How to Make Award Winning Classic Chili in 60 Minutes

There’s nothing quite like a warm bowl of chili to bring comfort and joy to your dinner table! If you’re like me, you crave hearty meals that are not only delicious but also quick to prepare. Today, I’m excited to share my Award Winning Classic Chili Recipe that you can whip up in just 60 minutes! This chili is packed with rich flavors and the perfect amount of spice, making it a fantastic choice for quick family dinners. So, grab your apron, and let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and easy to make, perfect for busy weeknights.
• Rich, hearty flavors that will satisfy even the pickiest eaters.
• Versatile toppings to customize each bowl to your liking.
• Great for meal prep and leftovers taste even better the next day!
• Can be made in under an hour, making it a fantastic option for 30-minute meals.

Ingredients

To make this Classic Chili Recipe, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large onion, diced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 pounds ground beef
• 3 tablespoons chili powder
• 2 teaspoons ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 1 (6 oz) can tomato paste
• 2 (14.5 oz) cans diced tomatoes
• 1 (15 oz) can crushed tomatoes
• 2 (15 oz) cans kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 cup beef broth or water
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar (optional)
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• Toppings: shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, green onions, jalapeños

Full ingredient list with measurements is provided in the printable recipe card below.

How to Make the Recipe

Now, let’s dive into the steps to create this Award Winning Chili:

1. In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until soft, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds.
2. Add the ground beef to the pot and cook until browned. Be sure to drain any excess fat.
3. Stir in the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 1 minute to let the spices bloom.
4. Add the tomato paste and stir to coat the meat evenly.
5. Pour in the diced tomatoes, crushed tomatoes, kidney beans, black beans, beef broth, brown sugar, and Worcestershire sauce. Mix everything well.
6. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer uncovered for 45–60 minutes, stirring occasionally.
7. Before serving, taste and adjust the seasonings as needed. Serve hot with your favorite toppings!

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Here are some of my favorite tips to ensure your chili turns out perfectly:

• For a deeper flavor, let the chili simmer longer if you have the time. The longer it cooks, the more the flavors meld together.
• If you prefer a spicier chili, feel free to add more cayenne pepper or even some diced jalapeños.
• Don’t skip the toppings! They add a wonderful texture and flavor contrast to the chili.
• For a twist, try adding some corn or bell peppers to the mix for extra sweetness and crunch.
• If you love chili as much as I do, check out my Ground Beef Stovetop Chili or Best Ever Beef Chili for more delicious options!

How to Serve

This chili is perfect on its own, but I love to serve it with a variety of toppings to make it even more special. Here are some ideas:

• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Sour cream
• Chopped green onions
• Sliced jalapeños
• Crushed tortilla chips for added crunch

Pair it with some crusty bread or cornbread for a complete meal that your family will love!

Make Ahead and Storage

This chili is a fantastic make-ahead meal! You can prepare it in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It also freezes beautifully, so feel free to make a double batch and save some for later. Just let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat on the stove or in the microwave.

For more chili inspiration, don’t forget to check out my Classic Slow Cooker Chili recipe!

Now that you have this Award Winning Chili Recipe in your back pocket, you can enjoy a delicious, hearty meal any night of the week. Happy cooking!