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Best Beef Chili Recipe | Classic Homemade Chili Recipe

When the weather turns chilly, nothing beats a pot of beef chili simmering on the stove. I’ve always believed chili is more than just food—it’s comfort in a bowl. The spices mingle, the beef gets tender, and the aroma alone can bring the family running into the kitchen. This chili recipe has been my go-to on cold evenings when I want something hearty but not complicated. I still remember the first time I made chili without a recipe, just tossing in beans, tomatoes, and whatever spices I had. It was... let’s just say ‘memorable.’ Over the years, I’ve learned what really makes the best chili recipe: balance. The right amount of heat, a touch of sweetness, and seasoning that makes you want another bite. It’s flexible too. You can swap beef for turkey, skip the beans if you’re not into them, or load it up with veggies. But when I want the classic version, this is the one I always circle back to. So grab your pot and let’s make a batch. It’s cozy, it’s filling, and yes—it tastes even better the next day.
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time1 hour
Total Time1 hour 15 minutes
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Keywords: best chili seasoning recipe, chili recipe, chili recipes, healthy beef chili recipe, quick chili recipe, recipe for chili homemade, the best chili recipe
Servings: 8 servings
Author: Elena

Ingredients

  • 2 pounds ground beef
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 red bell pepper, chopped
  • 1 green bell pepper, chopped
  • 2 cans (15 oz each) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
  • 2 cans (15 oz each) black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 2 cans (28 oz each) crushed tomatoes
  • 1 cup beef broth
  • 3 tablespoons chili powder
  • 1 tablespoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

Instructions

  1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
  2. Add the chopped onion, garlic, and bell peppers. Cook until softened.
  3. Stir in the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks.
  4. Add chili powder, cumin, paprika, cayenne, salt, and black pepper. Stir to coat the meat and veggies.
  5. Pour in the crushed tomatoes and beef broth. Stir well.
  6. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer uncovered for 45 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  7. Add the beans and cook for another 15 minutes until heated through.
  8. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve hot with your favorite toppings.