The Best Classic Chili

This beloved classic chili combines robust flavors and hearty ingredients, making it a perfect choice for family dinners, casual get-togethers, or just a cozy night in.

With its rich, savory taste and versatility, this chili is a true recipe staple that can be customized to suit any palate.

In fact, we’ll finish up this recipe with providing tips for perfecting it with various tweaks and tasty toppings.

Why You’ll Love This Particular Chili Recipe

First and foremost, it delivers the rich, comforting flavor that classic chili lovers crave.

The combination of ground beef, aromatic onions, and garlic creates a savory base that’s further enhanced by a blend of spices like chili powder, cumin, and paprika.

These seasonings work together to build a complex, well-rounded flavor.

What sets this recipe apart is its balance of simplicity and versatility.

The ingredients are straightforward and easy to find, making it accessible even for novice cooks. Yet, the recipe also offers room for personalization.

Whether you prefer a spicier kick or a milder version, there are plenty of ways to adjust the heat to your liking.

Additionally, this chili recipe is perfect for busy lifestyles. It can be made in a single pot, which means less cleanup and more time enjoying your meal.

For those who love meal prep or need a dish that keeps well, this chili actually improves in flavor as it sits, making it an excellent choice for leftovers or freezing.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 2 lbs ground beef
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 3 cloves of garlic, minced
• 2 (15 oz) cans of kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 2 (14.5 oz) cans of diced tomatoes
• 1 (8 oz) can of tomato sauce
• 2 tablespoons chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon oregano
• Optional toppings: shredded cheese, sour cream, green onions, cilantro

How to Make This Classic Chili

1. Brown the Beef: In a large pot over medium heat, cook the ground beef until it’s no longer pink. Break it apart with a spoon as it cooks.
2. Add Aromatics: Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot. Cook until the onions are soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.
3. Mix in the Beans and Tomatoes: Stir in the kidney beans, diced tomatoes, and tomato sauce. Make sure to mix everything well.
4. Season: Sprinkle in the chili powder, cumin, salt, pepper, paprika, and oregano. Give the mixture a good stir to ensure the spices are evenly distributed.
5. Simmer: Bring your chili to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer uncovered for at least 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. For deeper flavor, you can let it simmer for up to an hour.
6. Serve: Ladle the chili into bowls and add your favorite toppings like shredded cheese, a dollop of sour cream, chopped green onions, or fresh cilantro.

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Tips for the Perfect Chili

• Meat Matters: While ground beef is traditional, feel free to experiment with ground turkey or even a combination of meats.
• Spice It Up: If you like it hot, add some cayenne pepper or diced jalapeños to the mix.
• Slow Cooker Friendly: This recipe can easily be adapted for a slow cooker. Simply brown the meat and onions before adding them to the cooker with the rest of the ingredients.
• Leftovers: Chili tastes even better the next day after the flavors have had time to meld together. Store leftovers in the fridge for up to three days or freeze for later enjoyment.

There you have it—the blueprint for the best classic chili. It’s simple, satisfying, and perfect for any occasion. Whether you stick to the basics or put your own spin on it, this dish is sure to please.

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