My journey to the perfect chili taught me one thing: technique is everything. After many attempts, I learned the secret to an unforgettable classic chili recipe isn’t a complex ingredient list, but how you build layers of flavor. This straightforward recipe is the result a no-fuss method for a deeply savory and satisfying chili every time.
You’ll love this recipe because it’s a one-pot wonder that fills your kitchen with an incredible aroma. It’s packed with lean ground beef, tender beans, and a smoky spice blend that’s even better the next day. This is the ultimate comfort food, simplified for any family dinner or game-day gathering.
Ingredients
Each ingredient here plays a crucial role in creating the deep, savory flavor that makes this the best chili recipe.
For the Chili Base
- 2 lbs ground beef (80–85% lean)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Aromatics and Flavor Builders
- 1 large yellow onion, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 3 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp apple cider vinegar
The Perfect Spice Blend
- 2 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tbsp cumin powder
- 1 tbsp unsweetened cocoa
- 2 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp paprika
- ¼ tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
- 2 tsp kosher salt
- ½ tsp ground black pepper
Liquids and Beans
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed fire-roasted tomatoes
- 1 can (14.5 oz) low-sodium beef or chicken broth (just under 2 cups)
- 2 cans kidney beans (about 15 oz each)
How to Make This Classic Chili
Follow these steps to build those incredible layers of flavor.
Step 1: Brown the Beef and Sauté Aromatics
Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, salt, and pepper, breaking up the meat as it browns. Drain any excess fat. Next, add the onion and cook for 5-7 minutes until softened, then stir in the garlic for one more minute until fragrant.
Step 2: Bloom the Spices
Reduce the heat to medium and stir in the tomato paste, chili powder, cumin, cocoa, oregano, paprika, and cayenne. Cook for one minute, stirring constantly. This “blooming” step is crucial, as it toasts the spices and deepens their flavor.
Step 3: Combine and Simmer
Pour in the fire-roasted tomatoes and broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Stir in the rinsed beans. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for at least one hour, stirring occasionally.
Step 4: The Finishing Touch
Turn off the heat and stir in the apple cider vinegar to brighten all the flavors. Taste and add more salt if needed before serving.
My Best Classic Chili Recipe Tips
A few details make this chili truly exceptional. The secret is using fire-roasted tomatoes for smokiness and blooming the spices to unlock their essential oils. For the best possible flavor, let the chili rest overnight in the fridge. This allows all the flavors to meld and deepen. This recipe is mild, but for more heat, feel free to add extra cayenne or a diced jalapeño with the onions.
Variations of This Classic Chili Recipe
This recipe is easy to adapt. For a leaner Turkey Chili, simply substitute ground turkey for the beef. To make it a Three-Bean Vegetarian Chili, omit the meat, add an extra can of pinto or black beans, and use vegetable broth. For a Smoky and Mild version that’s great for kids, swap the regular paprika for smoked paprika and omit the cayenne.
For more delicious breakfast ideas, check out our Vegetarian chili cooking classy recipe.
FAQs
What’s the key to making a delicious chili?
The key is layering flavors: brown the meat, sauté the aromatics, bloom the spices, and let it all simmer slowly to allow the flavors to meld together perfectly.
What gives chili the most flavor?
The most flavor comes from the balanced spice blend (chili powder and cumin), the savory browned beef, the smoky fire-roasted tomatoes, and the underlying richness from the cocoa powder.
What are the fundamental elements of chili?
The fundamentals are a protein (like ground beef), a rich tomato-based sauce, a blend of aromatic spices, and a savory foundation of onion and garlic.
Print
Classic Chili Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Description
Discover the ultimate classic chili recipe! This one-pot wonder builds deep, savory layers of flavor by browning beef, blooming spices, and slow-simmering everything to perfection. Packed with lean ground beef, tender beans, and a smoky, rich tomato base, it’s the perfect easy and comforting meal for any family dinner or game-day gathering. This is the foolproof method for a deeply satisfying chili every single time.
Ingredients
For the Chili Base
2 lbs ground beef (80–85% lean)
2 tbsp olive oil
Aromatics and Flavor Builders
1 large yellow onion, chopped
3 garlic cloves, minced
3 tbsp tomato paste
1 tsp apple cider vinegar
The Perfect Spice Blend
2 tbsp chili powder
1 tbsp cumin powder
1 tbsp unsweetened cocoa
2 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp paprika
¼ tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
2 tsp kosher salt
½ tsp ground black pepper
Liquids and Beans
1 can (28 oz) crushed fire-roasted tomatoes
1 can (14.5 oz) low-sodium beef or chicken broth
2 cans (15 oz each) kidney beans, rinsed and drained
Instructions
Brown the Beef and Sauté Aromatics
Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, salt, and pepper. Cook, breaking up the meat with a spoon, until it is browned all over. Drain any excess fat from the pot. Add the chopped onion and cook for 5-7 minutes, until softened and translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for one more minute until fragrant.
Bloom the Spices
Reduce the heat to medium. Stir in the tomato paste, chili powder, cumin, cocoa powder, oregano, paprika, and cayenne pepper. Cook for one minute, stirring constantly, until the spices are toasted and deeply aromatic. This step is crucial for developing a rich, deep flavor.
Combine and Simmer
Pour in the fire-roasted tomatoes and beef broth, using a spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Stir in the rinsed and drained kidney beans. Increase the heat to bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for at least one hour, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
The Finishing Touch
After simmering, turn off the heat. Stir in the apple cider vinegar to brighten and balance all the flavors in the chili. Taste and adjust the seasoning, adding more salt if needed, before serving.
Notes
Better the Next Day
For the absolute best flavor, let the chili cool completely and refrigerate it overnight. The flavors will meld and deepen, making it even more delicious when reheated.
Topping Ideas
Serve your chili with a variety of toppings like shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream or Greek yogurt, chopped cilantro, sliced jalapeños, or crushed tortilla chips.
Control the Heat
This recipe is mild. For a spicier chili, increase the cayenne pepper or add a finely diced jalapeño along with the onion in step 1.
Thickness
If your chili is thicker than you’d like, stir in a splash of extra broth. If it’s too thin, let it simmer uncovered for an additional 15-20 minutes to reduce.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approx. 1.5 cups)
- Calories: 595 kcal
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 1180mg
- Fat: 36g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20g
- Trans Fat: 2g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 9g
- Protein: 37g
- Cholesterol: 115mg
Keywords: classic chili, beef chili, easy chili recipe, one pot chili, game day food, comfort food, homemade chili, chili con carne
