Chili isn’t just food—it’s one of those main dishes that lives in your recipe box forever. The kind of thing that simmers away on a chilly night while you pretend to clean but actually hover near the stove, sneaking tastes with a wooden spoon. A classic beef chili recipe like this doesn’t scream for attention; it just gets the job done — boldly, warmly, and with zero regrets.
There are thousands of classic beef chili recipes floating around, each swearing it’s the best. But this one? This one is simple in the best way. You won’t need fancy gear or obscure ingredients. You’ll need a good appetite, a bit of time, and a fridge that’s willing to share a few pantry staples.
Active Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 60 minutes
Servings: 6 bowls of pure comfort
Ingredients
Nothing weird. Nothing fussy. Just good, honest stuff that works.
- 1 lb ground beef (lean is nice, but go with your gut)
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, chopped fine
- 1 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- A pinch (or more) of cayenne if you like heat
- 1 can (15 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1 can each (15 oz) black beans and kidney beans, drained
- Salt and pepper
- 1 cup beef broth — or just water if you're in a pinch
Instructions
Preparation
Get a big pot. One that feels like it can handle a little chaos.
Toss in your onions and garlic with a little oil. Let them soften up while the kitchen starts smelling like something’s about to happen.
Add the beef. Break it up with your spoon until it’s browned and beautiful. No pink bits hanging around.
Spices go in next — chili powder, cumin, paprika, oregano, and your chosen level of cayenne drama. Stir until your meat looks well-coated and smells like a legit chili moment.
Cooking
Pour in the crushed tomatoes, broth, and both types of beans.
Give it a stir, then bring the whole thing to a simmer. Let it bubble gently — like it’s telling you stories — for about 30 minutes.
Taste as you go. Adjust seasoning. Add more liquid if things start sticking.
Serving
You know what goes great with chili?
- A handful of shredded cheddar
- A scoop of sour cream
- A sprinkle of green onions or cilantro
Serve it with warm cornbread or over a bed of rice. Or just eat it straight from the pot — I’m not judging.
Nutritional Value Per One Serving
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 370
Total Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 55mg
Sodium: 580mg
Total Carbohydrates: 32g
Dietary Fiber: 8g
Sugars: 6g
Protein: 28g
Tips and Variations
Want to keep things interesting? Here are some easy spins:
- Swap ground beef with turkey for a lighter touch
- Add chopped bell peppers or corn for extra sweetness and color
- Skip the cayenne if spice isn’t your thing — or double it if it is
Let leftovers chill overnight. The flavors settle in and the chili actually gets better.
Conclusion
A classic ground beef chili like this doesn’t need to be revolutionary. It just needs to be rich, hearty, and absolutely satisfying. It’s the kind of dish that never lets you down, no matter how wild your week’s been.
This might not be the flashiest meal in your rotation of main dishes, but it just might be the one you make most often. And if you ask me, that says more than any five-star rating ever could.