Classic Chili Recipe
Classic Chili is a hearty and flavorful dish featuring ground beef simmered with tomatoes, kidney beans, and a blend of spices. This easy stovetop recipe is perfect for a comforting meal, topped with shredded cheddar, sour cream, and scallions for added richness and freshness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
Main 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, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 (28-oz.) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (15-oz.) can kidney beans, drained
- Shredded cheddar, for serving
- Sour cream, for serving
- Sliced scallions, for serving
Instructions
- Cook Aromatics and Tomato Paste: In a large pot over medium heat, heat the olive oil. Add the chopped onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until it becomes slightly softened and translucent, about 6-8 minutes. Add the finely chopped garlic and continue to cook while stirring, until fragrant, about 1 more minute. Stir in the tomato paste to coat the vegetables evenly.
- Brown the Ground Beef: Add the ground beef to the pot. Use a spoon to break it up and cook until no longer pink, approximately 7 minutes. Drain any excess fat from the pot to keep the chili balanced in flavor and texture.
- Add Spices and Simmer: Sprinkle in the chili powder, dried oregano, ground cumin, paprika, and cayenne pepper if using. Season generously with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Pour in the crushed tomatoes and drained kidney beans. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium and let it simmer. Stir occasionally until the flavors meld and the liquid slightly reduces, about 20 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
- Serve: Ladle the chili into bowls and garnish with shredded cheddar cheese, a dollop of sour cream, and sliced scallions for a fresh and creamy finish.
Notes
- For a spicier chili, increase the cayenne pepper or add diced jalapeños with the onions.
- To make this chili thicker, simmer uncovered for an additional 10 minutes to reduce more liquid.
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner protein option.
- Beans can be replaced or mixed with black beans or pinto beans for variety.
- Leftovers taste even better the next day as flavors continue to develop.
Keywords: classic chili, ground beef chili, stovetop chili, hearty chili, easy chili recipe
Find it online: https://kitchenbyclara.com/classic-chili-recipe/
