This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy.
This is The Best and Easiest Traditional Chili Recipe and really the only one you need in your life. It doesn’t get more classic than this- filled with ground beef, beans, an array of chili seasonings, peppers, and canned tomatoes.
First off, I FREAKING LOVE CHILI. There is just something about the sound of football on the television and the smell of Chili cooking away on the stove that just brings me great joy. Straight up COZY and I’m into it.
Secondly, I wasn’t joking when I said this is The Best and Easiest Traditional Chili Recipe. It’s truly bursting with flavor and one to keep in your back pocket for sure!
Certain Chili recipes can seem a bit daunting.. multiple hour simmer times, one thousand ingredients, multiple pots and pans, etc. This one is the opposite of that and I know you’re going to love it!
*It’s made in one pot, ready in just 30 minutes and doesn’t have an overwhelmingly long list of ingredients. yes, yes, and yes.
How do you make homemade chili?
It’s quite simple really. Start by browning your ground beef and cooking your peppers and onions in a large dutch oven or stock pot until no longer pink and cooked through. Then, add in your spices, canned tomatoes, sauce, and beans, and bring to a boil. Next, reduce the heat and simmer for 20-30 minutes, until its creamy and thick and voila! Add any and all toppings of choice and enjoy!
Does Chili Freeze well?
YES! This Chili freezes so well. If you are only serving a few people and would like to save the rest for later, that’s no big deal! Allow the chili to cool completely, then transfer to a freezer safe container and pop in the freezer. It should last for 4-5 months in the freezer!
Can I sub ground turkey instead of ground beef?
Yes, most definitely. Keep in mind ground turkey is much more bland than ground beef, so you will need to season accordingly, but you can absolutely make this swap!
What do you top Chili with?
I say go for the freaking gold when it comes to toppings. YOU DO YOU and add anything and everything that you like, but I personally like to top with shredded cheese, sour cream, green onion and red onion (what.. I like onions), jalapeño, cilantro, avocado, and last but not least.. Fritos- if you know what’s up.
OTHER CHILI RECIPES TO TRY!
PrintThe Best and Easiest Traditional Chili Recipe
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 25
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6-8 1x
Ingredients
- 2 lbs grass-fed ground beef
- 1 large white onion, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 jalapeno, seeded and finely diced
- 28 oz can diced tomatoes
- 8 oz can tomato sauce
- 3 T tomato paste
- 1– 15 oz can pinto beans, drained and rinsed
- 1–15 oz can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1/4 c + 2 T chili powder
- 3 tsp cumin
- 2 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
- Salt + Pepper, to taste
Toppings (All are optional!)
- Shredded cheddar cheese
- Sour Cream
- Green Onion
- Red onion
- Jalapeno
- Avocado
- Cilantro
- Fritos
Instructions
- Heat a few T olive oil in Dutch Oven or non reactive pot. Add ground beef, peppers, onions, garlic, and a generous pinch of salt and pepper; sauté until meat is cooked through and peppers are soft, 7-9 minutes.
- Add remaining ingredients and bring to a boil. Reduce to a simmer. Cover it and let it to cook for 25-30 minutes, stirring often, until thick & creamy.
- Serve in bowls with toppings of choice and enjoy!!
Notes:
* If you like your chili to be a little more “soupy”, I would recommend adding a little beef broth or water as needed. Or, if you have a beer laying around, throw some of that in for a serious flavor boost!
1 Comment