Classic Chili

Try this Classic Chili recipe, or contribute your own.

Classic Chili
Classic Chili

Try this Classic Chili recipe, or contribute your own.

  • Preparing Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Served Person: 0

Step-by-step

  • Heat a large pot over medium high heat and add in your olive oil and then your meat.
  • Season your meat with 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
  • While your meat is browning, chop your onion, green pepper, and garlic.
  • Once your meat is cooked through, drain it if necessary and remove it from the pan. I just set it aside in a bowl.
  • In your same heated pot, add in your chopped onions and green peppers and cook for about 5 minutes or until translucent.
  • Add in your garlic and cook for 2 more minutes then remove from heat.
  • Once your garlic is cooked, add in 1/2 tsp salt, 1/2 black pepper, cumin, chili powder, and cayenne pepper and stir together.
  • Add your meat back to the pan and add in the rest of your ingredients: Tomato sauce cans, diced tomatoes, beans, cocoa powder, and oregano.
  • Stir everything together to combine, reduce your heat to low, cover the pot and simmer for 2 hours while stirring occasionally OR place in the crockpot on low for 7-8 hours.
  • Enjoy!

My Classic Chili Recipe: A Weeknight Winner

As a busy working mom, finding time to cook a healthy and delicious meal can feel like a Herculean task. But honestly, there’s nothing quite like the satisfaction of a homemade meal, especially one that the whole family enjoys. That's where my go-to Classic Chili recipe comes in – it's hearty, flavorful, and surprisingly easy to make, even on a hectic weeknight. This recipe is my secret weapon for those evenings when I need a comforting, satisfying dinner, but don't have hours to spend in the kitchen. This isn’t some fussy, complicated dish; it’s the perfect blend of simplicity and deliciousness.

What makes this chili so special? It’s the perfect balance of spices. The cumin and chili powder provide a warm, inviting base, while a touch of cayenne pepper adds a subtle kick (feel free to adjust this to your spice preference – or omit it entirely!). The secret ingredient, however, is the cocoa powder. Trust me on this one; it adds a depth of richness that elevates the chili to a whole new level. It's a flavor that beautifully complements the other ingredients without being overpowering. The combination of different beans adds a beautiful texture and makes this chili super hearty and satisfying. The slow simmering allows all the flavors to meld together beautifully, creating a rich, complex taste that only improves with time.

The beauty of this recipe is its adaptability. You can easily adjust the ingredients to your liking. Want to add more vegetables? Go for it! Prefer a spicier chili? Add more cayenne pepper. Don't have fire-roasted diced tomatoes? Regular diced tomatoes will work just fine. The recipe is a guideline, not a rigid set of rules. Feel free to experiment and make it your own! I've often substituted different ground meats or added some chorizo for an extra flavor punch. And if you’re really short on time, throw all the ingredients into a slow cooker and let it do its magic. The result is always delicious. This chili is a versatile meal that can be enjoyed on its own or served with all your favorite sides – cornbread, sour cream, shredded cheese, or a simple side salad.

This chili has become a staple in our family. It's a warm hug in a bowl, a comfort food that always hits the spot. It's the kind of meal that makes everyone happy, from the picky eaters to the adventurous foodies. It's also perfect for meal prepping – it actually tastes even better the next day! Make a big batch on the weekend and enjoy delicious leftovers throughout the week. This chili is more than just a recipe; it's a memory maker, a family favorite, and a testament to the power of simple, delicious cooking. I hope you enjoy it as much as we do!

Ingredients:

This recipe is for approximately 6-8 servings:

  • 2 pounds ground meat (I use 1 lb. lean beef and 1 lb. turkey)
  • 1 yellow onion, chopped
  • 1 green bell pepper, chopped
  • 4 cloves of garlic, minced
  • 3 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tbsp ground cumin
  • 3 tbsp chili powder
  • 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 29 oz can of tomato sauce
  • 15 oz can of tomato sauce
  • 2 - 14.5 ounce cans of Hunt's fire-roasted diced tomatoes
  • 15.5 ounce can of red kidney beans (drained)
  • 15.8 ounce can of great northern beans (drained)
  • 1 tbsp cocoa powder
  • 2 sprigs fresh oregano or 1 tsp dried oregano

Enjoy your delicious and comforting Classic Chili!