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You are here: Home / Recipes / Chili

The BEST Classic Chili

By Susie Weinrich · Date Oct 2, 2023· 15 Comments · May contain affiliate links.

Classic Chili in a bowl with pinterest text overlay
two bowls of chili with pinterest text on the bottom
Classic Chili Pinterest Image
chili in two bowls with text overlay The BEST Classic Chili Recipe
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This is the BEST Classic Chili recipe full of flavor and is hearty and comforting! It is loaded with ground beef, beans, onions, celery and garlic in a richly seasoned tomato base. There is also a pinch of ground clove and ground allspice to bring depth of flavor and warmth. The flavor of this chili recipe is amazing and it is nice and thick, like a chili should be!

classic chili recipe in two crocks with green onions on top and two spoons to the side

I might even go as far to say you could win a chili cook off contest with this recipe!?

If you want to make quick work of your chili, check out this recipe for Damn Good Instant Pot Chili. If you like it spicy, really spicy, check out this recipe for Instant Pot Buffalo Chicken Chili. Or if you want a chicken chili give this Instant Pot Chicken Chili a try!

Table of Contents hide
1 Ingredients
2 Make it Ahead
3 Reheating Leftovers
4 Freezing
5 Variations
6 Chili Toppings
7 What to Serve with Chili
8 More Dang Good Chili Recipes
9 Did you make this recipe?
10 Classic Chili Recipe + Video

Ingredients

Classic chili ingredients like ground beef, beans, onions, celery, garlic and plenty of spices makes the very best chili.

two bowls of classic chili and green onions to the side
The BEST Classic Chili Recipe!!

Ground Beef: We recommend using an 85/15 or 80/20 ground beef for the most flavor. Using a “meat chopper” makes quick work of crumbling the ground beef while it cooks.

Onions, Celery & Garlic: This is the start of really great flavor of “filling” for your chili. It can be considered a mirepoix, although not the traditional one we think of (onions, celery and carrots). We like to use a yellow or white onion.

Green Chilies: Instead of adding a bell pepper we opt for a can of diced green chilies. It adds a more mild flavor.

Beans: We believe that chili includes beans around here😁. A mix of two kinds of beans; northern beans and chili beans. The canned chili beans will be in a sauce that starts to make the chili nice and flavorful.

Canned Diced Tomatoes: add a nice texture variation and flavor.

Tomato Sauce: we add just enough tomato sauce to add to the “soup” of the chili, but not too much, we like chili to be nice and thick!

Sugar: balances the acidity of all the tomato ingredients in the chili.

Spices: THIS is where it is at. If you didn’t add all the yummy spices would it even be chili!? We add a hearty mix of chili powder, cumin, oregano, bay leaf, clove, all spice, salt, pepper and red pepper flakes.

Make it Ahead

I think we all know that chili gets better with time! Let it sit in the fridge a day or two and the flavors all come together!

Chili can absolutely be made ahead and kept in the fridge for a busy night.

You can make this chili recipe a couple days ahead and keep it for up to 4 days in a covered container in the fridge.

Reheating Leftovers

Reheat individual portions or the whole recipe on the stove top, in your crock pot or in the microwave.

The chili will thicken in the fridge as it sits. So you may need to add a few splashes of water, chicken or beef broth to loosen it up a bit.

Freezing

You can also FREEZE your chili which makes it a great option for family meal prep or even taking to a Meal Train!!

Simply make the recipe completely, cool it, and then pop it in freezer safe container, allowing for some expansion during the freezing process. You can freeze it in one large batch or in single servings!

chili in a pot with a wooden spoon

To thaw your chili for serving there are a couple options:

  • Pop it in the fridge overnight and then simmer on the stove top to warm through for serving.
  • Soak the chili (in it’s freezer container) in cool water, changing the water about every 30 minutes until it is thawed enough to scoop into a pot for warming on the stove top.
  • Put the frozen block of chili in a crock pot in the morning on low, it will be nice and warm when it is time for dinner.
  • Thaw the chili with the defrost function on your microwave.

Variations

Since chili is kind of a “dump and cook” type of soup it is really easy to change up the flavor to suit your family’s tastebuds. Here are a few things to make this recipe your own:

  1. Use ground turkey instead of ground beef. (check out this ground turkey chili recipe)
  2. Add a little spice and use chili beans in spicy sauce.
  3. For extra spice add a pinch of cayenne or extra red pepper flakes.
  4. For extra extra spice add a chopped jalapeno when you sauté the onions.
  5. Try using black beans instead of northern beans.
  6. Add 1 cup of chopped green peppers for a veggie heavy version of this chili.
  7. For a vegetarian version add a veggie crumble in place of the ground beef- like impossible, morning star or make your own with this vegan ground beef recipe.
  8. Another vegetarian option would be to omit the beef all together and add an extra can of beans.
Up close picture of thick chili with beans and tomatoes topped with green onions

Chili Toppings

A great way to serve this Classic Chili is to put out a buffet of toppings for people to choose from. Here are some starter ideas:

  • Fritos or tortilla chips
  • Fresh diced avocado
  • Sour Cream or Plain Greek Yogurt
  • Shredded cheese
  • Jalapenos (fresh or pickled)
  • Tabasco or hot sauce
  • Chopped green onions or white onions
  • Cornbread
  • Saltine Crackers

What to Serve with Chili

Nothing better than a big hearty bowl of chili on a cold or snowy night. Serve it up with a large veggie tray with ranch dip, chips with spinach artichoke dip, and one of these cornbread/biscuit recipes: Buttermilk Cornbread, Best Ever Cornbread, Sweet Corn Muffins or Garlic Cheddar Biscuits.

More Dang Good Chili Recipes

  • a bowls of chili with turkey topped with sour cream, fritos and green onions
    Thick & Hearty Turkey Chili
  • a bowl of chicken chili topped with sour cream and two limes
    30 Minute Instant Pot Chicken Chili
  • a bowl of chili made in the instant pot with jalapenos, fritos and sour cream on top
    Damn Good Instant Pot Chili
  • a bowl of instant pot buffalo chicken chili
    Instant Pot Buffalo Chicken Chili

Susie leaning on the kitchen counter

💛💛💛💛💛

Did you make this recipe?

I would love to hear your review, especially if you have tips and tricks to add! Pop down to the comment section and connect with me

Rate This Recipe→
a big bowl of chili topped with green onions

Classic Chili Recipe + Video

A Classic Chili recipe that has ground beef and beans. It has all the flavors you love: chili powder, garlic, onions, and tomatoes, plus a little clove and all spice for warmth. 
There is nothing better than a big bowl of chili on a cold night!
4.95 from 18 votes
Print Pin Rate Save Saved!
Prep Time: 15 minutes minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes minutes
Servings: 6 people
Calories: 425kcal
Author: Susie Weinrich

Ingredients

  • 1 lb ground beef - (up to 1.5 lbs.) recommend 80/20 or 85/15
  • 2 tablespoon olive oil or canola oil
  • 3 large garlic cloves - minced
  • 1 large yellow or white onion - chopped
  • 2-3 celery stalks - chopped
  • 4 oz can chopped green chilies
  • 15 oz can diced tomatoes
  • 16 oz tomato sauce
  • 1 cup water
  • 15 oz can chili beans in sauce - (do not drain)
  • 15 oz can northern beans - drained
  • 1½ tablespoon sugar
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1 tablespoon (heaping) chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • ½ teaspoon pepper
  • pinch of ground allspice
  • pinch of ground clove
  • pinch of red pepper flakes

Instructions
 

  • In a large pot over medium high heat sauté the garlic, celery, and onions for 5 minutes, stirring often.
    2 tablespoon olive oil or canola oil, 3 large garlic cloves, 1 large yellow or white onion, 2-3 celery stalks
  • Add the ground beef and cook, crumbling, for 5 minutes until cooked thru.
    1 lb ground beef
  • Turn the heat to medium low and add the green chilies, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, water, both beans, sugar, and all the spices and seasonings. Stir to combine.
    4 oz can chopped green chilies, 15 oz can diced tomatoes, 16 oz tomato sauce, 1 cup water, 15 oz can chili beans in sauce, 15 oz can northern beans, 1½ tablespoon sugar, 1 bay leaf, 1 tablespoon (heaping) chili powder, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, 1 teaspoon cumin, 1 teaspoon kosher salt, ½ teaspoon pepper, pinch of ground allspice, pinch of ground clove, pinch of red pepper flakes
  • Simmer over low heat for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  • Remove the bay leaf and discard before serving.

Storing

  • Store any leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days.
    Can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Serving

  • Serve this chili with any of your favorite toppings: Fritos, sour cream, green onions, jalapenos, shredded cheese, tabasco, fresh avocado, saltine crackers.
    Also great with Buttermilk Cornbread, Best Ever Cornbread, or Cornbread Muffins.

Make Ahead

  • This recipe can be made ahead up to 4 days and reheated on the stove top.
    You may need to add a little water to loosen it up as it will thicken in the fridge.

Freezing

  • Chili freezes really nice for easy meals during busy times!
  • Freeze as one large recipe or smaller portions. Will be good for up to 3 months.
  • See notes for thawing and serving options.

Recipe Tips and Notes:

Thawing Frozen Chili for Serving:
  • Pop it in the fridge overnight and then simmer on the stove top to warm through for serving.
  • Soak the chili (in it’s freezer container) in cool water, changing the water about every 30 minutes until it is thawed enough to scoop into a pot for warming on the stove top.
  • Put the frozen block of chili in a crock pot in the morning on low, it will be nice and warm when it is time for dinner.
  • Thaw the chili with the defrost function on your microwave.
Other Chili Recipes : If you have an Instant Pot and want to make quick work of this Chili, check out this  Instant Pot Chili Recipe
Looking for chicken chili? Check out this recipe for Instant Pot Chicken Chili or  White Chicken Chili.
Love it spicy, pop over to this Buffalo Chicken Chili recipe.
Want to use ground turkey? Check out this Turkey Chili Recipe.
 
Did you make this recipe?Connect with me and let me know by commenting below!
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Serving: 1serving | Calories: 425kcal | Carbohydrates: 41g | Protein: 24g | Fat: 19g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 54mg | Sodium: 1542mg | Potassium: 1230mg | Fiber: 10g | Sugar: 13g | Vitamin A: 832IU | Vitamin C: 18mg | Calcium: 128mg | Iron: 6mg

About Susie Weinrich

Susie Weinrich is the recipe developer, food photographer, and content creator behind Mom's Dinner. She has over 20 years experience in the food industry. Currently, Susie shares all her recipes and food knowledge on Mom's Dinner. You will find her recipes are easy to follow and full of tips and tricks to make sure the recipe you are making turns out perfect!

Comments

    4.95 from 18 votes (4 ratings without comment)

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    Recipe Rating




  1. Cheryl says

    January 16, 2025 at 3:50 pm

    5 stars
    Love it! Easy to make with most ingredients that I already had on hand. Made exactly as the recipe and will definitely make again! Thanks!

    Reply
    • Susie Weinrich says

      January 17, 2025 at 7:07 am

      Wonderful!

      Reply
  2. Nora says

    July 01, 2024 at 7:18 pm

    5 stars
    Looked this up as I am new to making chili! Get ideas here, so I feel more confident to s

    Reply
  3. Rob says

    June 15, 2024 at 7:33 am

    4 stars
    We tested this one as we do all Chili recipe we can against my Wife’s & in a blind taste test we always choose her recipe, we don’t use the tomato sauce we use a large can of Red Gold Tomato Juice, we’ve tried other brands but you can tell this one is the best to use & a half a can of tomato paste really adds to the flavor of it all & we like Kidney & Black beans.

    Reply
  4. Lima says

    April 11, 2024 at 4:56 pm

    5 stars
    Hi, I love your recipe, especially the variations. I’m wondering if you can give the carrots a bit of a break and happily include them among the main ingredients. They add a bit of a deep, sweetness to the chile. Carrots also contain a lot of important nutriens that are sadly lacking in today’s modern diets.

    I always skip the bell peppers, and, since I make this recipe with healthy ground turkey, I add a bit of rosemary to enhance the flavor of the turkey. I add organic chicken broth to dampen the flavor of the tomatoes, as my family does not favor tomatoes.

    Many thanks

    Reply
  5. Robin L says

    March 04, 2024 at 7:44 pm

    5 stars
    Tried the recipe using all the ingredients mentioned and those suggested like bell peppers and celery. Used ground beef and ground Turkey and doubled it up to have enough to freeze. Thank you for a great flavorful chili.

    Reply
  6. Karen D says

    November 16, 2023 at 12:34 pm

    5 stars
    Wow! The best chilli I ever had. And I made it myself! Thanks to Susie!

    Reply
  7. Lauren says

    September 17, 2021 at 8:30 pm

    5 stars
    I love how quickly and easily this comes together! and with mostly pantry ingredients! a fall and winter staple in our house, thank you, thank you!

    Reply
  8. Brenda says

    November 18, 2020 at 6:17 am

    5 stars
    Excellent easy chili. Recipe is a keeper!

    Reply
  9. Emily says

    October 30, 2018 at 10:02 am

    5 stars
    We made chili and cornbread last night! We usually make it without beans, need to try this recipe with them!!

    Reply
  10. Anna Kate Goshko says

    October 30, 2018 at 9:25 am

    5 stars
    i LOVE a good bowl of Chilli! I would love to have this cooking in a slow cooker all day!

    Reply
  11. Andrea Howe says

    October 30, 2018 at 8:23 am

    5 stars
    I need to make 2 big batches for tomorrow night. Would I be able to cook it in a slow cooker?

    Reply
    • Rc says

      January 07, 2024 at 12:29 pm

      5 stars
      I made the chili in crockpot. I cooked the meat,veggies in pan and then added to crockpot with rest of stuff. Turned out real good.

      Reply
  12. Tawnie says

    October 30, 2018 at 8:08 am

    5 stars
    Perfect for Fall! Yummm!

    Reply
  13. John says

    August 12, 2018 at 12:05 pm

    5 stars
    This is really good chili!

    Reply
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Meet The Author:

Susie Weinrich is a professional food photographer and recipe developer. Her thoroughly tested recipes and step-by-step guides give readers confidence in the kitchen.

YOU will feel like a huge success at dinner time with any of the simple recipes on Mom's Dinner! Read More

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