Irresistible Classic Beef Chili Recipe for Cozy Nights

When you think of comfort food that warms your soul, classic beef chili comes to mind, with its rich aroma wafting through the kitchen like a cozy hug. Imagine tender chunks of beef simmering in a robust sauce, mingling with spices that dance on your palate and beans that provide delightful texture. garlic bread pairing savory beef bites Just the thought can make your mouth water and fill your heart with nostalgia for chilly evenings spent gathered around the table. For more inspiration, check out this delicious garlic butter green beans recipe.

This dish is not just a meal; it’s an experience filled with laughter, stories, and those moments when everyone asks for seconds. The best part? You can whip up this classic beef chili for game days, family gatherings, or even just a regular Tuesday night when you need something hearty and satisfying. teriyaki chicken Trust me; your taste buds will thank you!

Last winter, I made this dish for my friends’ game night, and let me tell you, it was a hit! Everyone kept asking for my secret ingredient while I just smiled and said it was love.

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Ground Beef: Choose lean ground beef for less grease; it helps create a rich base without being overly fatty.
• Onions: Use sweet onions for a hint of sweetness that balances the spices beautifully.
• Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves bring out an aromatic depth that dried garlic simply can’t match.
• Bell Peppers: Choose colorful bell peppers for visual appeal and added sweetness; they brighten up the dish.
• Canned Tomatoes: Opt for crushed tomatoes to create a luscious sauce that envelops every bite.
• Canned Beans: Black beans or kidney beans add protein and texture; rinse them well to remove excess sodium.
• Chili Powder: Use a good-quality chili powder; it’s the heart of this recipe providing warmth and flavor.
• Cumin: Ground cumin adds earthy notes that enhance the overall flavor profile; don’t skip it!
• Beef Broth: Use low-sodium beef broth to control saltiness while enriching the chili’s flavor.
• Sour Cream (optional): A dollop on top adds creaminess that balances the spicy kick perfectly.
• Cheddar Cheese (optional): Shredded cheese brings additional flavor and richness—who doesn’t love cheese?

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it together

Prep Your Ingredients: Start by chopping onions, garlic, and bell peppers into small pieces. This helps them cook evenly and blend seamlessly into the chili.

Sauté the Veggies: Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped onions and bell peppers until they soften—about 5 minutes—and become fragrant.

Brown the Beef: Push veggies to one side of the pot and add ground beef. Cook until browned thoroughly while breaking it apart with a spatula—around 6-8 minutes.

Add Garlic and Spices: Stir in minced garlic along with chili powder and cumin. Allow them to cook for about 1 minute until fragrant—you’ll know it’s ready when your kitchen smells heavenly.

Toss in Tomatoes & Beans: Pour in crushed tomatoes along with rinsed beans and beef broth. Stir everything together while bringing it to a gentle boil—this should take about 3-5 minutes.

Simmer Away: Reduce heat to low, cover partially, and let the chili simmer for at least 30-45 minutes. Stir occasionally until thickened—this is where all those flavors deepen! For more inspiration, check out this thick and chewy cookies recipe.

Enjoy every moment as you savor this classic beef chili!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by browning the beef in a heavy pot. Once browned, add vegetables and spices before simmering to deepen flavors.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap ground beef with turkey or add black beans for extra protein. Spice it up with jalapeños for a kick.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftover chili in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days. Reheat gently on low heat to preserve texture.

Cooking this classic beef chili reminds me of my college days when friends would gather for movie marathons and endless bowls of chili. comforting potato soup Those warm memories are forever etched in my heart.

FAQ

What type of beef is best for classic beef chili?

Ground chuck is ideal due to its balance of flavor and fat content.

Can I make classic beef chili ahead of time?

Absolutely! It tastes even better when made a day in advance as flavors deepen.

Is classic beef chili suitable for freezing?

Yes! Just cool it completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers for later enjoyment.

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

📖 Recipe Card

Print

Classic Beef Chili

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

• Author: Mia Hanry
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: Serves about 6 people 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Warm up your evenings with this classic beef chili, a comforting dish that combines tender beef, robust spices, and hearty beans. Perfect for game nights or family dinners, this chili is sure to evoke nostalgia while satisfying your taste buds. With minimal effort required, you’ll create a flavorful experience everyone will love!

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb lean ground beef
• 1 medium sweet onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup bell peppers (mixed colors), chopped
• 28 oz can crushed tomatoes
• 15 oz can black beans, rinsed and drained
• 15 oz can kidney beans, rinsed and drained
• 2 tbsp chili powder
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 2 cups low-sodium beef broth
• Optional toppings: sour cream and shredded cheddar cheese

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Chop onions, garlic, and bell peppers.
2. In a large pot over medium heat, sauté the onions and bell peppers in oil until softened (about 5 minutes).
3. Add ground beef to the pot; cook until browned (6-8 minutes), breaking it apart with a spatula.
4. Stir in minced garlic, chili powder, and cumin; cook for an additional minute.
5. Pour in crushed tomatoes, beans, and beef broth; bring to a gentle boil (3-5 minutes).
6. Reduce heat to low; cover partially and simmer for 30-45 minutes, stirring occasionally.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 550mg
• Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 27g
• Fiber: 8g
• Protein: 24g
• Cholesterol: 75mg