Classic American Chili: A Hearty, Meaty Bowl of Comfort
Whether you’re cooking for game day, cold weather, or just craving bold, satisfying flavors, this Classic American Chili brings the heat. Made with ground beef, beans, tomatoes, and a blend of spices, it’s customizable, freezer-friendly, and even better the next day. Grab a spoon—it’s chili time!
🥣 Ingredients (Serves 6)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large onion, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 pounds ground beef
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 cans (14.5 oz each) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
- 2 cans (15 oz each) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional toppings: sour cream, shredded cheddar, chopped onions, jalapeños
🔥 Instructions
Sauté the Aromatics: In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onion and bell pepper. Cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
Brown the Beef: Add ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until no longer pink. Drain excess fat if needed.
Layer the Flavor: Stir in tomato paste and cook for 1–2 minutes to deepen the flavor. Add diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and beans.
Spice It Up: Stir in chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer.
Simmer to Perfection: Reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 30–45 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened.
📦 Amazon Must-Haves to Help You Create the Best Classic American Chili
- 🍲 Enameled Cast Iron Dutch Oven — Ideal for slow-simmering chili and locking in deep, rich flavors.
- 🥄 Wooden Spoon Set — Gentle on cookware and great for stirring thick chili mixtures without scratching.
- 🌶️ Chili Powder Variety Pack — Experiment with different chili powders—from mild to fiery—to build your signature blend.
- 🫘 BPA-Free Can Opener — Perfect for opening beans and tomato cans quickly and safely.
- 🧂 Magnetic Spice Jars Set — Organize your chili spices like a pro with this sleek magnetic setup.
Pro Tip: Chili tastes even better the next day—make a big batch and freeze individual portions for a quick, hearty meal anytime.