Classic Chili Recipe: A Family Favorite for Every Table
When the temperatures start to drop and the days get shorter, there’s nothing quite as satisfying as a hearty bowl of chili con carne, or simply chili. Almost every family has a favorite chili recipe, and my family is no exception. In fact, flipping through my family’s old recipe books is like taking a journey through the many twists and turns of chili’s delicious history.
Each cook has their own version, adding their own special touches that make it unique. And that’s the beauty of chili—it’s versatile, forgiving, and the kind of dish that leaves room for creativity.
Whether you’re a purist who sticks to the essentials or an adventurous cook who throws in everything but the kitchen sink, chili has the flexibility to be whatever you need it to be. The recipe I’m sharing today is what I like to think of as the best chili recipe to start with: a classic that is rich, flavorful, and ready for personalization.
The Versatility of a Classic Chili Recipe
One of the most appealing things about chili is that it adapts to what you have on hand and suits just about any taste. In my family, there’s no such thing as a “wrong” chili. Each cook has their signature take, from adding different kinds of beans to adjusting the level of heat or incorporating unique spices.
This particular recipe is the “base”—perfectly fine as is but also an invitation to make it your own. It’s the kind of recipe that brings everyone together, sparking friendly debates about the best combinations and secret ingredients.
How to Cook This Chili Recipe Stovetop or in a Crockpot
For those who love the convenience of letting dinner simmer away while they tackle other things, cooking chili in a crockpot is a game-changer. Slow-cooking allows the flavors to meld beautifully, resulting in a deep, rich taste that fills the house with an irresistible aroma.
Simply brown your meat, throw everything into the slow cooker, and let time do the work. On the other hand, if you’re short on time or enjoy a more hands-on approach, the stovetop method offers that classic, quicker way to a bubbling pot of comfort.
Crockpot Method: Set it and forget it—cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours for a result that is rich and layered.
Stovetop Method: Brown, sauté, and simmer. Within 45 minutes to an hour, you have a warm, hearty meal ready to be ladled into bowls.
Customizing Your Beef Chili Recipe
The fun truly begins when you take this base recipe and start to experiment. Chili is the perfect dish for playing with flavors and textures, so don’t hesitate to make it your own. Here are some of my favorite variations:
Additions and Tweaks
- Extra Veggies: Bell peppers, corn, and zucchini add color and nutrition.
- Beans Galore: Mix it up with chickpeas, pinto beans, or cannellini beans for a different taste and texture.
- Sweet Touch: A touch of brown sugar or a hint of maple syrup can balance out the spice.
- Smoky Flavor: Chipotle peppers in adobo sauce or smoked paprika can turn up the smoky factor.
- Meat Variations: Ground turkey, sausage, or even leftover roast beef can make your chili stand out.
- Hearty Texture: Adding quinoa or barley can make your chili even more filling.
What to Serve with Your Homemade Chili Recipe
Once your chili is ready, the possibilities for pairing it are endless. Chili is delicious on its own, but it truly shines when served with the right sides and toppings.
Perfect Pairings
- Cornbread: A warm slice of cornbread on the side is a match made in comfort food heaven.
- Tortilla Chips: Whether crumbled on top or used for scooping, they add a delightful crunch.
- Baked Potatoes: Spoon your chili over a hot, fluffy baked potato for a hearty twist.
- Rice: For those who love a little extra bulk, chili over rice is a winning combination.
Toppings to Try
- Shredded Cheese: Because everything’s better with melted cheese.
- Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt: Adds a cool, creamy balance to the heat.
- Avocado Slices: Fresh and creamy, perfect for mellowing out the spice.
- Green Onions or Fresh Cilantro: A fresh, zesty finish.
- Hot Sauce: For the spice lovers who just can’t get enough.
Classic Chili Recipe: A Family Favorite for Every Table
6
servings15
minutes45
minutes
This classic chili recipe is a hearty, flavorful dish that brings warmth and comfort to any table. Packed with lean ground beef, kidney beans, and a medley of tomatoes, mushrooms, and onions, it’s seasoned to perfection with chili powder and a hint of garlic. Perfectly balanced with just the right amount of spice and a touch of sweetness, this chili is versatile and forgiving—ideal for weeknight dinners or slow-cooked weekend meals
Ingredients
1 lb lean ground beef
2 Tbsp chili powder
1 can whole tomatoes
1/8 tsp ground black pepper
1/2 tsp sugar
1 can sliced mushrooms, drained
2 medium onion
1 can kidney beans
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/4 cup ketchup
Directions
- STOVETOP METHOD:
Brown the Beef: In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the lean ground beef over medium-high heat until browned. Break the meat apart as it cooks. Once browned, drain any excess fat.
Add Onions and Seasonings: Add the chopped onions to the pot with the ground beef and sauté for 3-4 minutes until they are translucent. Stir in the chili powder, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and sugar. Cook for another minute to let the spices bloom.
Add Remaining Ingredients: Pour in the whole tomatoes (break them up slightly with a spoon if desired), ketchup, drained mushrooms, and kidney beans. Stir everything together until well combined.
Simmer: Reduce the heat to low and let the chili simmer uncovered for 30-45 minutes, stirring occasionally. This allows the flavors to meld and develop. If the mixture becomes too thick, add a little water or broth to reach the desired consistency.
Taste and Adjust: After simmering, taste the chili and adjust seasoning if necessary. Add more chili powder for extra heat or a pinch more sugar if you prefer a slightly sweeter balance. - SLOW COOKER METHOD:
Prepare the Beef and Onions: In a skillet over medium-high heat, brown the lean ground beef and sauté the onions until translucent. Drain any excess fat and transfer the mixture to your slow cooker.
Combine in Slow Cooker: Add the chili powder, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, sugar, whole tomatoes (break them up slightly), ketchup, drained mushrooms, and kidney beans to the slow cooker. Stir to combine.
Cook on Low or High: Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. The long, slow cooking process will bring out the deep, rich flavors.
Finish and Serve: Stir well before serving and adjust seasonings if needed.
The Joy of Customization
The best part about chili is that it’s a dish that invites conversation, creativity, and collaboration. Each bowl can be customized right at the table, whether you’re hosting a chili bar with an array of toppings or simply serving your family’s go-to version.
The classic chili recipe I’m sharing is a testament to how one dish can bridge generations, inspire variations, and feed the heart as much as the body.
So, whether you’re trying out the chili recipe stovetop or settling in for a slow-cooked meal with the chili recipe crockpot method, you’re in for a treat. Start with this simple, satisfying base and let your kitchen experiments begin.
After all, the best chili is the one that brings smiles to your table and makes you wonder why you didn’t make a double batch!
While you are here, be sure to check out these other great hamburger recipes!
Hearty Hamburger Soup: A Family Recipe That Hits the Spot
Hamburger Hash with Chickpeas: A Versatile, Budget-Friendly Meal
The Best Basic Meatball Recipe: Great for Freezing and Meal Prep
Easy One-Pot Meatball Stroganoff
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