Best Classic Chili with Ground Beef

The Best Classic Chili with Ground Beef is packed with flavor! This one-pot wonder is made with tender ground beef, beans, tomatoes, and smoky spices for that perfect comfort food kick.

Zoup! provided me with product for the purpose of this post, as well as compensation for my time. As always, all opinions expressed in this post are my own. 

Every fall, as the leaves turned golden and the air grew crisp, my grandmother’s kitchen in our small town became the heart of our family gatherings. 

What was on the menu you ask? The Best Classic Chili with Ground Beef was her signature dish – a pot of pure comfort food. This wasn’t just your average chili my friends. The rich aroma of ground beef, tomatoes and a killer spice mix filled the house with the most incredible aroma. I can still smell it simmering on the stove. 

In fact, I remember sneaking small spoonfuls of the chili as she would adjust the spices, teaching us the ins and outs of making a good chili. As a kid I loved all the details and still use the base of her chili recipe today. 

Case in point: I definitely recommend trying: High-Protein Chili Cheese Sheet Pan Meatballs, Easy Chili Cheese Pizza, or Chili Spiced Beef Orzo. 

Like I mentioned above I’ve used the base of her chili recipe to create some incredible dishes. BUT! I realized I haven’t shared her tried and true recipe of The Best Classic Chili with Ground Beef. Now, there is one little secret I will let you in on when it comes to making this classic recipe an 11/10 and that’s the broth. 

Yes, the spices are crucial too but let me introduce you to your new best friend that will make this chili taste like it was simmered low and slow, just like Grandma taught us. Have you ever tried Zoup! Reduced Sodium Beef Bone Broth? With 33% less sodium than the brand’s traditional Beef Bone Broth, this reduced sodium version brings big flavor with less salt to home cooked meals. It’s also kettled cooked in small batches and packaged in recyclable and reusable glass jars. 

Well, shall we dive in and see what all the delicious fuss is about? Let’s go! 

Ingredients Used to Make Best Classic Chili with Ground Beef

The Best Classic Chili with Ground Beef is a hearty, comforting dish that combines savory ground beef with a rich blend of spices and tomatoes for a timeless flavor. You’ll need the following ingredients: 

• Ground Beef
• Yellow Onion
• Green Pepper
• Garlic
• Kosher salt and Ground Pepper
• Zoup! Reduced Sodium Beef Bone Broth
• Stewed Tomatoes
• Chili Beans – Mild and Medium
• Chili Powder
• Ground Paprika
• Cumin 
• Celery Seed
• Toppings: Sour cream, Avocado, Jalapenos, Shredded Cheese

How to Make Best Classic Chili with Ground Beef

The Best Classic Chili with Ground Beef is a very simple recipe that blends savory ground beef, tangy tomatoes, and warm spices into a crowd-pleasing meal perfect for family dinners, game days, or cozy fall evenings. Follow the steps below to ensure success: 

• Preheat a large pot to medium-high heat and add the olive oil. Next, add the onions and green peppers. Sauté the vegetables for about five minutes. Add in the garlic and continue to cook for another minute. 
• Once vegetables have softened, add the ground beef. Cook the beef until it’s no longer pink. Next, add all spices, tomatoes, beans, Zoup! Reduced Sodium Beef Bone Broth, and bring to a simmer.
• Once bubbling, turn heat back to low, and let it simmer and cook for about 30 minutes to 2 hours (for better flavor). Serve with your favorite toppings and enjoy!

Variations

The Best Classic Chili with Ground Beef is a versatile, hearty dish that can be customized to suit various tastes, dietary preferences, or occasions. Find some simple variations below:

Texas-Style No-Bean Beef Chili: Skip beans entirely, focusing on ground beef, diced tomatoes, and classic spice blend (chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, celery seed). Increase beef quantity for a meatier texture and simmer longer for depth. 

Chipotle Beef Chili with Smoky Heat: Add chopped chipotle peppers in adobo sauce to the tomato base. Use ground beef and fire-roasted tomatoes, with a touch of smoked paprika. Garnish with avocado and cotija cheese.

White Bean and Beef Chili: Use cannellini or navy beans instead of kidney or pinto beans. Keep ground beef and tomatoes, adding a touch of oregano and green chiles for flavor. Garnish with parsley and sour cream.

Proper Storing

Short-Term Storage: Allow the chili to cool to room temperature. Transfer to an airtight container to promote even cooling and maintain texture.Refrigerate for up to 3 days.

Long-Term Storage: Cool the chili completely and portion into airtight containers. Freeze for up to 3 months for optimal quality.

Do you want to learn more about Zoup? The Zoup! family of products includes chicken and beef bone broths (original, reduced sodium, and spicy chicken) and savory vegan broth, plus Culinary Concentrates™ and homestyle, heat-and-eat soups. Find them at retailers across the country, through Instacart, and online at Walmart.com and Amazon.com

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