This Classic Chili Recipe is a hearty, comforting dish that embodies the essence of Midwestern cooking. This recipe has a way of bringing everyone to the table, even those who claim they aren’t chili fans! The magic lies in the perfectly balanced homemade chili seasoning, giving this dish its rich and savory flavor. If you love this recipe, be sure to try out our Spicy Steak Chili for a bolder, spicier kick!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This chili is versatile, flavorful, and perfect for cozy evenings. Whether served in a bowl with your favorite toppings or repurposed into chili dogs, it’s a dish that satisfies every time. The recipe is easy to prepare, and with a few variations, you can make it your own.
Tips and Variations
- Slow Cooker Chili: To prepare this chili in a slow cooker, brown the ground beef, onion, and garlic in a skillet, drain the excess grease, and transfer the mixture to the slow cooker. Add your seasonings, tomatoes, and beans, stir well, and cook on low for about 8 hours. While some recipes suggest cooking on high for 4 hours, slow cooking on low enhances the flavor and allows the spices to meld perfectly.
- Chili Toppings: For an extra touch, dress up your chili with your favorite toppings. Shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped onions, jalapeños, avocado slices, or a sprinkle of fresh cilantro can all enhance the flavor and presentation. These toppings allow everyone to customize their bowl and make it uniquely satisfying.
- Accompaniments: To round out your meal, serve your chili with classic accompaniments like tortilla chips for scooping or a bed of fluffy rice to soak up all the delicious flavors. You can also pair it with cornbread, a warm baked potato, or even a crisp side salad for a complete and balanced meal. These additions make your chili dinner even more satisfying and versatile.
Must-Have Tools for the Best Chili
For stovetop preparation, a quality Dutch oven is a game-changer. I recommend investing in a durable Dutch oven, like the Staub Dutch Oven. It ensures even cooking and locks in the flavors beautifully. If you’re opting for the slow cooker method, a reliable crockpot will do the trick.
How to Freeze Classic Chili
Chili is the ideal meal prep dish, as it freezes and reheats beautifully. Here’s how to freeze it for best results:
- Allow the chili to cool slightly after serving.
- Divide it into small portions using freezer-safe containers or resealable freezer bags.
- Label each container with the date and store it in the freezer for up to two months.
When ready to enjoy, thaw the chili in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in a saucepan over medium heat until warmed through. It’s as flavorful as the day you made it!
Classic Chili is a staple recipe that’s sure to become a favorite in your household. Whether served traditionally or with creative twists, it’s a dish that never disappoints. Try it tonight and savor the timeless comfort it brings!
Classic Chili
Ingredients
- 2 pounds ground beef
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 2 teaspoons garlic, minced
- 2 cans (15 ounces each) kidney beans, drained
- 2 cans (14.5 ounces each) stewed tomatoes
- 3 tablespoons chili seasoning
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Optional Toppings
- sour cream
- cheddar cheese, shredded
- jalapenos, sliced
- yellow onion, chopped
Instructions
- Heat a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon, until it is no longer pink, about 8–10 minutes. If needed, drain any excess grease.
- Add the diced onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until it becomes translucent, about 5–7 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add the kidney beans, stewed tomatoes (including their juices), chili seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine all ingredients.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Simmer gently, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender and the chili is thoroughly heated, about 15–20 minutes.
- Dress up your chili with your favorite toppings and serve!
This recipe was inspired by iamhomesteader.com’s Grandmas Chili.
More Soups and Stews
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