• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
Meals With Maria
  • Start Here
  • Recipes
    • Kid Favorites
    • Busy Mom Meal Prep
    • High-Protein Dinners
    • Slow Cooker and Freezer Meals
    • Snacks & Sweets
    • From Scratch
  • Shop
    • The Meal Plan App for Real, Good Food
  • About Me
Home » Recipes » My Favorite Classic Chili Recipe To Make

My Favorite Classic Chili Recipe To Make

Filed Under: Dinner, Lunch December 22, 2023

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

This Classic Chili Recipe is near and dear to my heart. It’s the go-to recipe I whip up when it’s just us at home, and I can’t believe I haven’t shared it with you yet. So, let’s dive into this comforting, no-frills chili that’s perfect for cozy evenings.

How to Make This Classic Chili Recipe

Begin by dicing up one onion. In a soup pot over medium heat, sauté the onion in some oil for about 5 minutes. Add a pound of ground beef to the pot. Feel free to swap it out with turkey or ground chicken, and don’t hesitate to double the recipe if you want to freeze extra servings.

Once the ground beef is cooked, you can choose to drain the fat or leave it in for added flavor. Add in the seasoning:

  • 2 1/2 tablespoons chili powder
  • 2 tablespoons dried cumin
  • 2 tablespoons sugar
  • 1 tablespoon garlic powder
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • Optional: a dash of cayenne pepper for some heat

Include two tablespoons of tomato paste directly into the mix.

Mix everything well, then add 1 1/2 cups of beef broth, one can of petite diced tomatoes, and one can of drained kidney beans. Also, add an 8 oz can of plain tomato sauce.

Bring the mixture to a simmer, then lower the heat to medium-low and let it cook for 25 minutes. This allows all the flavors to meld together, resulting in a rich, delicious chili.

Top it up! I love to add my favorite toppings depending on what I have on hand:

  1. Shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a blend)
  2. Sour cream or Greek yogurt
  3. Diced green onions
  4. Fresh cilantro leaves
  5. Sliced jalapeños
  6. Avocado slices or guacamole
  7. Crushed tortilla chips or strips
  8. Salsa or pico de gallo
  9. Diced tomatoes
  10. Sliced black olives

This traditional chili embodies the basics—onions, beans, tomatoes, and hearty beef. It’s a flavor-packed staple in our household, and I’m thrilled to finally share it with you.

What To Serve With This Classic Chili Recipe

I love to whip up some Jiffy corn bread to go with this chili. Here are some additional ideas:

  • Classic cooked white or brown rice
  • Tortilla chips
  • Baked Potatoes (chili goes great over the top of these!)
  • Corn on the cob
  • A garden salad

Make it Healthier:

I’m always looking for new ways to add veggies to my dishes. Here are some ideas to add more nutrients to this dish:

  • Try adding some chopped zucchini or carrots while you are browning the ground beef! They are a great addition that taste really good!
  • Serve the chili over cauliflower rice.
  • Top the chili with greek yogurt vs. sour cream.

Make it Kid Friendly:

I always recommend you adjust recipes based on what your family likes. If your kids or even other family members are weary of this dish here are some swap recommendations to get them trying new things without serving a completely different dish:

  • Make it extra cheesey!
  • Serve it with tortilla chips for dipping.
  • Sauces are always a great way to convince kids to eat something. My kids love anything covered in sour cream, so the more, the better for them!

Swap Ideas:

  • As I mentioned earlier, you can swap out the meat for what you have on hand. This dish is originally made with ground beef but you can use ground turkey, or ground chicken as well.
  • If you don’t have plain tomato sauce, swap it out for marinara.
  • Swap the kidney beans for pinto beans or black beans depending on what you have on hand.
  • Make it vegetarian using vegetable broth or water and swapping the meat for a second can of beans.

Shopping Tips:

  • Stock up on your favorite meats when they go on sale and freeze them. In this case, ground beef, chicken, or turkey is what you’re looking for.
  • Buying dried beans and cooking them from scratch is cheaper than canned. I cook these in bulk and freeze what I don’t use, saving them for next time.

As always, please share your own recommendations on how to make this dish healthier, more kid friendly, swap ideas, and budget shopping tips in the comments!

FOR MORE INEXPENSIVE MEAL PREP RECIPES CHECK OUT THESE VIDEOS:

  • Budget Friendly Meal Prep For Weight loss
  • $20 Meal Prep
  • Massive Money Saving Meal Prep

MORE MEAL PREP RECIPES TO TRY:

  • Bacon, Egg, and Cheese Egg Bites
  • Healthy Cottage Cheese Breakfast Bowls
  • Panera Bread Copycat Chili
Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
classic chili in a bowl

Classic Chili Recipe


  • Author: Maria Ronan
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 8 1x
Print Recipe
Pin Recipe

Description

Indulge in the heartwarming simplicity Traditional Chili—a classic that has graced our home for years. Packed with the essential flavors of onions, beans, tomatoes, and hearty ground beef, this recipe is a comforting delight perfect for cozy evenings.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 onion, diced
  • 1 pound ground beef (or turkey, ground chicken)
  • 2 1/2 tablespoons chili powder
  • 2 tablespoons dried cumin
  • 2 tablespoons sugar
  • 1 tablespoon garlic powder
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • Optional: Dash of cayenne pepper for heat
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 1/2 cups beef broth
  • 1 can petite diced tomatoes
  • 1 can kidney beans, drained
  • 1 can plain tomato sauce (8 oz)

Instructions

  1. In a soup pot over medium heat, sauté diced onions in oil for about 5 minutes.
  2. Add ground beef and cook until browned. Drain excess fat if desired.
  3. Incorporate chili powder, cumin, sugar, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and optional cayenne pepper.
  4. Add tomato paste and mix well.
  5. Pour in beef broth, diced tomatoes, drained kidney beans, and plain tomato sauce.
  6. Bring to a simmer, then lower heat to medium-low, and let it cook for 25 minutes.
  • Prep Time: 15
  • Cook Time: 25

Did you make this recipe?

Share a photo and tag Meals With Maria — I can’t wait to see what you’ve made!

Maria Ronan is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Links on this site may include affiliate links to Amazon and its affiliate sites on which the owner of this website will make a referral commission. Thank you for supporting Meals With Maria! My videos and website are for entertainment purposes only. Any information related to food, food safety, cooking, recipes, etc. are my opinions only. Maria Ronan is not liable and/or responsible for any advice, services, or product you obtain through this video and website.

Tagged With: beans, bowl, chili, classic chili, dinner, ground beef, kidney beans, lunch, rice and beans

Previous Post: « The Best Banh Mi Rice Bowls for Weekly Lunch Success
Next Post: 8 Cheap Meal Prep Recipes That Saved me $100’s »

Primary Sidebar

Maria smiling

Hi, I'm Maria! As a wife and mom of 3, I’m passionate about making life easier in the kitchen. Whether it’s simple crockpot meals or festive holiday spreads, I love sharing recipes that bring joy to busy families. My mission? Helping moms like you cook with confidence, one meal at a time!

Find me on Instagarm, Youtube, and more!

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • TikTok
  • Twitter
  • YouTube

Get the Latest Recipes:

  • 20+ Easy Father’s Day Appetizers
  • Red White and Blue Mini Cheesecakes (Clean Ingredients + Festive Flair!)
  • The Ultimate 4th of July Charcuterie Board (Even If You Usually Skip the Red 40)
  • Beautiful Brunch Charcuterie Board
  • The Perfect Charcuterie Cups – Easy and Elegant
  • How to Create the Ultimate Fruit and Chocolate Charcuterie Board: A Delicious Dessert Board Idea
  • Viral Italian Sliders Recipe Made With Homemade Rolls
  • Delicious Sourdough Bread Rolls Recipe: The Healthier Twist on Classic Rolls
  • Delicious Gluten-Free Vegan Brownies: The Perfect Spring Treat
  • How to Create the Perfect Mother’s Day Charcuterie Board
  • Healthy Grilled Chicken Sandwich Recipe With Chili Avocado Mayo
  • How to Make Delicious Butterflied Chicken Legs in the Air Fryer
  • Delicious and Healthy Banana Protein Muffins (Better Than Little Bites)
  • Delicious Banana Chocolate Chunk Muffins Recipe
  • Easy Santa Fe Chicken Recipe In the Crock Pot
  • How to Make a Sourdough Starter: Your Ultimate Guide
  • The Easiest Way To Make Sourdough Tortillas Using Sourdough Discard
  • The Best Sourdough Discard Waffles Your Kids Will Actually Love!
  • How To Make Your Own Grass Fed Yogurt
  • How to Make the Best Sourdough Pizza Crust: A Step-by-Step Recipe
  • The Best Air Fryer Chick-Fil-A Nuggets Copycat Recipe!
  • The BEST No-Bake Cookie Dough Bites – Tastes Amazing!
  • How To Make The Best Bailey’s Chocolate Truffles
  • Easy St. Patrick’s Day Rainbow Fruit Salad – With Lucky Charms!
  • The Best St. Patrick’s Day Food You’ll Ever Make
  • Corned Beef Sliders (The Best Way to Make a Reuben)
  • The Best Avocado Deviled Eggs (Perfect for St. Patrick’s Day)
  • How To Make A Beautiful St. Patrick’s Day Charcuterie Board
  • 5 Easy Desserts For Valentine’s Day (Better Than The Restaurant!)
  • The Absolute Best Superbowl Recipes
  • 25+ Valentine’s Day Recipes You’ll Fall In Love With!
  • Easy To Make: Artichoke Phyllo Cups (The Perfect Finger Food)
  • Easy Shrimp Rangoon Recipe (Better Than The Restaurant!)
  • Simply Adorable: Valentine’s Caprese Skewers Made Easy
  • Easy and Elegant Valentine’s Charcuterie Cups
  • Bakery Quality Cherry Danish In the Air Fryer
  • Super Fun and Easy Chocolate Covered Strawberries Valentine Recipe
  • 5 Healthy Takeout Alternatives You Can Make at Home
  • Homemade Gluten-Free Chicken Nuggets: A Healthy Fast Food Alternative
  • The Best In-N-Out Burger Recipe (Animal Style) with Air-Fried Fries
  • Crispy Air Fried KFC Tenders: A Healthy, Homemade Alternative
  • Hummus and Feta Dip: A New Healthy Snack for Any Occasion
  • 15 Dinner Ideas For Valentine’s Day At Home
  • Flaky Baked Haddock With Ritz Crackers
  • Easy Heart-Shaped Tortilla Pizzas for a Budget-Friendly Valentine’s Day
  • Baked Chicken Parmigiana Recipe – A Seed Oil-Free Spin on the Classic Italian Favorite
  • Cheap Healthy Aldi Meals: 5 Family Dinners for Just $60
  • Greek Chicken Gyro Bowls: Fresh, Delicious, and Easy Dinner Recipe
  • Amazing Chicken Drumsticks Tandoori Style: A Flavorful Family Meal
  • Perfect Air Fried Teriyaki Salmon: The Best Weeknight Dinner
  • The Ultimate Cheeseburger Sliders with Hawaiian Rolls
  • 13 Busy Mom Meal Prep Recipes To Get You Through The Summer!
  • The Ultimate Totchos Recipe: Perfect for Your Super Bowl Party
  • The 24 Easiest Weeknight Dinners for 2025
  • Copycat Olive Garden Chicken and Gnocchi Soup Recipe
  • Copycat Panera Bread Broccoli Cheddar Cheese Soup Recipe
  • Easy Apple Pork Chops with Sweet Potato Mashed Potatoes
  • Caramelized Onion Grilled Cheese: A Sweet and Savory Delight
  • Easy Family Friendly Mexican Casserole Recipe
  • The 20 Best Christmas Dinner Ideas That Are Cheap
  • French Onion Soup Mac and Cheese: A Special Treat
  • Baked Manicotti: The Most Delicious Make-Ahead Family Favorite
  • Meatball and Mozzarella Bake: The Perfect Festive Meal!
  • Irresistible Lamb Sliders – A Festive Holiday Treat
  • Easy Slow Cooker Cranberry Sauce Pot Roast
  • Oreo Pie: The Perfect No-Bake Holiday Dessert
  • The 10 Best Christmas Recipes of 2024
  • Green Beans Wrapped in Bacon with Brown Sugar: A Sweet and Savory Holiday Side Dish
  • Christmas Pasta Salad: A Festive and Flavorful Holiday Side Dish
  • Guacamole Wreath: A Fun and Festive Holiday Appetizer
  • Puff Pastry Sausage Bites: A Special Holiday Treat
  • Festive Slow Cooker Cranberry Meatballs: A Holiday Twist on a Classic
  • How to Create a Stunning Christmas Charcuterie Board on a Budget
  • Beautiful Salmon Dill Cream Cheese Appetizer
  • 14 Easy Christmas Breakfast and Brunch Recipes to Impress Your Guests
  • How To Make The Best Bagel Charcuterie Board
  • French Toast Brioche Casserole: The Best Make-Ahead Breakfast
  • The Perfect Breakfast For Christmas: Monkey Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bake
  • Cinnamon Roll Casserole Slow Cooker Recipe: Easy Breakfast Treat
  • My Favorite Easy Christmas Appetizers Under $10
  • Air Fried Jalapeno Poppers: A Spicy, Creamy Holiday Treat
  • Kielbasa In A Blanket Is A Must Try
  • Viral Christmas Tree Spinach Dip Appetizer To Surprise Your Friends
  • A New Family Favorite: Cream Cheese French Onion Dip
  • Must Make Meatballs With Grape Jelly and Chili Sauce
  • Try These Simple Cream Cheese Celery Sticks
  • Easy, Inexpensive, and Delicious Christmas Tree Shaped Appetizer
  • One Pan Creamy Ham and Cheese Casserole
  • One Pan Cheesy Chicken Broccoli and Rice: The Ultimate Dump-and-Go Dinner
  • The Best Crock Pot Birria Tacos Recipe
  • Easy Slow Cooker Unstuffed Cabbage
  • The Best Slow Cooker Marry Me Chicken
  • The Best Healthy Loaded Baked Potato Soup In The Slow Cooker
  • How To Save Money Shopping The Grocery Store Sales Flyer
  • Easy Honey Soy Chicken Drumsticks In the Slow Cooker
  • Rice Noodles With Tofu and Sugar Snap Peas – Even My Husband Loves This!
  • 7 Delicious Rollover Recipes to Transform Your Leftovers
  • This Poor Man’s Meal Is A Classic Easy Dish
  • Family Friendly Meal Plan: 7/1-7/7
  • Amazing Summer Pasta Primavera Recipe With Fiddleheads

Footer

Pages

  • Clean Eating Tips
  • Clean Eating Tips
  • Clean Snacks & Sweets
  • Contact
  • E-Books
  • Favorites
  • Freezer and Slow Cooker Meals
  • Freezer Meal Plans
  • High-Protein Dinners
  • Ingredient Swaps
  • Kid Favorites
  • Lunchbox and Sides
  • Pantry Meals
  • Pantry Staples List
  • Plus App
  • Recipes
  • Sample Page
  • Seasonal Meal Plans
  • Start Here
  • The Meal Plan App for Real, Good Food
  • Weekly Meal Plans
  • Meal Plans
  • Shop
  • About Me
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use

Copyright © 2025 Meals With Maria on the Foodie Pro Theme