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Protein:

  • 2 pounds ground beef

Vegetables:

  • 2 small green bell peppers
  • 1 small yellow onion

Tomato Base:

  • 2 (15-ounce) cans diced tomatoes
  • 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
  • 1 (6-ounce) can tomato paste
  • 15 ounces water

Beans:

  • 2 (15-ounce) cans kidney beans

Spices:

  • 3 tablespoons chili powder
  • 3 tablespoons cumin
  • 2 tablespoons garlic powder
  • 2 tablespoons onion powder
  • 1 tablespoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon chipotle powder
  • 1 teaspoon white pepper
  • ½ tablespoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda

Instructions

  1. Heat a large pot over medium temperature, pouring 2 tablespoons olive oil to coat the bottom. Toss 2 cups diced green bell peppers and 1½ cups diced yellow onions into the hot oil.
  2. Sizzle your vegetables for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally until they turn translucent and develop soft golden edges.
  3. Sprinkle 3 tablespoons chili powder, 2 tablespoons garlic powder, 2 tablespoons onion powder, 3 tablespoons cumin, 1 tablespoon paprika, 1 teaspoon chipotle powder, ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper, ½ tablespoon salt, and 1 teaspoon white pepper directly over your sautéed vegetables.
  4. Stir the spices into your vegetables for 1-2 minutes, letting them bloom and release their aromatic oils without burning.
  5. Crumble 2 pounds ground beef into the pot, breaking the meat into small chunks as it hits the hot surface. Cook until the meat loses its raw pink color, approximately 7-8 minutes.
  6. Pour in 2 (15-ounce) cans diced tomatoes, 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce, 1 (6-ounce) can tomato paste, and 15 ounces of water. Mix thoroughly to combine all ingredients.
  7. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer your chili for 15 minutes, allowing flavors to meld and deepen.
  8. Drain and rinse 2 (15-ounce) cans of kidney beans, then gently fold them into the simmering pot.
  9. Optional: Sprinkle ½ teaspoon baking soda to reduce tomato acidity. Expect some bubbling, which will subside as you stir.
  10. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed. Remove from heat and serve hot.

Notes

  • Meat Selection: Choose ground beef with 80/20 fat content for the best flavor and texture, as the fat helps create a rich, satisfying chili.
  • Spice Customization: Adjust the heat level by increasing or decreasing cayenne pepper, keeping your personal spice tolerance in mind.
  • Bean Alternatives: Swap kidney beans with black beans or pinto beans if preferred, or make the chili bean-free for a low-carb version.
  • Make-Ahead Tip: This chili tastes even better the next day, so consider preparing it in advance and reheating for deeper, more developed flavors.
  • Prep Time: 7 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Sautéed
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 320 kcal
  • Sugar: 8 g
  • Sodium: 600 mg
  • Fat: 15 g
  • Saturated Fat: 6 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 30 g
  • Fiber: 9 g
  • Protein: 28 g
  • Cholesterol: 70 mg