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Easy classic chili recipe with ground beef, beans, and tomatoes served in a white bowl with toppings

Easy Classic Chili Recipe: The Perfect Comfort Food for Any Season

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.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Main Dish
Cuisine: American
Calories: 285
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

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

Method
 

  1. Heat olive oil in a Dutch oven. Add onion and bell pepper, cooking 5–7 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook 1 minute.
  2. Add ground beef, breaking up with spoon. Cook 6–8 minutes until browned. Drain excess fat, leaving 1 tbsp.
  3. Stir in tomato paste; cook 1–2 minutes until darkened. Add crushed tomatoes, scraping up browned bits.
  4. Pour in broth and add beans. Stir well.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.