Best 12 Classic Chili Recipes

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In the realm of culinary comfort, few dishes evoke nostalgia and warmth quite like a classic chili. This timeless recipe, believed to have originated in the vibrant border towns of Texas and Mexico, has captured the hearts and palates of generations with its rich and flavorful blend of spices, tender meats, and hearty beans. Whether enjoyed on a chilly autumn evening or served as a hearty centerpiece at a tailgate party, a well-crafted chili possesses the ability to transform a simple meal into a cherished culinary experience. As you embark on this culinary adventure, let us guide you through the essential steps and variations that will lead you to the perfect pot of classic chili, sure to become a staple in your kitchen.

Let's cook with our recipes!

CLASSIC CHILI



Classic Chili image

Mom's homemade chili recipe was the best! She knew just the right ingredients to put her 'stamp' on it. I could eat it with my eyes closed and know it was hers. It amazed me that she could put it together in so little time. -Marjorie Carey, Alamosa, Colorado

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Dinner     Lunch

Time 2h

Yield 12 servings (3 quarts).

Number Of Ingredients 16

1 medium green pepper, chopped
2 medium onions, chopped
1/2 cup chopped celery
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
2 pounds ground beef
2 cans (28 ounces each) diced tomatoes, undrained
1 can (8 ounces) tomato sauce
1 cup water
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
1 to 2 tablespoons chili powder
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
2 cans (16 ounces each) kidney beans, rinsed and drained
Tortilla chips, optional

Steps:

  • In a Dutch oven or large soup kettle, saute green pepper, onions and celery in oil until tender, about 5 minutes. Add ground beef and cook until browned; drain. Stir in tomatoes, tomato sauce, water, Worcestershire sauce and seasonings. Bring to a boil; reduce heat. Cover and simmer for 1-1/2 hours, stirring occasionally. Add kidney beans. Simmer, uncovered, 10 minutes longer. If desired, serve with tortilla chips.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 259 calories, Fat 10g fat (4g saturated fat), Cholesterol 47mg cholesterol, Sodium 708mg sodium, Carbohydrate 23g carbohydrate (7g sugars, Fiber 7g fiber), Protein 20g protein.

MOM'S CLASSIC BEEF CHILI



Mom's Classic Beef Chili image

A classic ground beef and beans chili, updated!

Provided by Kristen

Time 1h45m

Yield 10

Number Of Ingredients 15

3 tablespoons vegetable oil, divided
2 medium bell peppers, chopped
1 large onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, chopped
2 pounds ground beef
2 (16 ounce) cans crushed tomatoes
2 cups beef broth
¼ cup chili powder
3 tablespoons tomato paste
2 teaspoons ground cumin
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 (16 ounce) can red kidney beans, drained
1 (16 ounce) can black beans, drained

Steps:

  • Place a large frying pan over medium-high heat until hot, about 45 seconds. Add 1 tablespoon oil, then add peppers and onion; saute until soft, about 6 minutes. Add garlic and saute until fragrant, about 2 minutes. Transfer mixture to a large soup pot and set aside.
  • Increase the heat under the frying pan to high and let the pan get very hot, about 90 seconds. Add 1 tablespoon oil, then add 1/2 of the ground beef; cook and stir in the hot skillet until browned and crumbly, about 6 minutes. Transfer to the soup pot, and drain and discard grease from the frying pan. Repeat with remaining oil and beef.
  • Add tomatoes, broth, chili powder, tomato paste, cumin, oregano, salt, and cayenne pepper to the beef mixture; bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Reduce heat to low and simmer, stirring occasionally, for 45 minutes.
  • Add kidney beans and black beans; simmer until beans are heated through, about 15 minutes.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 366.8 calories, Carbohydrate 26.6 g, Cholesterol 55.7 mg, Fat 19.6 g, Fiber 9.7 g, Protein 23.3 g, SaturatedFat 6.4 g, Sodium 904.9 mg, Sugar 2.1 g

CLASSIC CHILI RELLENOS WITH ANAHEIM PEPPERS



Classic Chili Rellenos With Anaheim Peppers image

Anaheim's are very popular in Southwestern US Cuisine.Also called "New Mexican Chile". These were developed by Dr. Fabian Garcia in New Mexico about 100 yrs ago who was seeking a chile pepper that was bigger, fleshier, and milder. They got the name "Anaheim" when a farmer named Emilio Ortega brought these seeds to the Anaheim area in the early 1900's. This chile can be roasted and peeled and used in recipes or stuffed to make chile rellenos just as the Poblano Chile. Adapted from a Chili site.

Provided by Sharon123

Categories     Cheese

Time 27m

Yield 4 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 7

4 large green anaheim chilies, roasted and peeled, leave stems on
cheddar cheese, cut into sticks (or Monterey Jack)
3 eggs, separated
1 tablespoon water
3 tablespoons flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
salsa (optional)

Steps:

  • To roast chilies:.
  • Place chile peppers on an aluminum foil-lined baking sheet.
  • Broil 5 inches from the heat (with electric oven door partially open) 5 minutes on each side or until chile peppers are blistered.
  • Place chile peppers in a heavy-duty zip-top plastic bag; seal.
  • Let stand 10 minutes to loosen skins.
  • Peel peppers, leaving stems attached.
  • Make a slit in the side of each chile, remove seeds, and stuff with cheese sticks.
  • Dredge chiles with flour. Beat egg whites until they become stiff and peaks form. Beat yolks with water, 3 tablespoons flour and salt until thick and creamy. Fold the yolks into the whites and dip the chiles in the mixture.
  • Fry in 2-3 inches of oil until they become golden brown.(I usually use about an inch and turn them over).
  • Serve with your favorite salsa, refried beans and yellow rice for a great south of the border meal!

Nutrition Facts : Calories 96.5, Fat 3.7, SaturatedFat 1.2, Cholesterol 139.5, Sodium 202.6, Carbohydrate 9.8, Fiber 1, Sugar 2.9, Protein 6.4

CLASSIC CHILI



Classic Chili image

Provided by Food Network Kitchen

Categories     main-dish

Time 1h

Yield 8 servings

Number Of Ingredients 12

3 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 large onion, chopped
1 red bell pepper, chopped
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1/4 cup chili powder
2 teaspoons ground cumin
2 teaspoons ground coriander
2 teaspoons dried oregano
2 pounds ground beef
Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper
2 15-ounce cans kidney beans (do not drain)
3 14-ounce cans diced tomatoes

Steps:

  • Heat the oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the onion and bell pepper and cook, stirring, until softened, 5 to 7 minutes. Add the tomato paste, chili powder, cumin, coriander and oregano. Cook, stirring, until brick red, 2 minutes.
  • Add the beef, 1 teaspoon salt and a few grinds of pepper and continue to cook, stirring, until no longer pink, 3 to 4 minutes. Add the beans, tomatoes, 1 cup water and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Bring to a simmer and cook, adjusting the heat as needed and stirring occasionally, until thickened, 35 to 45 minutes. Season with salt.

CLASSIC CHILI MIX



Classic Chili Mix image

Enjoy this full-flavored chili seasoning that'll heat up your holiday gift-giving. The mix is on the mild side, which is nice for those who aren't partial to extra-spicy food. To raise the "temperature," just add more chili powder. -Bernice Morris, Marshfield, Missouri

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Lunch

Time 10m

Yield 4 servings per batch.

Number Of Ingredients 15

1 cup plus 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
3/4 cup dried minced onion
4 to 6 tablespoons chili powder
1/4 cup paprika
2 tablespoons salt
1 tablespoon ground cumin
1 tablespoon dried minced garlic
1 tablespoon sugar
ADDITIONAL INGREDIENTS (for each batch):
1 pound ground beef
1 can (15 ounces) pinto beans, rinsed and drained
1 can (14-1/2 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained
1 small green pepper, chopped
1/2 to 3/4 cup water
Sour cream, optional

Steps:

  • Combine the first eight ingredients; divide into six batches (a scant 1/2 cup each). Store in airtight containers. Yield: 6 batches. , To prepare chili: In a large saucepan, cook beef over medium heat until no longer pink; drain. Stir in one batch of chili mix, beans, tomatoes, green pepper and water; bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, for 30 minutes. Garnish with sour cream if desired.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 379 calories, Fat 15g fat (6g saturated fat), Cholesterol 75mg cholesterol, Sodium 931mg sodium, Carbohydrate 31g carbohydrate (7g sugars, Fiber 7g fiber), Protein 30g protein.

PRESSURE COOKER CLASSIC BEEF CHILI



Pressure Cooker Classic Beef Chili image

Chili in the electric pressure cooker is super fast and extremely convenient. This version is on the gently spiced side, so if you're looking for more heat, feel free to increase the chili powder or add a big pinch of cayenne - or throw a couple of extra jalapeños into the pot. Keep in mind that the leaner the beef, the less flavorful the chili. Eighty percent is a good bet here. You can also substitute ground pork or dark meat turkey. Leftover chili freezes like a dream.

Provided by Melissa Clark

Categories     soups and stews, main course

Time 1h

Yield 4 to 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 18

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 pound ground beef
2 teaspoons kosher salt, more as needed
1 large onion, diced
1 green bell pepper, seeded and diced
1 jalapeño, seeded or not, diced
4 cloves garlic, finely grated or minced
2 tablespoons chili powder
1 tablespoon tomato paste
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 (13.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes
2 (15-ounce) cans pinto or kidney beans, drained and rinsed
1/3 cup chopped cilantro leaves and tender stems
Fresh lime juice, to taste
Sour cream, for serving
Cubed avocado, for serving (optional)
Pickled jalapeño, for serving (optional)

Steps:

  • Heat the oil in the pressure cooker (see Tip) set to the sauté function on high if possible. Add beef, spread it over the bottom of the pot over the oil, and let it brown without stirring for 7 minutes. Give it a good stir and sauté for 1 more minute, then use a slotted spoon to transfer it to a plate. Season meat with 1 teaspoon salt.
  • Stir in onion, bell pepper, jalapeño, garlic and 1/2 teaspoon salt; cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
  • Stir in chili powder, tomato paste, and cumin, cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Stir in beef and any juices from the plate, oregano, tomatoes, beans and remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt, then cover and cook on high pressure for 8 minutes. Let pressure release naturally.
  • Stir in cilantro and a squeeze or two of lime juice, then taste and adjust seasonings if necessary. Serve with sour cream, avocado and pickled jalapeño if you like.

Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 390, UnsaturatedFat 12 grams, Carbohydrate 29 grams, Fat 21 grams, Fiber 9 grams, Protein 22 grams, SaturatedFat 7 grams, Sodium 793 milligrams, Sugar 6 grams, TransFat 1 gram

CLASSIC CROCK POT BEEF CHILI



Classic Crock Pot Beef Chili image

This recipe comes from the Slow cooker email group on yahoo. The perfect combination of tomatoes, beans and beef. So simple to throw together in the morning and wonderful to come home to.

Provided by redplaid huf

Categories     Lunch/Snacks

Time 4h5m

Yield 6-8 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 9

1 lb lean ground beef
2 garlic cloves, chopped
1 -2 tablespoon chili powder
1 teaspoon cumin
1 (14 ounce) can black beans or 1 (14 ounce) can chickpeas, rinsed and drained
1 (14 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 sweet onion, chopped (optional)
1/4 cup chile, diced (optional)

Steps:

  • Brown meat, add garlic and onion. Add chili powder and cumin. Heat through.
  • In crock pot mix tomatoes, beans, chilies and paste. Add meat mixture.
  • Crock on high for 4-5 hours or on low for 7-8 hours.

MICROWAVE CLASSIC CHILI



Microwave Classic Chili image

For several years I taught a microwave cooking class sponsored by a local department store. Class participants raced about this recipe the most and were amazed it takes less that 20 minutes to cook! - Joanna Johnson, Vestal, New York

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Lunch

Time 30m

Yield 4-6 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 7

1 pound ground beef
1 medium onion, finely chopped
2 cans (14-1/2 ounces each) stewed tomatoes
2 teaspoons chili powder
1-1/2 teaspoons prepared mustard
1 can (16 ounces) kidney beans, rinsed and drained
Salt and Pepper to taste

Steps:

  • Crumble the beef into a 2-qt. microwave-safe bowl. Add onion; mix well. Cover and microwave on high for 3 minutes or until meat is no longer pink; drain. Stir in the tomatoes, chili powder and mustard; mix well. Cover and microwave on high for 6-1/2 minutes. Add beans and mix well. Cover and microwave on high for 2 minutes longer. Add salt and pepper.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 247 calories, Fat 9g fat (4g saturated fat), Cholesterol 50mg cholesterol, Sodium 305mg sodium, Carbohydrate 20g carbohydrate (6g sugars, Fiber 5g fiber), Protein 21g protein.

BIG P'S CLASSIC CHILI



Big P's Classic Chili image

My family loves this recipe. Kid-friendly, great for sleepover nights. The key is to chop all veggies big so the flavors get incorporated but they're able to be picked out by the picky eater. Pair with honey cornbread and call 'come and get it!'

Provided by Tina Reyna

Categories     Soups, Stews and Chili Recipes     Chili Recipes     Beef Chili Recipes

Time 2h5m

Yield 10

Number Of Ingredients 15

1 tablespoon vegetable oil
½ red onion, cut into large chunks
1 cup chopped celery
4 cloves garlic, coarsely chopped
2 pounds ground beef
2 (28 ounce) cans tomatoes, undrained and tomatoes chopped
1 (8 ounce) can tomato sauce
1 cup water
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon chili powder
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon ground black pepper
2 (16 ounce) cans kidney beans, rinsed and drained

Steps:

  • Heat vegetable oil in a Dutch oven or large soup pot over medium heat; cook and stir onion, celery, and garlic in the hot oil until tender, about 5 minutes. Stir ground beef into onion mixture; cook and stir until ground beef is browned and crumbly, 5 to 10 minutes. Drain grease.
  • Stir tomatoes, tomato sauce, water, Worcestershire sauce, chili powder, garlic powder, oregano, salt, and pepper into ground beef mixture; bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer, stirring occasionally, until flavors blend, about 1 1/2 hours. Add kidney beans; simmer for 10 more minutes.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 324.2 calories, Carbohydrate 24 g, Cholesterol 55.7 mg, Fat 16.3 g, Fiber 8.1 g, Protein 21.7 g, SaturatedFat 5.8 g, Sodium 871.9 mg, Sugar 5.5 g

WICK FOWLER'S CLASSIC CHILI ENCHILADAS (12 ENCHILADAS)



Wick Fowler's Classic Chili Enchiladas (12 Enchiladas) image

I am a Wick Fowler chili head, but after I made these enchiladas tonight with my left over chile, I am now a Wick Fowler enchilada head too. You normally get those watered down enchiladas, but these are different.These are awesome with the thicker chili, cheese and additional onion. Make the chili the day before, then reheat the chili in the microwave a little the day you make the enchiladas so it spoons easily and go for a real treat and keeper. My favorite enchilada recipe was just replaced with this one tonight!

Provided by OneEyeJack

Categories     Meat

Time 45m

Yield 4-6 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 5

12 corn tortillas
cooking oil
2 cups cheddar cheese, grated
1/2 cup onion, chopped
1 (15 ounce) can chili (I prefer Wick Fowler's 2-Alarm Chili, prepared)

Steps:

  • Dip each tortilla in hot oil, turning once to soften.
  • Blot on paper towels. (I did not use the cooking oil to soften the corn tortillas, I wrapped all 12 in a paper towel, sprinkled water on the paper towel, and put them in the microwave for a minute.).
  • Spoon about 2 tablespoons of Wick Fowler Chili down the middle of the tortilla.
  • Sprinkle on the grated cheese and onion.
  • Roll up and place seam down in baking dish.
  • Cover the rolled tortillas with the remaining chili, onion and grated cheese, in that order.
  • Bake at 350F for about 30 minutes or until cheese is melted and enchiladas are hot.

CLASSIC CHILI WITH BEANS



Classic Chili With Beans image

Make and share this Classic Chili With Beans recipe from Food.com.

Provided by DaHomeCooker

Categories     Beans

Time 2h20m

Yield 16 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 13

2 lbs ground beef (browned)
2 (14 ounce) cans red kidney beans
1/2 cup onion (diced)
3 cups water
3 beef bouillon cubes
1 (4 ounce) can tomato paste
1/2 cup chili powder
1 tablespoon garlic powder
2 tablespoons cumin
2 tablespoons sugar
1 tablespoon black pepper (for a little more heat) (optional)
2 teaspoons cayenne pepper (for a lot more heat) (optional)
2 cups macaroni (cooked) (optional)

Steps:

  • Bring water to a boil and add bouillon.
  • Once bouillon has dissolved, add remaining ingredients except macaroni.
  • Reduce heat and simmer for 2 hours stirring occasionally.
  • Add macaroni if desired - don't continue to cook after adding or macaroni will turn to mush.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 217.4, Fat 9.7, SaturatedFat 3.5, Cholesterol 38.6, Sodium 251.3, Carbohydrate 17.8, Fiber 5.5, Sugar 3.4, Protein 16

CLASSIC CHILI CON CARNE



Classic Chili Con Carne image

This is a classic recipe from Robb Walsh, a Texas food historian and a restaurateur: no beans. In the Texas spirit, it does, however, call for three pounds of meat - boneless chuck, buffalo or venison. There is also some bacon for good measure. This is a hearty meal, great for a cold day when the best thing to do is to stay in and watch that other Texas religion, football.

Provided by Jennifer Steinhauer

Categories     dinner, main course

Time 3h

Yield 8 to 10 servings

Number Of Ingredients 17

3 medium dried ancho chiles, stems and seeds removed, spread flat
1/2 teaspoon cumin seeds
1/2 teaspoon dried Mexican oregano
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
2 tablespoons cumin seeds
8 ounces bacon
3 pounds boneless beef chuck, buffalo or venison, cut into 1/4-inch cubes
1 pound (2 medium) white onions, chopped
2 teaspoons paprika
1 teaspoon dried Mexican oregano
1 teaspoon ground black pepper
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme leaves
1/2 teaspoon salt
4 large garlic cloves, minced
1 3/4 cups beef broth
1 28-ounce can puréed tomatoes
2 ancho chiles, stems and seeds removed

Steps:

  • For the chile powder: Place the chiles flat in a cast-iron skillet over medium heat and cook, turning as needed, until lightly toasted. Transfer to a plate to cool. Put the cumin seeds in the hot pan and stir until fragrant. Transfer to a bowl to cool.
  • Using scissors, cut the chiles into small strips. Using a spice grinder or a clean coffee grinder, grind in batches into a powder. Pour into a bowl. Grind the cumin seeds into a powder and add to the bowl. Add the oregano and garlic powder. If the mixture is still coarse, grind again until fine. Reserve 3 1/2 tablespoons for the chili; save the rest in a jar.
  • For the chili: In a Dutch oven over medium heat, stir the cumin seeds until fragrant, about 1 minute. Pour onto a work surface and using a small, heavy skillet, crush them coarsely. Set aside.
  • Return the pot to medium-high heat, add the bacon and fry until crisp, 5 to 8 minutes. Transfer to paper towels to drain.
  • Increase the heat to high. Working in small batches, add the beef cubes to the pot and cook, stirring, until well browned on all sides. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the beef to a bowl.
  • Reduce the heat to medium, add the onions to the remaining bacon drippings and sauté until lightly browned, about 8 minutes.
  • Add the crushed cumin, reserved chili powder, paprika, oregano, black pepper, thyme, salt and garlic and cook, stirring often, for 1 minute. Crumble in the bacon and add the broth, tomatoes, 1 cup water, anchos and the browned beef. Increase the heat to high and bring to a boil, then decrease the heat to low, cover partly and simmer for 2 hours, until the meat is very tender. Add water as needed to maintain a good chili consistency.
  • Remove the anchos, purée them in a food processor or blender and return the purée to the pot. Stir well, simmer for a few minutes to blend the flavors and serve.

Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 342, UnsaturatedFat 10 grams, Carbohydrate 14 grams, Fat 17 grams, Fiber 5 grams, Protein 36 grams, SaturatedFat 6 grams, Sodium 557 milligrams, Sugar 5 grams, TransFat 0 grams

Tips:

  • Choose the right chili base: Beef, turkey, chicken, or even vegetarian options like beans or lentils can all make a great chili. Consider the flavors you're aiming for and the dietary preferences of your guests.
  • Use a variety of chili peppers: The type and amount of chili peppers you use will determine the heat level of your chili. For a milder chili, use fewer peppers or milder varieties like Anaheim or poblano peppers. For a spicier chili, use more peppers or hotter varieties like habanero or cayenne peppers.
  • Don't be afraid to experiment with different ingredients: Chili is a versatile dish that can be customized to your liking. Add your favorite vegetables, spices, and herbs to create a unique and flavorful chili. Some popular additions include corn, black beans, kidney beans, tomatoes, onions, garlic, cumin, chili powder, and oregano.
  • Simmer your chili for a long time: The longer you simmer your chili, the more time the flavors will have to develop. Aim to simmer your chili for at least 1 hour, or even longer if you have the time. This will result in a rich and flavorful chili that is sure to impress your guests.
  • Serve your chili with your favorite toppings: Chili is often served with a variety of toppings, such as shredded cheese, sour cream, diced onions, and crushed tortilla chips. Encourage your guests to customize their bowls of chili with their favorite toppings.

Conclusion:

With so many different recipes and variations to choose from, there's sure to be a chili recipe that everyone will enjoy. Whether you like your chili mild or spicy, beefy or vegetarian, there's a recipe out there for you. So get creative and experiment with different ingredients and flavors to create your own unique chili recipe.

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