Name: Easy Classic Beef Chili Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 tbsp olive oil; 1 small yellow onion, diced; 1 lb ground beef; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 3 tbsp chili powder; 1 tbsp cumin; 2 tsp garlic powder; 1.5 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp pepper; pinch cayenne powder; 1 15 oz can diced tomatoes; 1 15 oz can tomato sauce; 1 15 oz can pinto beans; 1 15 oz can kidney beans; 3 tbsp tomato paste; 2 tbsp honey; 2 cups beef broth; Sour cream; Greek yogurt; Cheese; Green onion; Fritos; Cilantro

If you’re craving a cozy, satisfying meal that’s bursting with flavor but won’t keep you in the kitchen all day, look no further. This Easy Classic Beef Chili Recipe is exactly what you want on a chilly evening or anytime you’re feeding a hungry crowd. I’ve made this chili countless times, and I absolutely love how rich and hearty it turns out without any complicated steps. Stick with me, and I’ll share the little tricks that make it so darn tasty and foolproof.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Super Simple Ingredients: Most of these you probably have in your pantry or fridge already, making weeknight dinners a breeze.
Comfort in Every Spoonful: The perfect blend of spices and tender beef hits the spot every single time.
One-Pot Wonder: Cleanup is a snap since everything cooks together in one pot—yes, please!
Customizable and Crowd-pleasing: My family goes crazy for this chili, and you can adjust heat levels and toppings to suit your style.

The image shows a white bowl filled with thick chili, dark brown with visible kidney beans and small green herbs mixed in. On top, there is a dollop of white sour cream at the center, surrounded by thin yellow shredded cheese and curved, crunchy-looking yellow corn chips. Chopped green onions and finely chopped green herbs are sprinkled over the sour cream and cheese. A silver spoon rests inside the bowl on the left side. The bowl is placed on a white marbled surface with scattered green herbs and a small white bowl with extra chopped green onions nearby. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Easy Classic Beef Chili, hearty beef chili, quick chili recipe, stovetop chili, easy weeknight dinner

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients for this Easy Classic Beef Chili Recipe come together like a dream. Each one plays a key role in building that delicious, hearty flavor — and don’t worry, I’ve got some handy tips to help you shop smart and prep like a pro.

Flat lay of a small puddle of golden olive oil served in a simple white ceramic bowl, one whole small yellow onion with a few cubes diced next to it, a mound of fresh raw ground beef, three whole garlic bulbs, two small white ceramic bowls containing vibrant red chili powder and light brown cumin powder, two smaller white ceramic bowls with pale beige garlic powder and bright white salt crystals, a tiny pinch of bright red cayenne powder in a white ceramic bowl, a small white bowl holding vivid red diced fresh tomatoes, another white bowl with smooth bright red tomato paste, two separate white ceramic bowls filled with plump pinto beans and glossy dark red kidney beans, a small white bowl with clear golden honey, and a white bowl with rich brown beef broth, all ingredients arranged with perfect symmetry and realistic proportions, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997 - Easy Classic Beef Chili, hearty beef chili, quick chili recipe, stovetop chili, easy weeknight dinner

Olive oil: I prefer extra virgin for a richer flavor when sautéing; it’s healthier and adds a nice base to your chili.
Yellow onion: Diced small to melt perfectly into the chili; it brings sweetness and depth.
Ground beef: Go for 80/20 for the best mix of flavor and a bit of fat without being greasy.
Garlic cloves: Fresh minced garlic really wakes up the dish more than garlic powder alone.
Chili powder: The star spice — it delivers the classic chili flavor you’re craving.
Cumin: Adds that warm, earthy undertone I love in every bite.
Garlic powder: A little extra garlic boost that rounds out the savory flavors.
Salt & pepper: Essential to balance and bring everything together.
Cayenne powder: Just a pinch for a subtle, lively kick — adjust if you’re sensitive to heat.
Diced tomatoes: I like using canned for convenience and consistency in flavor.
Tomato sauce: Helps thicken the chili and deepen the tomato base.
Pinto beans & kidney beans: These give your chili the classic texture and extra protein and fiber.
Tomato paste: Adds a concentrated tomato flavor and richness I swear by.
Honey: Balances acidity and adds a gentle sweetness—trust me, it makes a difference.
Beef broth: Builds a savory depth and keeps everything juicy.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

One of the best parts about this Easy Classic Beef Chili Recipe is how easy it is to make your own. Over the years, I’ve played with tweaks that fit my mood or what I have on hand, and you can too!

Spice it up or tone it down: When I want heat, I add extra cayenne or a diced jalapeño; for milder chili, just skip the cayenne altogether.
Swap the beef: I’ve made this with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option, and it still comes out flavorful.
Go vegetarian: Just omit the meat and use extra beans or add lentils for protein.
Seasonal veggies: Sometimes I toss in diced bell peppers or corn for extra texture and color.

How to Make Easy Classic Beef Chili Recipe

Step 1: Start by Sautéing the Onion and Beef

Heat your olive oil in a large dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Once it’s shimmering, toss in the diced onion and cook for about 2 to 3 minutes until it starts to soften and smell amazing. Then add your ground beef in one layer, letting it brown without stirring for a couple minutes to get some nice color. After that, break it apart and cook until it’s mostly browned but still juicy. Finally, toss in the minced garlic and cook for just about 30 seconds — garlic burns fast, so keep an eye on it!

Step 2: Spice It Up

Here’s where the magic starts: sprinkle in the chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and just a pinch of cayenne. Stir everything together so the spices coat the meat evenly. You’ll smell that warm, smoky aroma immediately, and trust me—it’s the heart of great chili.

Step 3: Add Your Tomatoes, Beans, and Broth

Pour in the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, pinto beans, kidney beans, tomato paste, honey, and beef broth. Give it a good stir so everything combines nicely. The honey might surprise you here, but it really balances out the acidity from the tomatoes and deepens the flavor.

Step 4: Simmer to Perfection

Bring your chili to a gentle boil, then immediately reduce the heat to medium-low to let it simmer. Cover partially, and let it bubble away for about 30 minutes. Stir it every so often to prevent sticking, and you’ll notice the flavors blend and thicken beautifully. Patience here pays off with that rich, well-rounded chili taste you want.

Step 5: Serve and Top to Taste

Ladle your chili into bowls and go wild with toppings—sour cream or Greek yogurt (I like the tang!), shredded cheese, sliced green onions, crunchy Fritos for texture, and fresh cilantro if you’re feeling fancy. This is where your chili turns from tasty meal to total comfort food celebration.

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Pro Tips for Making Easy Classic Beef Chili Recipe

Brown Your Beef Properly: Let the meat sit undisturbed when you first add it to the pan to develop flavor and prevent a stewy texture.
Don’t Skip the Honey: It might seem odd, but the small amount balances out acidity and rounds the flavors beautifully.
Simmer Low and Slow: Resist the urge to rush—simmering gently unlocks deeper flavors and a perfect chili consistency.
Rinse Your Beans If You Want: Sometimes I rinse canned beans for less salt and starch, which keeps the chili from getting too thick or salty.

How to Serve Easy Classic Beef Chili Recipe

The image shows three white bowls filled with rich, dark red chili with visible beans and minced meat. Each bowl is topped with a dollop of white sour cream in the center, surrounded by bright yellow strips of cheddar cheese and curled, crunchy, light golden corn chips. Small pieces of chopped green onion and fresh green cilantro leaves are scattered on top, adding a fresh touch. Around the bowls, there are lime wedges and extra chopped green onions in small white bowls on a white marbled surface, with a woman's hand holding a spoon in the bottom right bowl. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Easy Classic Beef Chili, hearty beef chili, quick chili recipe, stovetop chili, easy weeknight dinner

Garnishes

My go-to garnishes are a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt to add creaminess, shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese for richness, sliced green onions for a bit of freshness, and if I’m feeling fun, some Fritos for crunch. Fresh cilantro sprinkled on top adds brightness, especially if you want a little herbal lift.

Side Dishes

I often serve this chili with warm cornbread or buttery dinner rolls—both soak up the chili’s juices so well. A simple side salad or steamed veggies help balance the meal if you want something fresh alongside.

Creative Ways to Present

For game days or parties, I like setting up a DIY chili bar where everyone can pile on their favorite toppings. You can also serve it over baked potatoes or even pasta for a twist. I once layered the chili in a casserole with tortilla chips and cheese for a delicious chili bake that disappeared fast!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually store leftover chili in airtight containers in the fridge, and it keeps beautifully for up to 4 days. It tastes even better the next day once the flavors meld, so it’s worth making a little extra.

Freezing

This chili freezes wonderfully. I portion it into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty zip-top bags, flattening them for quicker thawing. It’s perfect to have on hand for a no-fuss meal anytime you need.

Reheating

To reheat, I thaw overnight in the fridge if frozen, then warm it gently in a pot over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Adding a splash of broth or water helps keep it saucy and fresh tasting.

FAQs

Can I make this Easy Classic Beef Chili Recipe in a slow cooker?

Absolutely! Brown the beef and onions first as described, then add everything to your slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. The flavors deepen beautifully with slow cooking.
Is this chili recipe spicy?

It has a mild to medium heat level thanks to the chili powder and a pinch of cayenne. You can easily adjust the spice by adding more cayenne or chili powder to taste—or leave it out if you want it mild.
Can I use fresh beans instead of canned?

Yes, but make sure your beans are cooked fully before adding them, as canned beans are already soft. Using fresh beans means a longer prep time but definitely adds a great texture if you have the time.
What can I serve with Easy Classic Beef Chili Recipe?

Classic sides like cornbread, rice, or tortilla chips pair wonderfully. Fresh salads or steamed vegetables add a nice balance, and for something extra, topping chili over baked potatoes is delicious.

Final Thoughts

This Easy Classic Beef Chili Recipe has been a game-changer for me—it’s reliably delicious, hearty enough to satisfy hungry bellies, and easy enough to make any night of the week. Whether you’re cooking for your family or hosting friends, this chili brings that warm, welcoming vibe everyone loves. I’m excited for you to try it and maybe even make it your own signature dish. Grab your pot, dive in, and enjoy every cozy, flavor-packed spoonful!