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    You are here: Home / Recipes / Soup and Stew

    Classic Chili

    Published: Oct 27, 2020 · Modified: Feb 25, 2022 by Susie Weinrich · This post may contain affiliate links.

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    Classic Chili in a bowl with pinterest text overlay
    two bowls of chili with pinterest text on the bottom
    Classic Chili Pinterest Image

    This is the BEST Classic Chili recipe, it is full of flavor and is hearty and comforting! It is loaded with ground beef, beans, onions 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 is amazing and it is nice and thick, like a chili should be!

    classic chili 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 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 White Chicken Chili Recipe a try!

    Table of Contents hide
    1 Make it Ahead
    2 Variations
    3 What to Serve with Chili
    4 Related Recipes
    5 Did you make this recipe?!
    6 Classic Chili

    Make it Ahead

    Chili can absolutely be made ahead and kept in the fridge for a busy night. The flavors will develop as it sits in the fridge and you end up with super flavorful chili.

    You can keep it for up to 4 days and then reheat on the stove top to serve. You may need to add a few splashes of water to loosen it up a bit, as it will thicken in the fridge.

    Freezing

    You can also FREEZE your chili!! 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 pop it in the fridge overnight and then simmer on the stove top to warm through for serving.

    Or 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.

    Or you can thaw the chili with the defrost function on your microwave.

    Variations

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

    two bowls of classic chili and green onions to the side
    The BEST Classic Chili Recipe!!
    • Use ground turkey instead of ground beef.
    • Add a little spice and use spicy chili beans
    • For extra spice add a pinch of cayenne or extra red pepper flakes.
    • For extra extra spice add a chopped jalapeno when you saute the onions.
    • Try using black beans instead of northern beans.
    • Add 1 cup of chopped green peppers for a veggie heavy version of this chili.
    • For a vegetarian version add a veggie crumble in place of the ground beef.
    • Another vegetarian option would be to omit the beef all together and add an extra can of beans.

    What to Serve with Chili

    Nothing better than a big hearty bowl of chili on a cold or snowy night. Serve it up with ice cold milk, saltine crackers, and my recipe for Buttermilk Cornbread, Best Ever Cornbread or Garlic Cheddar Biscuits.

    Another great way to serve Classic Chili is to put out a buffet of toppings for people to choose from:

    • Fritos
    • Avocado
    • Sour Cream or Plain Greek Yogurt
    • Shredded Cheese
    • Jalapenos
    • Tabasco
    • Chopped Green Onions
    • Corn Bread
    • Saltine Crackers
    Up close picture of thick chili with beans and tomatoes topped with green onions

    Related Recipes

    • Thick & Hearty Turkey Chili
    • Instant Pot Chicken Chili
    • Instant Pot Chili

    Susie Weinrich washing produce

    Did you make this recipe?!

    If you make this recipe I would love to hear your review. Pop down to the comment section and connect with me.

    Then sign up for our Weekly Newsletter so you never miss a new recipe!

    Rate This Recipe
    Classic chili in a bowl

    Classic Chili

    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!
    5 from 9 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Prep Time: 15 minutes
    Cook Time: 40 minutes
    Total Time: 55 minutes
    Servings: 6 people
    Calories: 425kcal
    Author: Susie Weinrich

    Ingredients

    • 1 lb ground beef 80/20 or 85/15
    • 1 tablespoon oil
    • 3 large garlic cloves minced
    • 1 onion chopped
    • 2 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
    • 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 salt
    • ½ teaspoon pepper
    • pinch of ground allspice
    • pinch of ground clove
    • pinch of red pepper flakes
    Prevent your screen from going dark while you are cooking!

    Instructions

    • In a large pot over medium high heat saute the garlic, celery, and onions for 5 minutes,stirring often.
    • Add the ground beef and cook, crumbling, for 5 minutes until cooked thru.
    • 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.
    • Simmer over low heat for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
    • Remove the bay leaf before serving.
    • This recipe can be made ahead and reheated on the stove top. You may need to add a little water to loosen it up.

    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.

    Notes:

    Storing: It can be stored in the fridge for up to 4 days.
    Freezing: You can freeze this chili recipe!! Make it completely and then cool. Place in a freezer safe container, leaving room for expansion, and freeze for up to 3 months.
    To thaw pop in the fridge for 2 days. Or thaw on 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.
     
    Did you try this recipe? Connect with me & let me know how it turned out by commenting below!
    Jump to Comments
    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

    If nutrition facts are provided they are calculated as an estimate to the best of our knowledge.

    Originally Posted February 2018 – Copy updated October 2020

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    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!

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Lauren

      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
    2. Brenda

      November 18, 2020 at 6:17 am

      5 stars
      Excellent easy chili. Recipe is a keeper!

      Reply
    3. Emily

      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
    4. Anna Kate Goshko

      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
    5. Andrea Howe

      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
    6. Tawnie

      October 30, 2018 at 8:08 am

      5 stars
      Perfect for Fall! Yummm!

      Reply
    7. John

      August 12, 2018 at 12:05 pm

      5 stars
      This is really good chili!

      Reply

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