Name: Easy Classic Chili
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 tbsp olive oil; 1 large yellow onion, diced; 1 green bell pepper, diced; 3 garlic cloves, minced; 1 lb ground beef; 1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, drained; 1 (15 oz) can pinto beans, drained; 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes; 1 (6 oz) can tomato paste; 2 cups beef broth; 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

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Why Make This Recipe

Chili is the ultimate comfort food that brings warmth and satisfaction to any meal. It’s hearty, packed with flavor, and incredibly easy to make. This Easy Classic Chili Recipe is perfect for cozy nights in or feeding a crowd on game day. The best part is you can tailor it to your taste, making it a versatile dish for everyone to enjoy.

How to Make Easy Classic Chili

Making this Easy Classic Chili is straightforward and quick. Follow these simple steps to create a delicious pot of chili that will fill your home with a mouthwatering aroma.

Ingredients

1 tbsp olive oil
1 large yellow onion, diced
1 green bell pepper, diced
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 lb ground beef
1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, drained
1 (15 oz) can pinto beans, drained
1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
1 (6 oz) can tomato paste
2 cups beef broth
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

Directions

In a large pot, sauté the onion, bell pepper, and garlic in olive oil until they are soft.
Add the ground beef and cook until browned, draining off the excess fat.
Stir in the kidney beans, pinto beans, crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, and beef broth. Mix everything well.
Season with chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, black pepper, and add the bay leaf.
Let the chili simmer on low heat for 30 to 45 minutes, stirring occasionally.
After simmering, taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. Serve hot with your favorite toppings.

How to Serve Easy Classic Chili

Serve your Easy Classic Chili hot, topped with shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped green onions, or avocado for added flavor. Pair it with cornbread, tortilla chips, or rice for a fulfilling meal.

How to Store Easy Classic Chili

To store leftovers, let the chili cool completely. Place it in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. You can also freeze chili for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove over low heat, adding a little water if it’s too thick.

Tips to Make Easy Classic Chili

For a vegetarian version, substitute ground beef with lentils or mushrooms.
Adjust the spice level by adding more or less cayenne pepper or using mild chili powder.
If you like your chili thicker, let it simmer uncovered for the last 10–15 minutes to allow some liquid to evaporate.

Variation

You can easily customize this chili recipe by adding other ingredients like corn, diced tomatoes with green chilies, or even some jalapeños for an extra kick.

FAQs

Can I make this chili in a slow cooker?
Yes! Brown the beef and sauté the vegetables on the stovetop first. Then, transfer everything to a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours.

Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, all the ingredients used in this recipe are gluten-free. Just double-check the canned products for any added ingredients.

Can I use turkey instead of beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great alternative and will still provide a delicious flavor.

Easy Classic Chili Recipe: The Ultimate Comfort Food