This Simple Classic Chili is a basic recipe for a simple classic chili. It's made with lean beef, two different kinds of beans, and pantry spices to make this classic chili perfect for the big game or any get-together.
One of our favorite go-to meals around here, when the weather gets super duper cold, is my Simple Classic Chili.
I always get a craving for chili around this time of year. It’s a comforting, easy meal that I can add to anything -- I can add some to my nachos, on top of a slow-roasted baked potato, and even spaghetti
So when that craving kicked in last week, and Stephen and I were discussing what to make for dinner, I suggested chili. Of course, I knew he would be on board.
How to Make Simple Classic Chili
The base of this chili starts with a can of tomato sauce and ground beef. That's it. The rest is up to you! I add in a few spices here and there (and of course some garlic), but there are so many things and ways you can kick this chili up!
I love cooking our chili in this huge Lodge Dutch Oven. It cooks everything evenly and is big enough that I can make a double batch.
This is a super simple recipe, so if you’re a beginner cook, no need to worry! You’re gonna nail this recipe! Here are a few extra tips to make sure this chili comes out perfectly.
- This chili is great and you can use ground beef, ground chicken, or ground turkey in it. I have even used ground pork before!
- You can bump up the healthy in this and add in some quinoa as I did in this Turkey Quinoa Chili.
- If you are not sure you like spicy chili, use less chili powder. I like ours spicy, so I always add extra to boost the heat level more.
- Use chili-ready tomatoes if you want extra flavor in your chili. I like the RO*TEL version but Hunt's makes one too.
- The cook time of the chili all depends on how soupy you want it. Watch the chili and when it gets to the desired consistency, remove it from the heat. I like mine thick, so I let it cook for the full 60 minutes. But if you like it runnier, it should be done by 45 minutes.
And there you have it! A simple, classic chili that you can build upon! Do you like making chili? Let me know if the comments below how you make yours.
Love Chili? Here are some of my favorite recipes
Simple Classic Chili
This simple classic chili is a great base that you can build upon!
Ingredients
- 2 pounds ground beef
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 8 ounce can tomato sauce
- 3 tablespoon Chili Powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 15-ounce can kidney beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 15-ounce can chili beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 can RO*TEL Chili ready tomatoes
- Shredded Cheddar for serving
- sour cream for serving
- Fritos for serving
Instructions
- Place the ground beef in a large pot and throw in the garlic. Cook over medium heat until browned.
- Drain off the excess fat, and then pour in the tomato sauce, chili powder, cumin, oregano, and salt.
- Add in tomatoes and both cans of beans.
- Stir together well, cover, and then reduce the heat to low. Simmer for 1 hour, stirring occasionally. If the mixture becomes overly dry, add ½ cup water at a time as needed.
- Taste for seasonings and adjust as you need to. Top with onions, cheese, and sour cream.
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
8Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 377Total Fat: 21gSaturated Fat: 8gUnsaturated Fat: 13gCholesterol: 102mgSodium: 697mgCarbohydrates: 11gFiber: 4gSugar: 2gProtein: 34g
There's nothing like a bowl of chili on a cold day. Love that you have pictured yours with saltine crackers. Such a classic!
This sounds sooooo good right now! We've had several days of cold and snow, so curling up on the couch with a hot bowl of chili sounds delightful! Thankful it is gluten-free too as I have Celiac Disease!
This chili looks so hearty and delicious! Adding this to my must make list!
It is below zero today and I'd kill for a warm bowl of chili. Any chance of sending some over?!
I love chili when the weather's cold too. Yours looks really good. Definitely a recipe worth keeping for later!
Chili is always a favorite in my house but I have never tried the tomatoes you use, which sound so great. On a cold day that dish looks perfect for the family.
Love how simple and quick this recipe is. One of those perfect comforting meal anybody would love!
This chili looks so good! I love how you added quinoa! I also love chili when it is a bit thicker! Great recipe!
Chili is one of my go-to meals during the winter. The beans, beef, and heat just make the cold so much more bearable. It's like the food equivalent of a cozy blanket.
My husband will love this. He doesn't cook much, but when he does, it's chili. For real. It's the ONLY thing he cooks. I'm sure he'll love trying this recipe.
Chili is such a staple around here when it gets colder! I Love how it feeds my family and then there is still plenty of leftovers!
My husband loves chili so much!! He wishes I would make it for him, but I am not a huge fan.
Delicious! There are few things in life a classic hearty chili cannot cure. I love how easy this one is to make too.
I love chili, especially this time of year. It's been super cold where I am lately, and below zero. I could really go for some chili right now.
Nothing beats a homemade chili this time of the year! This one looks fabulous!
Yes, please! A warm and hearty winter dish. We love chili here at home.
Oh yum! You really can't go wrong with a good Chili recipe. Love that you called yours simple. Right up my alley!
Winter comfort food! Reading this post made me crave for a bowl of chili! I am adding this to our menu plan for next week. Thanks for the meal inspiration!