Why Make This Recipe
Old Fashioned Chili is a classic comfort food that brings warmth and satisfaction to any meal. It’s hearty, filling, and packed with flavor, which makes it perfect for family dinners or gatherings with friends. This recipe is not only simple to prepare but also allows for easy customization to suit your tastes. Whether you like it spicy or mild, chili is a dish that everyone can enjoy.
How to Make Old Fashioned Chili
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (28 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil for cooking
Directions
- In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion and minced garlic; sauté until softened.
- Add ground beef, cooking until browned. Drain excess fat.
- Stir in chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper.
- Add diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, kidney beans, and black beans.
- Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat and cook for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Serve hot, and enjoy!

How to Serve Old Fashioned Chili
Old Fashioned Chili is delicious on its own or can be served with a variety of toppings. Consider adding shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped green onions, or jalapeños to enhance the flavor. You can also serve it with cornbread, crackers, or over rice for a more filling meal.
How to Store Old Fashioned Chili
To store your leftover chili, let it cool completely and transfer it to an airtight container. You can keep it in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. If you want to store it for a longer period, consider freezing it. Place the cooled chili in freezer-safe bags or containers, and it can last for up to 3 months in the freezer.
Tips to Make Old Fashioned Chili
- For extra depth of flavor, try adding a bit of Worcestershire sauce or hot sauce.
- Feel free to adjust the spice level by adding more or less chili powder.
- You can add in other vegetables like bell peppers or corn for added texture and nutrition.
- Consider using different types of beans, such as pinto beans or white beans, based on your preference.
Variation
If you want to make a vegetarian version of Old Fashioned Chili, substitute the ground beef with extra vegetables or meat alternatives like tempeh or lentils. You can keep the beans and tomato ingredients the same for a delicious plant-based meal.
FAQs
1. Can I make Old Fashioned Chili in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can make this chili in a slow cooker. Brown the beef and sauté the onions and garlic first, then add everything to the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours.
2. What can I do if my chili is too spicy?
If your chili turns out too spicy, you can add a little sugar or honey to balance the heat. Adding a dollop of sour cream when serving can also help cool it down.
3. Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely! This chili recipe is easy to scale up. Just make sure your pot is large enough to hold all the ingredients while cooking.
Old Fashioned Chili
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Omnivore
Description
A classic comfort food that’s hearty, filling, and packed with flavor, perfect for family dinners or gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (28 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil for cooking
Instructions
- In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion and minced garlic; sauté until softened.
- Add ground beef, cooking until browned. Drain excess fat.
- Stir in chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper.
- Add diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, kidney beans, and black beans.
- Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat and cook for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Serve hot, and enjoy!
Notes
For added flavor, consider using Worcestershire sauce. You can also adjust spice levels and add other vegetables or beans.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg




