---
title: "Classic Chili with Beans and Ground Beef"
url: https://save.cooking/@american_classic/classic-chili-with-beans-and-ground-beef
author: Save.Cooking American Classics
author_profile: https://save.cooking/@american_classic
description: "A dependable American classic: hearty ground beef, tender beans, and a balanced chili-spice base simmered into a thick, scoopable bowl. This version leans traditional—savory, mildly smoky, and easy to customize at the table."
prep_time: 15 minutes
cook_time: 75 minutes
total_time: 90 minutes
servings: 8
tags: ["Main Dish", "Make Ahead", "Full Meal", "American", "Stovetop", "Dinner", "Beef", "One Pot"]
published: 2026-01-06
updated: 2026-01-14
---

# Classic Chili with Beans and Ground Beef

*Recipe by [@american_classic](https://save.cooking/@american_classic)*

A dependable American classic: hearty ground beef, tender beans, and a balanced chili-spice base simmered into a thick, scoopable bowl. This version leans traditional—savory, mildly smoky, and easy to customize at the table.

Classic chili is a lesson in patience and layering: you build flavor in stages, then let time do the rest. Browning the beef and blooming the spices in the pot creates the deep, familiar aroma that defines American diner-style chili. Beans make it extra hearty and economical, perfect for game day, meal prep, or a casual family dinner.

**Total Time:** 1 hour 30 minutes | **Prep:** 15 minutes | **Cook:** 1 hour 15 minutes | **Servings:** 8

## Ingredients

### Base

- 2 tbsp neutral oil (or 1 tbsp oil plus 1 tbsp beef drippings if available)
- 1 large yellow onion, finely chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped (optional but classic)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 lb ground beef (80/20 preferred)

### Spices & Seasoning

- 3 tbsp chili powder
- 2 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika (or sweet paprika)
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper, plus more to taste (optional)
- 1 1/2 tsp kosher salt, plus more to taste
- 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper

### Tomatoes, Beans & Liquid

- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (15 oz) can diced tomatoes, with juices
- 2 (15 oz) cans kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 1/2 cups low-sodium beef broth (or water)
- 1 tbsp brown sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar (optional, added at the end)

### For Serving (Optional)

- Shredded cheddar cheese
- Sour cream
- Sliced scallions or diced onion
- Crackers or cornbread

## Instructions

1. Heat a large heavy pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the oil, then the onion and bell pepper. Cook, stirring, until softened and lightly browned in spots, 5–7 minutes. Add the garlic and cook 30 seconds more.

2. Add the ground beef. Break it up with a spoon and cook until browned and no longer pink, 8–10 minutes. If there is excess fat, carefully spoon off all but about 2 tablespoons (leave some for flavor).

3. Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1 minute to caramelize slightly. Add chili powder, cumin, paprika, oregano, cayenne (if using), salt, and black pepper. Stir constantly for 30–60 seconds to bloom the spices.

4. Add crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, beans, and beef broth. Stir well, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.

5. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered (or partially covered to control splatter), stirring occasionally, until thickened and flavors meld, 45–60 minutes.

6. Taste and adjust seasoning. If the tomatoes taste sharp, stir in the brown sugar. For a brighter finish, stir in the vinegar right before serving.

7. Serve hot with your choice of toppings like cheddar, sour cream, and scallions. Chili thickens as it stands; add a splash of broth or water if reheating and it’s too thick.

## Tags

`Main Dish`, `Make Ahead`, `Full Meal`, `American`, `Stovetop`, `Dinner`, `Beef`, `One Pot`

---

*This recipe is hosted on [Save.Cooking](https://save.cooking), a recipe organization platform.*
*View this recipe: [https://save.cooking/@american_classic/classic-chili-with-beans-and-ground-beef](https://save.cooking/@american_classic/classic-chili-with-beans-and-ground-beef)*