Description
This Classic Chili recipe is a hearty and flavorful dish made with ground beef, tomatoes, kidney beans, and a blend of aromatic spices. Perfect for a comforting meal, it combines slow-simmered flavors with a spicy kick and is topped off with shredded cheddar, sour cream, and scallions for extra richness and freshness.
Ingredients
Scale
Chili
- 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
Toppings
- Shredded cheddar cheese
- Sour cream
- Sliced scallions
Instructions
- Heat the Oil and Sauté Aromatics: In a large pot over medium heat, warm the olive oil. Add the chopped onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened and translucent, about 6-8 minutes. Then add the garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Add Tomato Paste and Brown the Meat: Stir in the tomato paste to coat the vegetables evenly. Add the ground beef to the pot, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until the beef is no longer pink, about 7 minutes. Drain excess fat from the pot to keep the chili from being greasy.
- Season and Combine Ingredients: Sprinkle in the chili powder, oregano, 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. Stir well to combine all flavors.
- Simmer the Chili: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium and let it simmer. Stir occasionally as it cooks until the flavors meld together and the liquid has slightly reduced, about 20 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Serve and Garnish: Ladle the chili into bowls and top with shredded cheddar cheese, a dollop of sour cream, and sliced scallions for a colorful and tasty finish.
Notes
- For a spicier chili, increase or keep the optional cayenne pepper.
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner alternative.
- Serve with cornbread or over rice for a complete meal.
- Leftovers taste even better after a day as flavors develop further.
- To make it vegetarian, omit the meat and add extra beans or vegetables.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: classic chili, chili recipe, ground beef chili, easy chili, hearty chili, comfort food
