All American Chili Recipe: Classic, Hearty & Easy to Make

Chili is a classic American comfort food that warms the soul and satisfies the appetite. Whether you’re hosting a game day get-together, looking for a hearty family dinner, or craving a bowl of rich, spicy goodness, this All American Chili recipe hits all the right notes.

Packed with tender ground beef, robust beans, and a blend of perfectly balanced spices, this chili is easy to make yet bursting with flavor. It simmers slowly to develop a deep, smoky taste that will have everyone coming back for seconds.

In this post, we’ll walk you through every step to create an authentic All American Chili that’s hearty, flavorful, and crowd-pleasing. From the ingredients you’ll need to tips and variations for customizing the dish, you’ll be all set to make this chili your new go-to recipe!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This All American Chili recipe stands out because it perfectly balances rich meatiness with hearty beans and a bold spice mix. It’s a one-pot meal that’s simple to prepare but delivers layers of complex flavors that develop as it simmers.

It’s also versatile—you can spice it up or tone it down according to your preference.

Whether you’re a chili novice or a seasoned pro, this recipe is forgiving and adaptable. Plus, it’s a fantastic meal prep option since it tastes even better the next day.

Serve it up with your favorite toppings and sides for a true American classic experience.

Ingredients

• 1 lb (450g) ground beef (85% lean for best flavor)
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 green bell pepper, diced
• 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with juice
• 1 can (6 oz) tomato paste
• 1 cup beef broth
• 2 tbsp chili powder
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/2 tsp dried oregano
• 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 2 tbsp olive oil or vegetable oil
• Optional toppings: shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, chopped green onions, jalapeños, fresh cilantro

Equipment

• Large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven
• Wooden spoon or spatula for stirring
• Measuring spoons and cups
• Chef’s knife for chopping vegetables
• Cutting board
• Can opener
• Serving bowls

Instructions

1. Heat the oil: Place your large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat and add 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Once hot, add the chopped onion and diced green bell pepper. Sauté for about 5 minutes until softened.
2. Add garlic and spices: Stir in the minced garlic, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, and cayenne pepper (if using). Cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
3. Brown the beef: Add the ground beef to the pot. Break it up with your spoon and cook until browned and no longer pink, about 6-8 minutes. Season with salt and pepper as it cooks.
4. Incorporate tomato paste and liquids: Stir in the tomato paste, diced tomatoes with their juice, and beef broth. Mix well to combine all ingredients.
5. Add beans: Gently fold in the drained kidney beans and black beans. These add texture, protein, and heartiness to your chili.
6. Simmer: Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover partially with a lid and let simmer for at least 45 minutes, stirring occasionally. This allows flavors to meld beautifully.
7. Adjust seasoning: Taste your chili and adjust salt, pepper, or additional chili powder as needed. If the chili is too thick, add a splash more broth or water to reach desired consistency.
8. Serve: Ladle the chili into bowls and top with your favorite garnishes, like shredded cheese, sour cream, or fresh herbs.

Tips & Variations

“For deeper flavor, prepare your chili a day ahead and refrigerate overnight. Reheat gently before serving to let the spices fully develop.”

• Make it vegetarian: Substitute the ground beef with plant-based crumbles or add extra beans and vegetables like mushrooms or zucchini.
• Spice it up: Add diced jalapeños or chipotle peppers in adobo sauce for a smoky heat boost.
• Smoky flavor: Use smoked paprika and a splash of liquid smoke for that authentic smoky aroma.
• Slow cooker variation: Brown the beef and sauté veggies first, then transfer everything to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours.
• Thickening your chili: To thicken, mash a few beans against the side of the pot or add a tablespoon of masa harina or cornmeal.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

This All American Chili is incredibly versatile when it comes to serving. Here are a few ideas to elevate your meal:

• Serve over fluffy steamed rice or creamy mashed potatoes for a filling meal.
• Top with shredded cheddar, chopped green onions, sour cream, and a squeeze of lime for classic chili toppings.
• Pair with warm cornbread or crusty bread to soak up all the delicious sauce.
• For a lighter option, serve it alongside a crisp green salad such as the Baby Spinach Salad Recipe Vegan: Fresh & Easy Ideas.
• Try it as a topping for baked potatoes or nachos for a fun twist.

Conclusion

Our All American Chili recipe brings together the best of hearty meat, wholesome beans, and aromatic spices to create a dish that’s both comforting and satisfying. It’s an ideal meal for cold days, gatherings, or anytime you crave something deliciously filling.

The slow simmering process allows all the flavors to develop and meld into a perfectly balanced bowl of chili that’s sure to please even the pickiest eaters.

Don’t hesitate to customize it to fit your taste—from adding extra heat to making it vegetarian. If you love this recipe, be sure to check out other delicious options like the Best Vegan Chilli Con Carne Recipe for Flavorful Meals or the hearty Cincinnati Chili Recipe Vegan Style Made Easy and Tasty.

For a lighter side, the Baby Spinach Salad Recipe Vegan: Fresh & Easy Ideas pairs beautifully with this classic chili. Happy cooking and enjoy your flavorful journey into this all-American staple!

{“@context”: “https://schema.org/”, “@type”: “Recipe”, “name”: “All American Chili Recipe”, “image”: [], “author”: {“@type”: “Organization”, “name”: “GluttonLv”}, “description”: “A hearty and flavorful chili packed with ground beef, beans, and spices. Perfect for a cozy meal any time of the year.”, “prepTime”: “PT15M”, “cookTime”: “PT1H”, “totalTime”: “PT1H15M”, “recipeYield”: “6 servings”, “recipeIngredient”: [“1 lb ground beef”, “1 medium onion, diced”, “3 cloves garlic, minced”, “1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed”, “1 (15 oz) can diced tomatoes”, “1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce”, “2 tbsp chili powder”, “1 tsp ground cumin”, “1 tsp paprika”, “1/2 tsp cayenne pepper”, “1/2 tsp salt”, “1/4 tsp black pepper”], “recipeInstructions”: [{“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Brown ground beef in a large pot over medium heat.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Add diced onion and garlic; cook until softened.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Stir in chili powder, cumin, paprika, cayenne, salt, and black pepper.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Add kidney beans, diced tomatoes, and tomato sauce.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 45 minutes.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Stir occasionally and adjust seasoning if needed.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Serve hot with your favorite toppings.”}], “nutrition”: {“calories”: “320 kcal”, “proteinContent”: “25 g”, “fatContent”: “12 g”, “carbohydrateContent”: “28 g”}}