Classic chili
Hearty, filling, and versatile, chili is a staple comfort food for a very good reason. If you’re looking for the most classic version to come home to after a long day, then this is the recipe for you. While many chili recipes call for simmering for at least an hour (sometimes even more), our best-ever beef chili can be made in just 40 minutes. Plus, the uses of this classic meal go way beyond being a simple weeknight dinner. Need to feed a big crowd? No problem—this recipe is easy to double (or even triple) too. Keep reading for all of our top tips to make the best chili possible for any occasion, anytime of year.
The Story of Classic Chili:
Classic Chili is a beloved staple that has stood the test of time, offering a symphony of flavors in every spoonful. This hearty and robust dish, born from a blend of savory meats, beans, and spices, has become a go-to comfort food, perfect for chilly nights or festive occasions.
Why You Should Make this recipe:
- Soul-Warming Comfort: Classic Chili is a bowl of warmth and comfort, filling your senses with the essence of home-cooked goodness.
- Versatile and Customizable: Tailor the spice level and ingredient mix to suit your preferences, making it a versatile dish for all taste buds.
- Feed a Crowd: Whether it’s game day or a family gathering, Classic Chili is a crowd-pleaser that satisfies appetites with its hearty goodness.
How to Serve:
Serving Classic Chili is a delightful experience:
- Ladle It: Spoon generous portions into bowls, ensuring each serving is loaded with meat, beans, and flavorful broth.
- Garnish (Optional): Top with shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped green onions, or fresh cilantro for an extra layer of goodness.
- Dip or Douse: Enjoy with tortilla chips for dipping or ladle it over a bed of rice for a heartier meal.
What Goes Well With this recipe:
Classic Chili pairs deliciously with complementary sides:
- Cornbread: Serve alongside warm cornbread for a classic and satisfying combination.
- Avocado Salad: Fresh avocado salad adds a cool and creamy contrast to the hearty chili.
- Crispy Tortilla Strips: Garnish with crispy tortilla strips for added texture and a touch of authenticity.
Storage Info:
If there are any leftovers, here’s how to keep the chili goodness:
- Cool Down: Allow the chili to cool before transferring it to an airtight container.
- Refrigerate or Freeze: Store in the refrigerator for a few days or freeze for longer preservation.
- Reheat (Optional): Warm up individual servings on the stove or in the microwave for a quick and satisfying meal.
Tips and Notes:
- Flavor Development: Let the chili simmer for an extended period to allow flavors to meld and intensify.
- Bean Variety: Experiment with different beans like kidney beans, black beans, or pinto beans for varied texture and taste.
- Spice Control: Adjust the level of spiciness by regulating the amount of chili powder, cayenne, or other spices.
“Savor the timeless goodness of Classic Chili, where each spoonful tells a tale of tradition, warmth, and savory satisfaction.”
Classic chili
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
- 1/2 large white onion chopped
- 3 cloves garlic finely chopped
- 2 tbsp. tomato paste
- 1 1/2 lb. ground beef
- 1 1/2 tbsp. chili powder
- 1 tsp. dried oregano
- 1 tsp. ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp. paprika
- 1/4 tsp. cayenne pepper optional
- Kosher salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
- 1 28-oz. can crushed tomatoes
- 1 15-oz. can kidney beans, drained
- Shredded cheddar sour cream, and sliced scallions, for serving
Instructions
Saute Vegetables and Brown Beef:
- Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onions and cook, stirring occasionally, until they are slightly softened and translucent, approximately 5 minutes.
- Stir in garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.
- Introduce tomato paste, ensuring the vegetables are evenly coated. Add ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until it is no longer pink, about 7 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
Season and Simmer:
- Add chili powder, oregano, cumin, paprika, and cayenne (if desired). Generously season with salt and black pepper.
- Pour in tomatoes and beans, bringing the mixture to a boil. Reduce heat to medium and simmer, stirring occasionally, until the flavors have melded, and the liquid has slightly reduced, approximately 20 minutes. Adjust seasoning with salt and black pepper if necessary.
Serve:
- Ladle the chili into bowls.
- Garnish with shredded cheese, a dollop of sour cream, and chopped scallions.
