Classic Beef Chili
This Classic Beef Chili is rich, hearty, and packed with flavor. With browned ground beef, beans, tomatoes, and smoky spices, it’s the perfect one-pot comfort meal for weeknights, game days, or chilly evenings.
Equipment
- Dutch oven or heavy pot
- Wooden spoon
- Cutting board and knife
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 or 85/15 recommended)
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes (with juices)
- 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup beef broth
- 2 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tbsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Shredded cheddar cheese
- Sour cream or Greek yogurt
- Fresh chopped cilantro or parsley
- Tortilla chips or crackers
Instructions
- In a large Dutch oven, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook for 5–7 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook for 1 more minute until fragrant.
- Add ground beef to the pot. Cook, breaking apart with a wooden spoon, until fully browned. Drain excess grease.
- Add chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, and cayenne (if using). Stir constantly for 1 minute to bloom spices.
- Stir in diced tomatoes with juices, tomato sauce, beef broth, and kidney beans. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Bring chili to a boil, then reduce to low. Cover and simmer for at least 1 hour, stirring occasionally, until flavors meld.
- Ladle into bowls and serve with your favorite toppings like cheddar cheese, sour cream, cilantro, or tortilla chips.
Notes
This recipe tastes even better the next day! Chili freezes beautifully, so double the batch and save some for later.