Description

This Easy Classic Chili Recipe is the ultimate comfort food that combines rich beef, hearty beans, savory spices, and a perfectly balanced tomato base. Ready in just over an hour, this chili delivers a restaurant-quality experience right at home—perfect for cozy dinners, meal prep, or game day gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale

Base Aromatics:

1 tbsp olive oil
1 large yellow onion, diced
1 green bell pepper, diced
3 garlic cloves, minced

Protein Foundation:

1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend recommended)

Bean Medley:

1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
1 (15 oz) can pinto beans, drained and rinsed

Tomato Base:

1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
1 (6 oz) can tomato paste
2 cups beef broth

Spice Symphony:

2 tbsp chili powder
1 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp smoked paprika
½ tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
1 tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
1 bay leaf

Instructions

Heat olive oil in a Dutch oven. Add onion and bell pepper, cooking 5–7 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook 1 minute.
Add ground beef, breaking up with spoon. Cook 6–8 minutes until browned. Drain excess fat, leaving 1 tbsp.
Stir in tomato paste; cook 1–2 minutes until darkened. Add crushed tomatoes, scraping up browned bits.
Pour in broth and add beans. Stir well.
Add chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, cayenne, salt, pepper, and bay leaf. Bring to boil, then reduce to low and simmer 30–45 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Remove bay leaf, taste, and adjust seasonings. For thicker chili, simmer uncovered an additional 10–15 minutes.

Notes

Simmering at least 30 minutes develops depth of flavor. Chili tastes even better the next day as flavors meld. Serve with cornbread, toppings bar, or over baked potatoes.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 50-65 minutes
Category: Main Dish
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 bowl
Calories: 285
Sugar: 7g
Sodium: 680mg
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Unsaturated Fat: 7g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 28g
Fiber: 8g
Protein: 22g
Cholesterol: 45mg

Keywords: classic chili, easy chili recipe, beef and bean chili, comfort food, stovetop chili