There’s just something magical about a big bowl of chili on a chilly evening, right? It’s the ultimate hug in a bowl, and my go-to recipe for a truly delicious classic beef chili has been perfected over countless cozy nights. This isn’t just any chili; it’s hearty, rich, and packed with flavor that just gets better the longer it simmers. I’ve been making chili since I was maybe 10, helping my mom stir the pot, and honestly, I think I’ve got this down to a science. It’s the kind of meal that makes everyone gather ‘round the table, happy and fed. It’s simple, made with ingredients you probably already have, but the result is pure comfort food gold!

Why You’ll Love This Delicious Classic Beef Chili Recipe Hearty And Rich

Seriously, why is this chili recipe a keeper? Well, for starters, it’s ridiculously easy to make. You’re basically throwing everything into one pot and letting it do its thing, which is a huge win in my book! Plus, that flavor? Oh my goodness. It’s so rich and deeply satisfying, perfect for chasing away any chill. It’s that ultimate, comforting meal that just makes you feel good. And the best part? It’s super versatile – make it mild, make it spicy, load it up with your favorite toppings. It always comes through!

Ingredients for Your Delicious Classic Beef Chili Recipe Hearty And Rich

Alright, let’s talk about what goes into making this amazing chili. The beauty of this classic beef chili recipe is that it uses ingredients you can probably find in your pantry right now, or at least easily grab from the store. It’s really straightforward:

You’ll need about 2 pounds of good ol’ ground beef. For the aromatics, grab one large onion that you’ll chop up, and a couple of garlic cloves to mince – don’t be shy with the garlic, it adds so much flavor!

For the base, we’re using a big 28-ounce can of crushed tomatoes. Then come the beans – one 15-ounce can of kidney beans and another 15-ounce can of black beans. Make sure you drain and rinse these well; it helps get rid of that canned taste and excess sodium.

Don’t forget a 10-ounce can of those diced tomatoes with green chilies – the ones that come undrained are perfect because all that juice adds to the flavor. And for the seasonings, get ready for some magic: 2 tablespoons of chili powder, 1 teaspoon of cumin, 1 teaspoon of salt, and about half a teaspoon of black pepper. That’s it! Simple, right?

How to Prepare Your Delicious Classic Beef Chili Recipe Hearty And Rich

Alright, let’s get this pot of comfort cooking! Making this chili is a breeze, and honestly, the smell alone is worth it.

Browning the Beef and Aromatics

First things first, grab a big, heavy-bottomed pot or a Dutch oven – mine’s seen better days but it’s my chili workhorse! Toss in your ground beef and get it browning over medium-high heat. You want to get it nice and browned, really breaking it up with your spoon as it cooks. Once it’s all done, carefully drain off any extra grease. Trust me, you don’t want a greasy chili; draining it makes for a cleaner, more pure beef flavor. Now, toss in that chopped onion and let it soften up. You’re looking for it to become translucent and a little sweet, which usually takes about 5 minutes. Then, add your minced garlic and stir it around for just about a minute until you can really smell that delicious garlicky aroma. Don’t let it burn!

Combining and Simmering for Flavor

Now for the fun part! Pour in that big can of crushed tomatoes first. Next, add in your drained and rinsed kidney beans and black beans. Don’t forget the undrained can of diced tomatoes with green chilies – all that liquid is flavor, baby! Now, sprinkle in your chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Give everything a really good stir to make sure all those spices get distributed throughout the pot. Bring it all up to a gentle simmer, then turn the heat way down to low. Pop a lid on it, but leave it slightly ajar, and let it do its thing. The recipe says at least 30 minutes, and that’s the minimum for good flavor, but I’m telling you, letting it go for an hour or even two makes it *so* much richer and deeper. Just stir it every now and then to make sure nothing’s sticking to the bottom. This slow simmer is where all the magic happens, letting those flavors really meld together into something truly spectacular. It’s the perfect time to whip up some homemade cornbread or some quick biscuits while it’s bubbling away!

Tips for the Best Delicious Classic Beef Chili Recipe Hearty And Rich

Okay, so you’ve got the basic instructions down, but let me tell you, a few little tricks can take this chili from ‘good’ to ‘OMG, I need the recipe NOW!’ First off, use the best quality ground beef you can find – a nice 80/20 blend is usually perfect for giving the chili plenty of flavor without being greasy. And don’t skimp on the simmering time! Honestly, an hour minimum really lets those flavors deepen and meld together beautifully. If you’re feeling adventurous, try adding a pinch of cocoa powder or a splash of coffee – sounds weird, I know, but it adds this incredible depth!

Don’t be afraid to taste and adjust your spices. Everyone’s chili preference is a little different, so if you like it spicier, add more chili powder or even a pinch of cayenne. If it seems too thick, just splash in a little water or beef broth. For a little something extra, a drizzle of chimichurri sauce on top can be surprisingly amazing!

Serving Suggestions for Your Hearty Chili

So, your amazing chili is ready! Now comes the fun part: how to make it *extra* special. This chili is fantastic on its own, but toppings just take it to another level. Think about some cool sour cream or Greek yogurt to tame any spice, a generous sprinkle of sharp shredded cheddar cheese, or some fresh cilantro for a pop of green and flavor. A few sliced jalapeños are great if you like it kickin’, and some crunchy tortilla chips on the side are always a hit for scooping!

Storing and Reheating Your Delicious Classic Beef Chili

Okay, so you’ve made a big ol’ pot of this glorious chili, and lucky for us, it tastes even better the next day! Once it’s cooled down a bit, you can pop it into airtight containers. It’ll keep nicely in the fridge for about 3 to 4 days. Honestly, I find the flavors just meld together even more beautifully after a day or two.

Now, for freezing – this chili is a freezer champ! Divide it into smaller portions in freezer-safe containers or bags. It’ll last a good 2 to 3 months, making for super easy weeknight meals later on. When you’re ready to reheat, the microwave is your best friend for individual servings. Just zap it until it’s hot all the way through, stirring halfway. For a bigger batch, your stovetop is perfect; just heat it gently in a pot over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until it’s bubbly again. Easy peasy!

Frequently Asked Questions about Classic Beef Chili

Got questions about making the best darn classic beef chili? You’ve come to the right place! Chili is one of those dishes where everyone has their own little quirks, but here are some common ones I get:

Can I make this chili vegetarian?

Oh, absolutely! You can totally swap out the ground beef for a plant-based crumble or even just use extra beans and some hearty veggies like diced sweet potatoes or mushrooms. You’ll still get that awesome chili flavor profile!

How can I make my chili spicier?

If you like it hot, you’ve got options! Add a pinch or two of cayenne pepper along with your chili powder, or throw in a finely chopped jalapeño or serrano pepper when you sauté the onions. For a real kick, a dash of your favorite hot sauce stirred in at the end works wonders!

What are the best beans for chili?

The classic combo is kidney beans and black beans, and they work wonderfully here! But honestly, pinto beans, cannellini beans, or even chickpeas can be tossed in. Just make sure you drain and rinse them well.

My chili seems a bit thin, how can I thicken it?

No worries if your chili isn’t as thick as you like! You can let it simmer uncovered for a bit longer to let some of the liquid evaporate. Or, a really easy trick is to mash up a small portion of the beans against the side of the pot with your spoon and stir them back in – they’ll act as a natural thickener!

Estimated Nutritional Information

Now, keep in mind that these numbers are just an estimate, because let’s be real, every batch of chili is a little different depending on exactly what you toss in! But generally speaking for a generous serving (about 1.5 cups) of this delicious classic beef chili, you’re looking at roughly 450 calories. It’s got about 20g of fat, 30g of protein, and around 35g of carbs, with a good 10g of fiber thanks to those beans!

Classic Beef Chili

Author: jekof.com
Total Time: 60 min
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

A hearty and rich beef chili recipe perfect for a comforting meal.

Ingredients

Scale

2 pounds ground beef
1 large onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
1 (15 ounce) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
1 (15 ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed
1 (10 ounce) can diced tomatoes with green chilies, undrained
2 tablespoons chili powder
1 teaspoon cumin
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

In a large pot or Dutch oven, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat. Drain off any excess grease.
Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more until fragrant.
Add the crushed tomatoes, kidney beans, black beans, and diced tomatoes with green chilies.
Stir in the chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper.
Bring the chili to a simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for at least 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. For a richer flavor, simmer for 1-2 hours.
Serve hot.

Notes

Serve with your favorite toppings such as shredded cheese, sour cream, or chopped cilantro.
This chili freezes well for future meals.

Prep Time: 15 min
Cook Time: 45 min
Category: Dinner
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1.5 cups
Calories: 450
Sugar: 12g
Sodium: 800mg
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Unsaturated Fat: 12g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 35g
Fiber: 10g
Protein: 30g
Cholesterol: 90mg

Keywords: beef chili, classic chili, hearty chili, rich chili, ground beef recipe, comfort food