Easy Classic Chili Recipe
Chili is such a staple recipe for fall and winter. It’s hearty and filling, and it really brings on those cozy, hibernating feelings. Today I am sharing my easy classic chili recipe that you can make either in a crockpot or on the stovetop.
Cooking as a Home Cook
I remember having chili as a kid and it was always a favorite. Who doesn’t love chili with a side of cornbread or corn chips?! This easy classic chili recipe is a simple blend of spices with ground beef and beans.
I like sharing my recipes with you all because I think it shows how simple home cooked meals can be. Learning to cook came out of necessity for my family, but I am always cooking with finding “the best” in mind. I like to find staple recipes that I can add extra veggies to or that I can easily double for hosting or for freezer cooking (this recipe is great for both of those, btw!).
Intuitive Cooking
I am not a professional chef, but I am mama of 5 little eaters who can be particular. As a home cook, I have come to really rely on intuitive cooking based on my families preferences. Also, I think that every single home cook should come to that place where you really know how to “measure with your heart” instead of a teaspoon because you know “just how much cinnamon your husband likes in the cinnamon rolls” or maybe you know that you will be feeding a few extra people for dinner, so you know that you can add an extra can of beans or tomato sauce to stretch a meal. This really all comes down to trial and error, and practice over the years.
“If we were taught to cook as we are taught to walk, encouraged first to feel for pebbles with our toes, then to wobble forward and fall, then had our hands firmly tugged on so we would try again, we would learn that being good at it relies on something deeply rooted, akin to walking, to get good at which we only need guidance, senses, and a little faith.” –An Everlasting Meal: Cooking with Economy and Grace
Key Ingredients for this Easy Classic Chili Recipe
Ground Beef: cook and then drain any excess fat.
Chili Powder
Paprika
Garlic Powder
Onion Powder
Black Pepper
Tomato Sauce: I like to use salt-free.
Pinto Beans: I like to use salt-free.
Red Kidney Beans: I like to use salt-free.
How to Make this Easy Classic Chili Recipe
Step 1.Ground one pound of ground beef in a heavy pot. Drain off any excess fat.
Step 2. Add in chili powder, paprika, garlic powder, black pepper, and onion powder. Stir well with the ground beef.
Step 3. Next, stir in the tomato sauce and cans of beans.
Step 4. Simmer for at least 1 hour.
Step 5. Lastly, turn off heat and put lid on for 10 minutes before serving.
Step 6. We love serving in bowls with a little honey and shredded cheddar cheese on top. Add a handful of corn chips or a side of cornbread, and you’ve got a perfect, cozy winter meal.
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Common Questions
Can I make this in a crockpot?
- Yes! I have made this recipe in my crockpot a ton of times. Always brown the ground beef and drain the fat beforehand and then add to crockpot with the rest of the ingredients. Cook high for 4 hours or low for 6 hours. Perfect every time!
Is this recipe able to be doubled and frozen?
- Yes! I have doubled this recipe countless times to freeze the extra for another day.
Can you use onion and garlic instead of the powders?
- Absolutely! This is just a texture thing for my family. We love the taste but not the texture of added garlic or onion. You can also dice up bell peppers to add too.
Shouldn’t I drain the beans?
- You can, just make sure to add some water with the meat before adding the beans. I choose to not drain the beans particularly for this recipe because the liquid provides a sort of thickening agent for this chili that makes it a great texture. I also find i don’t have to add extra salt bc the beans provide a great amount. You can also buy no salt added beans to have more control over sodium content.
Can I use other types of beans?
- Yes, other beans work great for this recipe. I have used black beans along with pinto and red kidney in a pinch and it was just fine. You can also use homemade beans.
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From one home cook to another, I hope you enjoy this recipe!
Easy Classic Chili Recipe
Equipment
- 1 Heavy Pot
- measuring spoons
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 15 oz. can tomato sauce
- 2 15 oz. cans pinto beans
- 2 15.oz cans red kidney beans
Instructions
- Ground one pound of ground beef in a heavy pot. Drain off any excess fat.
- Add in chili powder, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Stir well with the ground beef.
- Next, stir in the tomato sauce and cans of beans.
- Simmer for at least 1 hour.
- Turn off heat and put lid on for 10 minutes before serving.
- We love serving in bowls with a little honey and shredded cheddar cheese on top. Add a handful of corn chips or a side of cornbread, and you’ve got a perfect, cozy winter meal.
Notes
- You can very easily make this is the crockpot. Make sure to brown the meat first, and then add all the other ingredients. Cook on high for 4 hours or low for 6 hours.
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