The Best Old-Fashioned Chili Recipe (A Timeless Family Favourite)

Are you on the hunt for that truly perfect bowl of chili? We all know the one we dream of—it’s profoundly savoury, rich with aromatic spices, and provides a comfort so deep it feels like coming home. For years, we dedicated ourselves to perfecting this classic, and we’re delighted to share that we’ve unlocked the secret. There’s no need for complicated ingredient lists or fussy cooking methods. We are returning to cherished traditions to create what we wholeheartedly believe is The Best Old-Fashioned Chili Recipe. This is the kind of meal that gathers everyone around the table, fills your kitchen with the most wonderful aroma, and leaves everyone feeling utterly content.

This recipe is not about searing heat that masks the other flavours; instead, it’s a celebration of a gorgeous, slow-simmered depth. It’s about how simple, high-quality ingredients can work together to create something truly remarkable. So, fetch your largest pot, and let’s begin. We are confident this will become your trusted recipe for family meals, get-togethers, and quiet, cosy evenings.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Exceptional Depth of Flavour: We develop a rich and complex taste by blooming the spices and allowing the chili to simmer gently, which gives all the ingredients time to meld together beautifully.
• Simple, Everyday Ingredients: Our recipe relies on easy-to-find staples like beef mince, tinned beans, and tomatoes. There are no complex components here, just pure, authentic flavour.
• Wonderfully Customisable: We will guide you on how to effortlessly adjust the spice level, experiment with different proteins, or vary the beans to make this chili recipe uniquely yours.
• Makes a Generous Batch: This dish is ideal for feeding a crowd, and we find the leftovers taste even more delicious the following day! It also freezes perfectly for convenient future meals.
• The Ultimate Comfort Food: This is a genuinely Hearty chili guaranteed to warm you from the inside out. It stands as the definitive comfort meal for any occasion.

Ingredients

• 2 tbsp Olive Oil
• 2 medium Onions, finely chopped
• 1 large Red Bell Pepper, chopped
• 4 cloves Garlic, minced
• 1 kg Lean Beef Mince (we recommend 80/20)
• 60g Chili Powder (a good quality, mild blend)
• 2 tbsp Ground Cumin
• 1 tbsp Smoked Paprika
• 1 tsp Dried Oregano
• 1/2 tsp Cayenne Pepper (or to taste)
• 2 tsp Salt
• 1 tsp Black Pepper
• 2 tbsp Tomato Purée
• 800g can Chopped Tomatoes
• 400g can Kidney Beans, rinsed and drained
• 400g can Black Beans, rinsed and drained
• 400ml Beef Stock
• 1 tbsp Brown Sugar (optional, to balance acidity)

Step-by-Step Instructions for the Perfect Homemade Chili

Creating the perfect Homemade chili recipe is all about carefully building layers of flavour. Follow our straightforward steps, and you will be rewarded with a rich, delicious result every single time.

1. Sauté the Aromatics

   Set a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over a medium heat and add the olive oil. Once the oil shimmers, add the chopped onions and red bell pepper. Sauté for 5–7 minutes, stirring now and then, until they have softened and turned translucent. Add the minced garlic and continue to cook for one more minute until it becomes fragrant, taking care not to let it burn.

2. Brown the Beef

   Turn the heat up to medium-high and add the beef mince to your pot. Use a wooden spoon to break it apart into smaller pieces. Continue to cook the beef until it is well-browned on all sides, which should take approximately 8–10 minutes. This browning step is essential for creating a deep, savoury flavour foundation.

3. Bloom the Spices

   Carefully drain away any excess fat from the pot. Add the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper directly onto the beef and vegetables. Stir everything constantly for about a minute. This technique, known as “blooming,” toasts the spices in the residual heat, awakening them and greatly intensifying their aroma and taste.

4. Combine and Simmer

   Mix in the tomato purée and cook for a further minute. Next, pour in the chopped tomatoes, both tins of rinsed beans, and the beef stock. Stir all the ingredients together until thoroughly combined. Bring the chili to a gentle boil, then turn the heat down to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for at least one hour. For the very best results, we suggest a simmer time of 1.5 to 2 hours. A longer, slower cook makes the meat incredibly tender and allows the flavours to deepen.

5. Thicken and Finish

   After the simmering time, give the chili a thorough stir. If it seems a little too liquid for your preference, you can remove the lid and allow it to simmer for an additional 15–20 minutes to reduce and thicken. Taste the chili and adjust the seasonings as needed. You might find it needs a little more salt, pepper, or perhaps a pinch of brown sugar to balance the acidity of the tomatoes. Serve piping hot with your chosen toppings.

Tips for Making the Best Old-Fashioned Chili Recipe

• Choose the Right Mince: We believe an 80/20 lean-to-fat ratio in beef mince gives the ideal balance of flavour and moisture. If you opt for a leaner mince, you might need to add a little extra oil at the start.
• Don’t Rush the Simmer: The real magic of this Classic beef chili develops during the long, slow simmer. This is when all the distinct flavours harmonise and the texture becomes wonderfully rich. If you have the time, let it bubble away gently on low for up to 3 hours.
• Let It Rest: As with many stews and casseroles, chili often tastes even better the next day. Preparing it a day in advance gives the flavours more time to meld and mature. Just cool it completely before storing it in the fridge.

Customising Your Chili

One of the finest qualities of a Traditional chili is its adaptability. Here are some of our favourite ways to add a personal touch to this classic recipe.

Spice Level Adjustments

If you prefer your chili with a bit more heat, feel free to add one or two finely chopped jalapeños when you sauté the onions. You can also increase the quantity of cayenne pepper or add a splash of your favourite hot sauce just before serving.

Bean Variations

We adore the texture and taste of kidney and black beans together, but you should feel free to use your favourites. Pinto beans, cannellini beans, or even chickpeas would work beautifully. For more details on different bean varieties, you can find great information from resources like The Bean Institute. The main thing is to use tinned beans that have been rinsed and drained, or dried beans that have been properly prepared.

Protein Swaps

While this recipe is superb with beef, it is also delicious with ground turkey or chicken mince if you’re looking for a lighter alternative. If you enjoy making comforting meals with chicken, you may also love our Low Carb Chicken Casserole. And for a different but equally satisfying dish to add to your weekly rotation, we can’t recommend our Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe enough.

What to Serve with Your Chili

A fantastic bowl of chili is made even better with the right accompaniments. Here are some classic pairings that will elevate your meal to the next level:

• Warm cornbread or crusty bread for dipping
• A dollop of sour cream or Greek yoghurt
• A generous handful of grated mature cheddar cheese
• Freshly chopped spring onions or red onion
• Crunchy tortilla chips
• Fluffy white or brown rice

FAQ

Conclusion: Your New Go-To Chili Recipe

We firmly believe that a superb chili recipe is an essential part of any home cook’s collection. It is dependable, delicious, and brings a wonderful sense of warmth and togetherness to any meal. This recipe celebrates the classic, straightforward approach, focusing on quality ingredients and a patient simmer to build a flavour that is both profound and deeply satisfying.

We sincerely hope this becomes your family’s most-loved chili. It is more than just a set of instructions; it is a foundation for creating countless happy memories around the dinner table. We would be thrilled to hear how you get on, so please feel free to leave a comment and a rating below. And don’t forget to share this recipe with any friends and family who appreciate a truly magnificent bowl of homemade chili!

Recipe Card

Prep: 15 mins
Cook: 1 hr 50 mins
Serves: 8-10

Ingredients

• 2 tbsp Olive Oil
• 2 medium Onions, finely chopped
• 1 large Red Bell Pepper, chopped
• 4 cloves Garlic, minced
• 1 kg Lean Beef Mince (we recommend 80/20)
• 60g Chili Powder (a good quality, mild blend)
• 2 tbsp Ground Cumin
• 1 tbsp Smoked Paprika
• 1 tsp Dried Oregano
• 1/2 tsp Cayenne Pepper (or to taste)
• 2 tsp Salt
• 1 tsp Black Pepper
• 2 tbsp Tomato Purée
• 800g can Chopped Tomatoes
• 400g can Kidney Beans, rinsed and drained
• 400g can Black Beans, rinsed and drained
• 400ml Beef Stock
• 1 tbsp Brown Sugar (optional, to balance acidity)

Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Sauté the onions and bell pepper until softened (5-7 mins). Add the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
2. Increase heat to medium-high, add the beef mince, and cook until well-browned, breaking it up with a spoon (8-10 mins). Drain any excess fat.
3. Add the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, cayenne, salt, and pepper. Stir constantly for one minute to bloom the spices.
4. Stir in the tomato purée, followed by the chopped tomatoes, rinsed beans, and beef stock. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for at least 1 hour (1.5-2 hours recommended for best results).
5. Uncover and simmer for an extra 15-20 minutes if you prefer a thicker chili. Taste and adjust seasonings, adding the optional brown sugar if needed. Serve hot.