Print

Favorite Classic Beef Chili

Bowl of classic beef chili with cilantro garnish
Print Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Classic beef chili that's healthy and flavorful with beef, kidney beans and lots of veggies! This chili makes for a high-protein, cozy dinner recipe with plenty of leftovers for the next day.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 lb. lean ground beef or sirloin (no leaner than 90% recommended)
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 1/2 cup celery, finely chopped
  • 1 tsp garlic, minced
  • 1 14 oz. can beef broth
  • 1 can tomato paste
  • 3/4 cup tomato juice or sauce
  • 1 14 oz. can petite diced tomatoes
  • 1 tbsp sugar
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp pepper
  • 1/2 tsp oregano
  • 1/2 tsp ground cumin
  • 2 Tbsp chili powder
  • 1 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 4 oz. can diced green chili peppers
  • 1 16 oz. can dark red kidney beans, rinsed and drained
  • Suggested toppings: parmesan or cheddar cheese, sour cream, avocado or green onions, tortilla chips

Instructions

  1. Brown beef with aromatics: In large saucepan or pot, brown beef with onion, celery and garlic till meat is browned.
  2. Add broth and tomatoes: Empty beef broth into large measuring cup or bowl, add tomato paste and whisk together until smooth. Stir in beef broth mixture, canned tomatoes, and tomato juice.
  3. Add spices and chiles: Add sugar, salt, pepper, oregano, cumin, chili powder, Worcestershire sauce and diced green chiles. Bring to a boil and then simmer on low for 15 minutes to bring flavors together. Stir in kidney beans.
  4. Simmer: Let chili simmer for at least 15 more minutes before serving with any toppings you like!

Notes

  1. Beef/sirloin: I don't recommend going leaner than 90% to prevent the beef from becoming too dry.
  2. Slow cooker: You can make classic beef chili in the slow cooker, too! Just partially brown the beef instead of fully browning to avoid drying it out. Then, add all the ingredients in the order listed, cover, and cook on high for four hours or low for eight hours.

Find it online: https://www.rootsandradishes.com/the-best-classic-beef-chili/