Few dishes say comfort food like a steaming bowl of chili. This classic beef chili is smoky, hearty, and full of rich flavor. Perfect for cozy nights, game days, or family dinners, it’s a recipe you’ll want to make again and again.
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 onion, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 2 cans (15 oz each) kidney beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 2 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp oregano
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 cup beef broth
Directions
- Cook the aromatics: Heat oil in a large pot. Sauté onion and garlic until fragrant.
- Brown the beef: Add ground beef and cook until no longer pink.
- Add vegetables and spices: Stir in bell pepper, chili powder, paprika, cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Build the base: Mix in tomato paste, crushed tomatoes, beans, and broth. Stir well.
- Simmer: Let the chili cook uncovered for 30–40 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thick and flavorful.
- Serve: Garnish with sour cream, shredded cheese, and fresh cilantro.
Why I Love This Recipe
This chili is everything I love in comfort food: rich, smoky, filling, and customizable. It’s great for meal prep, freezes beautifully, and tastes even better the next day. Plus, you can make it mild or spicy depending on your preference.
FAQs
Can I make this chili ahead of time?
Yes! Chili tastes even better the next day as the flavors deepen.
Can I use different beans?
Absolutely—black beans, pinto beans, or a mix work well.
Is this recipe spicy?
It’s moderately spiced, but you can adjust the heat by adding more chili powder or a pinch of cayenne.
Can I make it in a slow cooker?
Yes. Brown the beef and aromatics first, then transfer everything to the slow cooker and cook on low for 6–8 hours.
Conclusion
This classic beef chili recipe is the ultimate comfort food—hearty, smoky, and packed with flavor. Whether for family dinners or casual gatherings, it’s sure to be a hit. Serve with crusty bread, cornbread, or over rice for a complete meal.
With love,
Chef Yolanda
Classic Beef Chili Recipe – Hearty & Flavorful
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
A smoky, hearty classic beef chili—rich, cozy, and packed with flavor. Perfect for game days, family dinners, and make-ahead meal prep.
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 onion, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 2 cans (15 oz each) kidney beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 2 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 cup beef broth
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Sauté the onion and garlic until softened and fragrant, 2–3 minutes.
- Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up, until no longer pink. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Stir in the bell pepper, chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper; cook 1–2 minutes to bloom the spices.
- Mix in the tomato paste, crushed tomatoes, kidney beans, and beef broth; stir well to combine.
- Bring to a gentle simmer and cook uncovered for 30–40 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thick and flavorful.
- Taste and adjust seasoning. Serve hot, garnished with sour cream, shredded cheese, and fresh cilantro.
Notes
Make ahead—flavors deepen by the next day. Adjust heat with extra chili powder or a pinch of cayenne. Freezer-friendly up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 19g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 10g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
Keywords: classic beef chili, hearty chili, ground beef, kidney beans, crushed tomatoes, comfort food, game day