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Bowl of Chunky Chili with with a spoon.
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5 from 3 votes

Quick and Easy Classic Chili Recipe

This classic chili recipe features ingredients like ground beef, onion, tomato, garlic, and the perfect blend of spices. It only takes 10 minutes to prep and 45 minutes to cook.
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time45 minutes
Total Time55 minutes
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Keyword: chili, chili with beans, classic chili
Servings: 15 servings
Calories: 269cal
Cost: $8

Equipment

  • 7 1/4 quart or larger Dutch oven
  • Stovetop
  • cutting board & knife
  • can opener
  • spatula

Ingredients

  • 2 pounds ground beef
  • 1 large onion diced
  • 2 cloves garlic pressed *extract the most flavor
  • 28 ounces canned diced tomatoes Do not drain*
  • 24 ounces tomato sauce (3, 8-ounce cans)
  • 6 ounces tomato paste
  • cups beef broth *I used Better than Bouillon Beef paste with water.
  • 2 tablespoons chili powder *see note for homemade chili powder
  • 2 teaspoons ground cumin
  • 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • teaspoons salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon red pepper sauce
  • 15 ounces red kidney beans drained and rinsed
  • 15 ounces dark red kidney beans drained and rinsed

Instructions

  • On a stovetop, add the 2 pounds ground beef to the Dutch oven. Season with 1 teaspoon of salt, and the ground, black pepper. Cook until browned, and drain any excess grease.
    2 pounds ground beef, 1½ teaspoons salt, ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • Add the diced 1 large onion to the pot, and cook for about 4 minutes or until the onion is translucent. Add in the freshly pressed 2 cloves garlic and cook for an additional minute.
    1 large onion, 2 cloves garlic
  • Add the 28 ounces canned diced tomatoes, 24 ounces tomato sauce, 6 ounces tomato paste, 1½ cups beef broth, remaining salt, pepper, 2 tablespoons chili powder, 2 teaspoons ground cumin , 2 teaspoons smoked paprika , and 1 tablespoon brown sugar . Simmer for 30 minutes stirring occasionally.
    28 ounces canned diced tomatoes, 24 ounces tomato sauce, 6 ounces tomato paste, 2 tablespoons chili powder, 2 teaspoons ground cumin, 2 teaspoons smoked paprika, 1 tablespoon brown sugar, 1½ teaspoons salt, ½ teaspoon black pepper, 1½ cups beef broth
  • Add in the rinsed, and drained 15 ounces red kidney beans , 15 ounces dark red kidney beans , and 1 teaspoon red pepper sauce Stir and continue cooking for 15 minutes; chili will begin to thicken.
    1 teaspoon red pepper sauce, 15 ounces red kidney beans, 15 ounces dark red kidney beans
  • Taste chili and add more salt or pepper if needed. Serve while warm.

Notes

Nutritional values may vary and are meant to be a guide.
HOMEMADE CHILI SEASONING
If you do not have chili powder on hand you can make your own with this recipe. Please note, these measurements will make more than you need for this recipe. Store any leftovers in an airtight jar.
  • 3/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 1 teaspoon oregano
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 tablespoon of cumin powder
  • 2 tablespoons of paprika
 
STORING & FREEZING
Chili can be frozen in containers, freezer bags, or aluminum pans. When freezing the chili in a container such as a glass jar, make sure to leave 1 inch of space at the top for expansion; if freezing in an aluminum pan or tin foil bag, leave 2 inches of space for expansion.
Never freeze chili with ingredients like cheese and onions because these items will likely cause mold growth during storage. Add those items after thawing and reheating the chili on your stovetop or microwave oven; this ensures that they are fresh, and your chili will taste best!
To store cooled chili in the refrigerator, add it to an airtight container and store for up to 5 days for best taste.

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 269cal | Carbohydrates: 22g | Protein: 17g | Fat: 13g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 43mg | Sodium: 785mg | Potassium: 820mg | Fiber: 7g | Sugar: 6g | Vitamin A: 883IU | Vitamin C: 12mg | Calcium: 66mg | Iron: 5mg