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Classic Chili

This hearty Classic Chili is a perfect dish for warming up on a chilly day. Packed with ground beef, beans, and flavorful spices, it is a crowd-pleaser that can be served alone or with cornbread.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4 People
Calories 350 kcal

Equipment

  • 1 Large pot or Dutch oven
  • 1 Wooden spoon or spatula
  • 1 Measuring cups
  • 1 Measuring spoons
  • 1 Can opener
  • 1 Chopping board

Ingredients
  

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 pound ground beef Can substitute with ground turkey or plant-based alternative.
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 bell pepper, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon chili powder For a spicier chili, add diced jalapeños or cayenne pepper.
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes
  • 1 can (15 ounces) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 cup beef broth
  • to taste shredded cheese Optional topping.
  • to taste sour cream Optional topping.
  • to taste chopped green onions Optional topping.

Instructions
 

  • Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, bell pepper, and garlic. Sauté until the vegetables are softened and the onion is translucent, about 5 minutes.
  • Add the ground beef to the pot. Cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon, about 7-10 minutes.
  • Stir in the chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Cook for an additional 2 minutes to toast the spices.
  • Add the diced tomatoes (with their juice), kidney beans, black beans, and beef broth to the pot. Stir to combine all ingredients.
  • Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and let it simmer for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
  • Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. If desired, let it simmer longer for deeper flavors.
  • Serve hot, topped with your favorite toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, or chopped green onions.

Notes

You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or a plant-based alternative for a lighter version.
For a spicier chili, add diced jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper.
This chili can be made a day in advance as the flavors meld beautifully overnight.
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to a month.