
As the crisp autumn air sets in and the excitement of football season kicks off, there’s no better way to embrace the cozy, festive spirit than with a steaming bowl of Classic Beef Chili. Warm, hearty, and bursting with robust flavors, above all, this chili recipe is the quintessential comfort food. A bowl that perfectly complements the energy and camaraderie of game day. It’s a dish that brings people together, offering a satisfying and savory experience in every bite! Whether you’re cheering on your favorite team from the couch or hosting a lively tailgate party, this chili recipe is for you.
The magic of Classic Chili lies in its combination of tender ground beef, a medley of beans, and a rich blend of spices. The beef is browned to perfection, creating a flavorful base that’s both savory and satisfying. As it simmers, it melds with the hearty beans, each adding its own texture and depth to the chili. The beans absorb the flavors of the spices, creating a harmonious blend that makes every spoonful rich and flavorful.
Football season is synonymous with gatherings, and Classic Beef Chili is the ideal dish for feeding a crowd. It’s easy to make in large batches, and it keeps well, allowing the flavors to deepen and improve as it sits. Serving up a pot of this chili will make any occasion feel like a celebration. Lastly, pair it with crispy tortilla chips, a dollop of sour cream, shredded cheese, and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro for a complete and satisfying meal.

Classic Beef Chili
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large onion diced
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 2 lbs ground beef
- 2 red bell pepper diced
- 1 jalapeno diced
- 2 cans diced tomatoes 14 oz
- 1 can tomato paste 6oz
- 1 can kidney beans 15 oz, drained and rinsed
- 1 can pinto beans 15 oz, drained and rinsed
- 2 cups beef broth
- 3 tbsp chili powder
- 2 tbsp ground cumin
- 2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp cayenne pepper
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
Optional for serving
- Shredded cheddar cheese
- Sour cream
- Chopped green onions
- Fresh cilantro
- Sliced jalapeños
- Cornbread
Instructions
- In a large pot, heat the 2 tbsp olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced 1 large onion and cook until it becomes translucent, about 5 minutes.2 tbsp olive oil, 1 large onion
- Add the minced 4 cloves garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.4 cloves garlic
- Add the 2 lbs ground beef to the pot. Cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Drain any excess fat if necessary.2 lbs ground beef
- Stir in the diced 2 red bell pepper and 1 jalapeno. Cook for another 5 minutes until the peppers start to soften.2 red bell pepper, 1 jalapeno
- Add the 2 cans diced tomatoes (with their juices), 1 can tomato paste, 1 can kidney beans, and 1 can pinto beans to the pot. Stir to combine.2 cans diced tomatoes, 1 can tomato paste, 1 can kidney beans, 1 can pinto beans
- Pour in the 2 cups beef broth and add the 3 tbsp chili powder, 2 tbsp ground cumin, 2 tsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp dried oregano, 1 tsp cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine.2 cups beef broth, 3 tbsp chili powder, 2 tbsp ground cumin, 2 tsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp dried oregano, 1 tsp cayenne pepper, Salt and pepper to taste
- Bring the chili to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Add the 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce. Simmer uncovered for at least 45 minutes, stirring occasionally.1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- Taste the chili and adjust the seasonings if needed. Add more salt, pepper, or spices to taste.
- Ladle the chili into bowls and top with your favorite toppings such as shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, chopped green onions, fresh cilantro, sliced jalapeños, and serve with tortilla chips or cornbread.Shredded cheddar cheese, Sour cream, Chopped green onions, Fresh cilantro, Sliced jalapeños, Cornbread
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