Classic Hearty Chili Recipe
Warm up with this hearty and flavorful chili! Packed with ground beef, beans, and bold spices, it's a comforting dish perfect for chilly nights or family dinners. Easy to make and full of customizable toppings, this classic recipe is sure to be a hit! 🌶️🍲
Prep Time 15 minutes mins
Cook Time 1 hour hr
Total Time 1 hour hr 15 minutes mins
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Large pot or Dutch oven
Wooden spoon or spatula (for stirring)
Cutting board
Chef’s knife
Measuring spoons and cups
Can opener
Ladle (for serving)
Bowls and serving utensils
- 1 lb Ground beef, turkey or venison
- 1 lb Ground pork or sausage (optional, for extra flavor)
- 2 tbsp Olive oil
- 1 Large onion, diced
- 2 Bell peppers, diced (any color)
- 4 Cloves garlic, minced
- 1 28oz Can diced tomatoes
- 1 15oz Can tomato sauce
- 1 15oz Can kidney beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 15oz Can black beans, rinsed and drained
- 2 Cups Beef or chicken broth
- 2 Tbsp Chili powder
- 1 Tsp Ground cumin
- 1 Tsp Smoked paprika
- 1/2 Tsp Cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
- 1 Tsp Oregano
- 1/2 Tsp Salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 Tsp Black pepper
- 1 Tbsp Brown sugar or honey (optional, to balance acidity)
- 1 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 Cup Frozen or fresh corn kernels (optional, for texture)
- Fresh cilantro and sliced green onions for garnish
Sauté the Vegetables:
In the same pot, add the diced onion and bell peppers. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened. Add garlic and sauté for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
Combine Ingredients:
Return the cooked meat to the pot. Stir in diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, beans, broth, and all the spices (chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, cayenne, oregano, salt, and pepper). Add the brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, and corn (if using).
Simmer the Chili:
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and let it simmer for at least 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. For deeper flavors, let it simmer for 1 hour or longer.
Serve and Garnish:
Ladle the chili into bowls and garnish with fresh cilantro, green onions, shredded cheese, sour cream, or avocado slices. Serve with cornbread, crackers, or tortilla chips on the side.
Tips:
- Make it spicier with additional cayenne or diced jalapeños.
- For a smoky twist, add a teaspoon of chipotle chili powder.
- Leftovers taste even better the next day as the flavors continue to meld.