BEST Chili Recipe Ever! (classic beef chili)

This is the BEST classic beef chili recipe ever, and is a family favorite, and it has also become an audience favorite. You can make it in an Instant Pot, slow cooker or on the stovetop.

Note: This post contains Amazon affiliate links.

Friends – this is the last chili recipe you will ever need. Pinkie promise. I have gotten SO much positive feedback on this one, and many of you call it the best chili recipe ever. And I am so thankful and humbled by that description, truly.

In fact, this classic beef chili recipe has been on the blog for over five years now. And it took me years of trial and error to develop. So I thought it deserved some new photos and a republish.

I have to admit: The flavor profile is insanely good. And you can make this classic chili recipe in multiple devices, thanks to multiple sets of instructions. The stovetop was how I first started making this classic beef chili.

And over the years, I adapted it for both the slow cooker and the Instant Pot as well.

And I cannot tell you how many people have told me this is the best chili recipe they have ever tried. It did take me years of tweaking. I would estimate I have made it hundreds of times, trying multiple methods and ingredient combinations.

How to make the BEST beef chili recipe

First, gather your ingredients.

Ingredients

Note: you can totally use some stock (beef or vegetable) in place of the red wine, and we do that often.

Making the best chili ever

• shredded cheese
• green onion
• cilan tro
• diced avocado
• guacamole
• tortilla chips
• sour cream
• sliced olives

Cooking method notes & tips

Now! A bit about the other methods for making the best chili recipe ever. When I make it on the stovetop or slow cooker I double this recipe. Because we eat the heck out of some chili. Plus, it freezes really well.

I use a large stock pot on the stovetop, and I have a large slow cooker like this one that can accommodate a double batch.

That brings me to the only down side that I have found by making it in the Instant Pot: You really should not fill the pot above recommended capacity. And for chili that is about half full.

But the benefit of the Instant Pot? It is fast, and there is zero sacrifice on the flavor. Don’t worry, it still makes about six generous servings.

No matter which way you make it, you need this recipe in your dinner rotation because it is a real crowd-pleaser, y’all! It is so good and flavorful. It is truly a family favorite, and I hope y’all enjoy it as much as we have!

Modifications and substitutions

Also, this recipe is very forgiving. The recipe listed below is what is best, in my opinion. I will list some substitutions that I have made over the years.

• I’ve used plain sugar instead of maple syrup
• Used beef stock and/or vegetable stock instead of wine.
• I’ve used two cans of Ro-tele instead of the tomatoes and green chiles.
• Used dry beans that I cooked up first. You can do this in your Instant Pot or pressure cooker! I just weigh out 28 ounces on my food scale, plus between 2/3 cup and 1 cup cooking liquid from the beans.
• I’ve used every color bell pepper, or even the mixed color pre-diced peppers from the grocery store.
• Used frozen diced onions (about a cup). Yes, these are actually a thing! I got mine at Publix in the freezer section.
• Bottled minced garlic – about a Tablespoon.
• Tomato sauce in place of ketchup
• Impossible vegan beef substitute in place of actual beef – so good!

Also be sure and check out ALL my soup recipes here.

Tools used to make this recipe

Note: These are Amazon affiliate links.

• Instant Pot, stock pot (use for a double batch) or slow cooker. For this recipe (not double batch) I have also used my multipurpose pot and my enameled cast iron dutch oven.
• Cutting board
• Chef’s knife
• Measuring cup and measuring spoons

BEST Classic Chili Recipe

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5 from 4 votes

Print

Classic Beef Chili (Instant Pot, Slow Cooker or Stovetop)

This classic beef chili is a family favorite, and you can make it in an Instant Pot, slow cooker or on the stovetop.

Course Main Course, Soup

Cuisine American

Keyword best chili recipe, chili recipe, classic beef chili

Prep Time 12 minutes

Cook Time 1 hour

Total Time 1 hour 12 minutes

Servings 6 servings

Calories 257 kcal

Author Marjorie @APinchOfHealthy

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef 85% lean
• 1 small to medium yellow onion diced
• 1 bell pepper diced, red or green
• 3 cloves medium fresh garlic finely minced
• 1 tablespoons chili powder
• 2/3 tablespoon cumin
• 1 teaspoons ground coriander
• 1/2 tablespoon real maple syrup
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoons hot sauce (I use Trappey's Bull brand)
• 1/3 cup red wine (may substitute beef broth beef stock or even water)
• 2 cans kidney beans undrained, 14.5 ounces
• 1 can diced tomatoes undrained, 14.5 ounces
• 1 can can green chilis undrained, 4 ounces
• 1/4 cup organic ketchup

Instructions

STOVETOP

1. Brown the ground beef over medium heat for a few minutes until crumbly (about 5 minutes).

2. Stir in onion, peppers, garlic, spices, wine/broth, maple syrup, salt and pepper.
3. Continue to cook over medium heat for another 8-10 minutes, until vegetables are tender.
4. Add the kidney beans, tomatoes, green chiles, ketchup and hot sauce, and bring to a boil.
5. Reduce heat and simmer over low heat for 1.5 to 2 hours, partially covered (I just tilt the lid to leave a slight gap), stirring frequently.
6. Serve and enjoy!

INSTANT POT

1. Spray the Instant Pot with a little cooking spray, or drizzle with a little oil.
2. Set to sauté on regular (middle heat setting), and give it a minute to heat up.
3. Add beef, and brown for about 5 minutes, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon.
4. Add onions and peppers, garlic, spices, wine/broth, maple syrup, salt and pepper.
5. Cook for about 8 to 10 minutes.
6. Turn off the heat, and stir in the tomatoes, green chiles, beans, ketchup and hot sauce.
7. I always taste the chili at this point to see if I need to add any additional salt, pepper or spices.
8. Place the lid on, and lock it, with the vent set to "sealing."
9. Use the manual buttons to set it to 12 minutes.
10. Allow the pressure cooked to release naturally. Do not use the quick release lever, but let the pressure indicator sink on its own. Mine took about 23 minutes.
11. After pressure indicator has lowered, switch the lever to venting, and remove the lid.
12. Optional: If you wish to reduce the liquids, you can cook on sauté low for a few more minutes, until some of the liquids evaporate. Stir frequently, if you do this.

SLOW COOKER

1. Brown the ground beef (on the stovetop, or in the IP if you are using the slow cooking setting) over medium heat for a few minutes until crumbly (about 3 to 4 minutes).
2. Stir in onion, peppers, garlic, spices, wine/broth, maple syrup, salt and pepper.
3. Continue to cook over medium heat for another 8-10 minutes, until vegetables are tender.
4. Transfer everything to the slow cooker (or just add the ingredients if you are using the IP on slow cooking setting).
5. Add the kidney beans, tomatoes, green chiles, ketchup and hot sauce.
6. Simmer on low heat for 8 to 10 hours.
7. Serve and enjoy!

Recipe Video

Recipe Notes

Nutrition information is approximate and was calculated using a recipe nutrition label generator.

Nutrition Facts

Classic Beef Chili (Instant Pot, Slow Cooker or Stovetop)

Amount Per Serving

Calories 257 Calories from Fat 135

% Daily Value*

Fat 15g23%

Saturated Fat 5g31%

Cholesterol 53mg18%

Sodium 459mg20%

Potassium 515mg15%

Carbohydrates 12g4%

Fiber 2g8%

Sugar 6g7%

Protein 14g28%

Vitamin A 1180IU24%

Vitamin C 40.8mg49%

Calcium 61mg6%

Iron 3.3mg18%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

Classic beef chili originally appeared on A Pinch of Healthy October 10, 2016. It has been updated with new photos. Here is what it used to look like.