Classic Chili Recipe

Name: Classic Chili Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 43 min
Ingredients: 1 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil; 1 cup white onion (chopped); 3 cloves garlic (finely chopped); 2 tbsp tomato paste; 1 lb ground beef; 1 tsp chili powder; 1 tsp ground coriander; 1 tsp ground cumin; 1/2 tsp paprika; 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional); Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper (to taste); 1 cup can crushed tomatoes; 1 15-oz. can kidney beans (drained); 1 15-oz. can pinto beans ( drained); 1 cup tomato sauce; 1 cup beef broth; Shredded cheddar, sour cream and chopped green onions (for serving)

By: Olivia Ribas Updated: 3/20/25

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A Classic Chili Recipe with a rich, slow-cooked flavor that comes together in about 30 minutes. This recipe checks all of the boxes for the perfect cozy weeknight dinner! It is a crowd pleaser every time, requires very little prep work, and cooks in just one pan.

If you want to make a different kind of chili, you can also try this White Chicken Chili.

overhead view of a white bowl with classic chili recipe

This dish is also packed with protein, veggies, and warm spices, so it’s a great family-friendly meal that is both healthy and so delicious. Plus, you can easily adjust this classic chili recipe to fit your family’s needs. Feeding a crowd? No problem! Try doubling the recipe. Want to sneak in extra veggies? Add ‘em in, they’ll taste great!

Best Chili Recipe

I love easy, cozy, comforting dinners like this classic chili recipe. If you’re looking for more chili recipes to try, I’ve got you covered!

Let the slow cooker do all of the work with my Super Easy Slow Cooker Chili, Slow Cooker Beet Chili, and Slow Cooker Chicken Chili. Looking for a leaner chili recipe? Try my Extra Lean Turkey Chili with Kale and Easy Whole30 Sweet Potato Chili.

For even more chili inspiration, check out my Top 30 Healthy Chili Recipes.

Ingredients To Make Classic Chili Recipe

Extra virgin olive oil — You can also use avocado or grapeseed oil.
Onion — This recipe calls for a white onion; a yellow onion would also work.
Garlic — Feel free to adjust the garlic level to your preference; you can use fresh cloves or a jar of minced garlic also works.
Ground beef — I like to use extra lean ground beef.
Tomato paste — A little tomato paste adds a surprising amount of flavor.
Crushed tomatoes — Any canned, crushed tomato will work just fine.
Beans — I generally use canned kidney and pinto beans.
Tomato sauce — Use your favorite brand from the store or try my easy homemade tomato sauce recipe.
Beef broth — I like to use regular beef broth, but you can also use a low sodium option.
Seasonings — A blend of chili powder, oregano, cumin, paprika, cayenne pepper, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper.
Toppings — Serve with shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, tortilla chips and chopped green onion or cilantro.

Ingredients laid out on a countertop to make Classic Chili Recipe.

Instructions to Make Chili Recipe

Sauté onion and garlic:

Heat olive oil in a large pot or large Dutch oven over medium heat.
Add the onions and cook for about 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally until they become soft and translucent.
Then, stir in the garlic and cook for an additional minute.

Add tomato paste and ground beef:

Mix the tomato paste in with the onion and garlic, and stir until the vegetables are coated well.
Then, add the ground beef, breaking it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks.
Cook for about 7 minutes or until the meat is no longer pink, then drain any excess fat.

Left: Onions sauteing in a pot. Right: Meat and seasonings added to pot.

Sprinkle in seasonings:

Season generously with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper.
Then, add chili powder, oregano, cumin, paprika, and cayenne (which is optional).
At this point, taste and adjust to your preference.

Add beans, tomatoes, and broth:

Pour in the canned crushed tomato, tomato sauce, pinto beans, kidney beans, and beef broth, then stir to combine.

Left: Beans and tomatoes added to pot. Right: Broth added to chili.

Boil and simmer:

Bring everything to a boil, and then reduce the heat to medium-low heat.
Simmer for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally until the flavors meld together and the liquid reduces slightly.
Add more salt and pepper if needed.

Add toppings and enjoy:

Top your beef chili recipe with shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, and sliced green onion.
Serve and enjoy!

Close up of chili in a bowl with toppings.

Recipe Tips

If you prefer a leaner protein, feel free to swap the beef in this recipe for ground turkey or chicken.
Remember not to skip the sauté and browning steps for the onions, garlic, and ground meat. This step adds a lot of depth to the overall flavor of the dish.
If you’re keeping an eye on your sodium intake, try using a low sodium broth.
Swap the beans for a different variety like black beans or navy beans.
Make a double batch of this classic chili recipe and freeze half for a quick and delicious meal ready to go.

How to Store Leftovers

To Store: Allow your leftover chili to cool and store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Store any leftover toppings separately.
To Freeze: Store your leftovers in a freezer-safe container or Ziploc bag (freezer bags) and freeze for up to 3 months. You can save space in your freezer by taking the Ziploc bag route!
To Reheat: Reheat leftover chili in the microwave or on the stovetop. If your chili is on the thick side after being in the fridge, you can also add a little water to help.

What to Serve With Classic Chili

Bread: Fresh, warm bread is the coziest accompaniment to this classic chili recipe. Serve it alongside toasty garlic bread, gluten-free cornbread, or low-carb dinner rolls and garlic butter.
Toppings: The right toppings will make a good bowl of chili even better. I like to serve mine with sour cream, cheddar cheese, and green onions. You can also try it with your favorite hot sauce, fresh herbs, or sliced avocado.
Crunchy crackers: Add flavor and texture to your dish with crunchy oyster crackers, saltines, or low-carb almond flour crackers.
Side Salad: This rich, hearty chili goes great with a light, fresh side salad. Try it with my parmesan Brussels sprouts salad, easy broccoli salad recipe, or coleslaw recipe.

Recipe Variations

Add veggies: This easy chili recipe is such a great dish if you want to load up on the veggies or use up what you have in the fridge. Make this classic chili recipe with extra veggies and legumes or try my equally delicious Sweet Potato Chili.
Whole30 or Keto: With just a couple of adjustments, you can make a delicious chili that fits your dietary needs. For inspiration on Keto or Whole30 variations, check out my Instant Pot Keto Chili or Easy Whole30 Pumpkin Chili recipes.
Deepen the flavor: The great thing about chili is that it can handle a lot of flavors. Do you like your chili especially spicy? Add some red pepper flakes or hot sauce. Prefer it on the sweeter side? Try it with sweet paprika and a little cinnamon.
Top it off: One of my favorite ways to eat this classic chili recipe is on top of a baked potato. Each dish is cozy on its own, and even better together! Try making a variation of my taco stuffed sweet potatoes using this classic chili recipe instead of the taco filling.