This easy classic chili recipe is made on the stovetop and so delicious anytime of year. This easy chili recipe is one of my favorites because it is not just easy and delicious, it also makes the best leftovers. This chili is made with beef, beans and a homemade chili seasoning and is so delicious. This stovetop chili recipe definitely checks all these boxes.
About this Easy Homemade Chili
This easy classic chili recipe is more of an American style chili with beans, tomatoes and ground beef. The recipe includes steps to make your own homemade chili seasoning mix as well. It is delicious!
I do have another chili recipe, my authentic Texas chili which is made with cubed beef chuck and does not have beans or tomatoes. It is a longer cooking chili for when you have more time.
Because classic chili is one of those dishes that actually tastes better the next day, it makes the most amazing leftovers and is perfect for a make ahead meal. This easy classic chili recipe was designed to make a lot for that reason.
How to stovetop chili
- Cook ground beef until browned.
- Add your diced onions and garlic to the pan and cook until translucent.
- Add the tomatoes and beans.
- Add chili spices and mix well.
- Adjust any seasonings to taste.
- Serve with your favorite toppings!
How much does this recipe make
This easy chili recipe is for 4 people (for 2 nights worth of meals or 8 total servings) and can easily be doubled or cut in half! I like making this recipe so that I do have leftovers.
I highly recommend that you do that too! It freezes well if you do not want to eat it all at once.
About the homemade chili seasoning mix
When making chili, I always like to make my own seasoning blend and not use the store bought ones.
If you have never made your own chili seasoning blend, it is really easy and it really does taste better. If you have to go out and buy seasoning for this recipe and do not know what to do with all that leftover paprika and seasoning, you can try out my fajitas from leftovers or my fajita tacos.
Both of these will help you use up those spices.
No matter how you adjust the seasoning, it will taste amazing. The ingredients are simple and the dish is a real time saver for busy evenings.
What goes well with classic chili
There are so many dishes that go well with chili or you can eat it all on its own. Here are some of my favorite things to serve with classic chili.
- My air fryer hot dogs. Hot dogs and chili are a match made in heaven.
- Tortilla chips for dipping into the chili.
- Cornbread. I love making a batch of corn bread on the leftover chili night to change it up a bit.
- A full assortment of toppings as the side. I like to slice up avocados, shred some cheese and dice up sweet and hot peppers serve with chili.
- Homemade flat bread. Dipping this in the chili is amazing!
- Homemade hamburgers if you want a full American experience.
- Make a side of easy Spanish rice to go with it and let people top the rice with some homemade chili.
Can you make this easy classic chili in the slow cooker?
This easy stovetop chili recipe is for cooking chili on the stovetop but I often make this in the slow cooker too. All the ingredients and steps are the same.
If you want to use the slow cooker, just set your slow cooker to low and cook your chili from 4-6 hours before turning it to the warm setting.
Using the slow cooker is a real time saver so if you are pressed for time, this is the way to go! I do this for many recipes that I normally make on the stove or in the oven like my brisket and beef bourguignon. It is so helpful.
Ways to use Leftover Chili
You can freeze the leftover chili and have it on hand whenever you need a quick meal. Just thaw the chili in the refrigerator over night. If you are in a rush, just add the frozen chili to a large pot and warm gently until it has thawed.
If your crew gets bored with chili after a couple days, you can add it to loaded nachos for chili nachos which can really change things up for everyone. It makes a really easy dinner!
You can add the leftover chili to rice and bean burritos or add it to a salad for a taco style salad. All are great options that I have tried and loved!
Easy Classic Chili Recipe
Tried the Recipe? We Would Love To Hear From You In The Comments Below!
Ingredients
- 2 lbs of ground beef
- 1 28 ounce can or box of crushed tomatoes
- 1 28 ounce can of diced tomatoes
- 1 can of white beans drained and rinsed
- 1 can of black beans drained and rinsed
- 1 large onion diced
- 2 cloves of Garlic finely diced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Chili Seasoning
- 2 tablespoon Cumin
- 2 tablespoon Chili Powder
- 2 tablespoon Sweet Paprika
- 1 tablespoon salt and pepper and more to taste
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper
Instructions
- Heat a medium to large pot on medium heat with 1 tbs of olive oil. Add the ground beef and cook until browned2 lbs of ground beef, 1 tablespoon olive oil
- After the meat is browned, remove the meat from the pan on to a plate and set aside.
- Drain out most of the grease from the pot leaving about 1-2 tablespoons and return pot to the heat.
- Add your diced onions and garlic to the pan and saute until translucent (about 5 minutes)1 large onion diced, 2 cloves of Garlic finely diced
- After the onions and garlic are translucent, add the meat back in to the pot with the onions and garlic.
- Now add the tomatoes and beans. Mix well.1 28 ounce can or box of crushed tomatoes, 1 28 ounce can of diced tomatoes, 1 can of white beans, 1 can of black beans
- Next add the spices and mix well. I like to pre-mix my spices ahead of time.2 tablespoon Cumin, 2 tablespoon Chili Powder, 2 tablespoon Sweet Paprika, 1 tablespoon salt and pepper and more to taste, ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper
- Now stir in the corn and let simmer for at least 30 minutes up to 1 hour.
- Adjust any seasonings to taste (you can add more cumin, salt or whatever spice you like to go heavy on in your chili)!
- Serve with Sour Cream, Cheddar Cheese and Tortilla Chips (or whatever toppings you like) and Enjoy!!
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition Values are estimates only.
See full nutrition disclaimer here
Tina says
The whole family loved this chili. It did make a lot but we enjoyed the leftovers
Dora says
This was a delicious chili recipe. Very easy
Daniel says
Yum! This is going to be our new go to chili recipe. I loved the addition of the extra meat which gives it so much flavor.