Classic American Chili Recipe

4 stars
3.74 (9)
Classic American Chili Recipe
Prep Time:
20 mins
Cook Time:
60 mins
Total Time:
80mins
Category:
Recipe by Administrator
Published on January 11, 2024

Warm up with a bowl of classic American chili. This hearty and flavorful dish is a staple in many households across the United States. Made with ground beef, beans, and a special blend of spices, this chili is perfect for chilly nights or game day gatherings. Serve it with some cornbread or over rice for a complete meal.

Ingredients

  • 2 pounds ground beef
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 cans (15 ounces) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
  • 1 can (6 ounces) tomato paste
  • 2 tablespoons chili powder
  • 1 tablespoon cumin
  • 1 tablespoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 cups beef broth
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
  • Optional toppings: shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, chopped green onions, and sliced jalapenos

Directions

  1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat.
  2. Add the ground beef and cook until browned. Drain any excess fat.
  3. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot and sauté until the onion is translucent.
  4. Stir in the tomato paste, chili powder, cumin, paprika, oregano, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 1-2 minutes until the spices are fragrant.
  5. Add the crushed tomatoes, kidney beans, and beef broth to the pot. Stir well to combine.
  6. Bring the chili to a simmer and let it cook uncovered for at least 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  7. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. If the chili is too thick, you can add more beef broth or water to thin it out.
  8. Once the chili is cooked to your desired consistency, remove it from the heat.
  9. Serve the chili hot with your choice of optional toppings like shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, chopped green onions, and sliced jalapenos.

Interesting Facts

  • Chili con carne, which means 'chili with meat' in Spanish, is often considered the official dish of Texas.
  • The first chili cook-off took place in 1967 in Terlingua, Texas.
  • In Cincinnati, Ohio, chili is commonly served over spaghetti and topped with grated cheddar cheese.
  • Chili powder is made from a blend of spices including chili peppers, cumin, oregano, and garlic powder.