Hearty, filling, and perfect for chilly weather, the best classic chili recipe is the answer you need for dinner tonight. My kids love this, especially in the winter on a rainy day. This family favorite classic chili recipe provides a rich, beef and bean-filled meal that will keep bellies warm while having plenty for leftovers too!

Best Chili Recipe

For the best chili recipe ever, you want something that takes easy-to-find ingredients and puts it all together in one pot. The recipe calls for stove top cooking though you could easily prep this and throw it in your slow cooker or instant pot to come home to after a long day. All you’ll need are some sides and you’ll be golden!

Easy Chili Recipe

Chili is not difficult to make. It only tastes complex. Once you make this easy chili recipe, your family will ask for it all the time. It really couldn’t be easier. Just 30 minutes of prep time and the heat will take care of the rest. The best thing about a simple chili recipe is that once you add in all the chili ingredients it is simply time that allows the flavors to combined and develop, not skill.

Chili Ingredients

• Ground beef – use lean and you won’t have as much fat to contend with (though it tastes better if it’s a little fatty like 80/20). A beef chili recipe is the traditional way to make chili.
• Beans – I use both black beans and red kidney beans from the can in my recipe (make sure you drain them!).
• Peppers – serrano peppers and sweet peppers add complexity to the flavors without making the recipe itself complex. If you prefer a spicy chili recipe then simply add in some extra peppers.
• Chili powder – a must-use ingredient though you can adjust it to your level of spiciness.

How do You Make Homemade Chili from Scratch

Making homemade chili is quite simple. You’ll first need to cook the onions and garlic. Then you’ll add your beef and cook it through. You’ll finally add the peppers and seasonings, stirring it together to get that beautiful flavor together. There is nothing like a real homemade chili recipe to warm you up on a cold day.

After that, you can choose to drain away fat or leave it in for a fuller flavor before adding in the rest of the ingredients and letting it simmer until you can’t stand salivating over the aroma any longer!

Expert Tips and Tricks for the Perfect Chili

• Spices are key – Spices are really the key element in the taste of chili. It’s what takes it from being a drive-thru offering that you eat only because you’re hungry and blue ribbon winner at the state fair. You can use chili powder ready to go or make up your own chili spice blend as you get even better at making it. This will help you cultivate your own flavor.
• Time is on your side – The longer it cooks, the better it will be due to the flavors coming together. That’s why your chili may taste even more delicious tomorrow. Make a big batch and you can enjoy it any time. I’ve got tips for freezing it below.

You’re Gonna Need A Bigger Bowl.
Megan

What ingredient makes the best chili?

When it comes to the best chili, chili powder is essential for delivering that signature heat. You can adjust it to your spice preference to keep it mild or make it extra hot as you see fit.

What gives chili the best flavor?

Along with chili powder, other notable ingredients including ground cumin, serrano peppers, sweet peppers, and fresh crushed garlic give chili the best flavor.

How do you make chili more flavorful?

The secret is using fresh ingredients and herbs whenever possible. Garlic, onions, and both spicy and sweet peppers lend great contrast and work with the pantry ingredients to take them to that blue ribbon-winning level.

What makes a good chili?

For good chili, you must have a combination of contrasting flavors. You need a little sweet, bitter, spicy, fresh, and meaty tastes all in one. The beans should be just tender enough without becoming mush so that the textures are preserved to make the whole experience even more delicious.

What’s the secret ingredient for chili?

In this recipe, the secret ingredient for chili is using two types of peppers. With both serrano and sweet peppers, you get spicy, bitter, and sweet knocked out and a whole complex array of flavors.

Can you put raw ground beef in chili?

Yes, you can put the ground beef in raw. This is ideal for setting in your slow cooker if you’re in a hurry before going to work. However, while it does keep an additional pot out of your sink, when you brown the meat first, it adds a different complexity to your chili’s flavor that you might not want to miss out on.

Do you have to brown meat before making chili?

You do not have to brown the meat first before making chili, although it does make the chili taste richer and more savory!

When should you add beans to chili?

You should add the beans to the chili after you’ve browned the meat. You’ll toss them in along with the peppers and then quickly add the rest of the ingredients before letting them simmer together in delicious bliss.

How Long to Cook Chili

Chili only takes about 30 minutes to get ready. The rest of it is cooking, for about 30 minutes, and then a little simmer time for about another 30 minutes. But if you don’t want to hover over the stove top or have places to go and things to see,  you can always do all the preliminary prep work on the stove and then put it all together in the slow cooker.

How to Thicken Chili

On the stove top, it’s very easy to get your chili to thicken up. Take off the cover and voila! Your chili should thicken on its own as it simmers. If that doesn’t do the trick, simply make a little slurry out of cornstarch and water. Stir it well before stirring it into your pot of chili and it will thicken up quickly (and no, that won’t change the taste!).

Chili Toppings

One thing I looooooove about chili are the countless ways you can top it:

• Sour cream (need I say more?)
• Shredded cheddar cheese (cheese is really a classic)
• Chopped cilantro (trust me, try it)
• Chopped green onions (adds a fresh and zesty crunch)

What to Serve with Chili

Chili is an interesting meal because it’s basically a big bowl of soup or stew. But it fills you up! Still, you could do with a few other things on the table. Homemade cornbread is always a classic though adding jalapeno to that cornbread really kicks things off. Baked potatoes, broccoli salad, grilled corn, or even nachos with tortilla chips can be a great way to have your own chili cookoff for dinner every night.

Can you make chili in a crockpot?

Yes, and a crockpot chili recipe is easy too. Just start with the stove-top steps and then instead of simmering it there, combine all the cooked and uncooked ingredients into your crockpot or slow cooker. A slow cooker chili recipe will not be that different at all.

Is Chili healthy?

You can make chili healthier by draining the fat from the beef or using lean meat. You can also keep it vegetarian if you prefer by adding more tomato sauce, tomato paste, and veggies to make the perfect vegetarian chili. Some recipes even call for beef broth as an enhancement. The spices and peppers used in chili also have health benefits that are great for immunity during the colder weather months.

Can You Freeze Chili?

Confession…I usually have chili frozen in my freezer at any given time. It’s perfect for a busy night or to take to the office for a money-saving lunch that fills you up. Freeze it in freezer bags to portion it out easier. Ideally, let it have some time to defrost in the fridge overnight first.

How to Reheat Chili

Chili can easily be reheated on the stove top or in the microwave. All you need to do is figure out how much you’ll be serving and take it from there!

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The Best Traditional Chili Recipe

5 from 1 vote

Prep Time 30 minutes

Cook Time 30 minutes

Simmer Time 25 minutes

Total Time 1 hour 25 minutes

Servings 6 people

Calories 403

By far the BEST traditional chili recipe that reminds you of home. This is a family favorite that warms your soul and makes exceptional leftovers that are quick and easy!

Equipment

• Large pot
• Rubber spatula

Ingredients

• 3 tbsp olive oil (with optional red chili pepper flakes)
• 5 garlic cloves (crushed)
• 1 1/2 cups red onion (chopped)
• 1 lb ground beef
• 2 tbsp cumin
• 1 1/2 tbsp red chili powder (adjust for spice preference)
• 1 tsp pepper
• 2 tsp salt
• 2 tbsp sugar
• 29oz can of diced tomatoes
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 15oz can of black beans (drained)
• 32oz can of kidney beans (drained)
• 3 serrano peppers (chopped)
• 1 1/2 cups sweet peppers
• 29oz can of tomato sauce
• 1 small tub sour cream (for topping)
• 1 small bag shredded cheese (for topping)
• 1 bunch cilantro (chopped) (for topping)

Instructions 

• In a large pot, over medium heat the olive oil and minced garlic for about 2 minutes. Once heated, add onions and stir until they caramelize and become semi-translucent which takes about 5 minutes.
• Add the ground beef into the mixture and mix well until cooked through.
• Add in the serrano peppers, black beans, kidney beans, cumin, red chili powder, and garlic powder. Once mixed, add in the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low heat to medium low cover and simmer for 25-35 minutes.
• Serve by topping with scoop of sour cream, shredded cheese, and chopped cilantro.

Calories: 403kcal

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Calories: 403kcal | Carbohydrates: 17g | Protein: 16g | Fat: 31g | Saturated Fat: 11g | Cholesterol: 73mg | Sodium: 1067mg | Potassium: 582mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 9g | Vitamin A: 2158IU | Vitamin C: 57mg | Calcium: 99mg | Iron: 4mg

More chili recipes:

• Seafood chili
• Venison chili recipe
• Chili Con Carne
• German Chili

The Best Classic Meatloaf Recipe is a perfect blend of fresh ingredients that comes out juicy and packed with flavor in every bite. Every family needs a go-to homemade meatloaf recipe that carries on the tradition of this classic. My family loves this one and it makes great leftovers that are quick and easy when picking my kids up from soccer practice. This tasty meatloaf recipe is a true family favorite that has everyone coming back for seconds!

Best Meatloaf Recipe

What makes the best meatloaf recipe? It’s meatloaf that is full of flavor yet has a nice, juicy texture inside. That’s the key. And with this easy meatloaf recipe, you’ll have the best of both worlds with unbeatable flavor that isn’t dry when you slice into it. Plus, the meatloaf sauce on top is tangy and sweet, something the kids will definitely get into!

Easy Meatloaf Recipe

While the list of ingredients might seem long, this is one easy meatloaf recipe with few ingredients. You likely have everything you need in your cabinets. Only 30 minutes of your time, and you’ll soon be rewarded with a delicious dinner that virtually takes care of itself.

Meatloaf Ingredients

• Lean ground beef – choose 80/20 for best results.
• Bread crumbs – these help bind your meat mixture together while adding more flavor.
• Herbs and seasonings – meatloaf seasoning is what give you a spectacular taste that make your meatloaf the best.
• Sauce – the finishing touch is in the sauce that pulls all the flavors together.

Pro tip: If you have Italian style breadcrumbs, you can use those and omit the added Italian seasoning.

How do You Make Meatloaf from Scratch

If you’ve never made great meatloaf before because you’re worried it will be too dry or it won’t taste good, I’m here to change all that for you. There are a few key elements to remember when following this simple meatloaf recipe:

• In a large bowl, only mix until everything is combined or else it will be too dense
• Lean beef is the best choice for meat
• Let it rest after it comes out of the oven before you serve it so it stays juicy

Why do you put milk in meatloaf?

Milk is essential for the best meatloaf ever because it adds moisture to your breadcrumbs. You don’t want your meatloaf to be dry and crumbly. For dairy-free, you can use a non-dairy milk substitute.

What is the best filler for meatloaf?

Breadcrumbs by far reign supreme for filling meatloaf. However, don’t forget to add milk in to keep it moist and delicious!

Should you cook onions before putting in meatloaf?

While some recipes will have you cook the onions first, this recipe simplifies things and has you add it in the first step. With all the moistening ingredients, it will cook the onions perfectly and render them a lovely texture at the finish.

Expert Tips and Tricks for the Perfect Meatloaf

• Don’t skip wet ingredients – these add moisture in so your meatloaf has flavor and juicy texture to go with it. If you want an extra boost of flavor, add in a few dashes of Worcestershire sauce to kick it up a notch.
• Take a taste – if you’re not sure how the flavor is, take a small amount and fry it up to taste it to see if it’s got all the flavors you desire
• Give it room – use a meatloaf pan that’s slightly larger so the meatloaf has breathing room to allow for caramelized edges
• Prep early – you an even prepare the meatloaf mix ahead of time and simply cover the loaf pan with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and put it in the refrigerator. Simply let it warm up to room temperature while you’re preheating the over and pop it in.
• Temperature perfection – If you have a meat thermometer, the internal temperature of meatloaf should reach around 160° F. Instant-read thermometers are a great option if you have one.
• Let it rest – when you take the juicy meatloaf out of the oven let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing it. Letting it rest will help it hold its shape together.

How Long to Cook Meatloaf

With this traditional meatloaf recipe, you’ll only need to take a hands-on approach for 30 minutes. After that, the oven does the rest! Plan on an hour and a half until your baked meatloaf is ready, plenty of time for you to put your feet up for a bit before getting your side dishes done.

How do you keep meatloaf moist?

The secret to moist meatloaf is using moist ingredients. While you want the breadcrumbs to bind, the addition of eggs, milk, and ketchup don’t just add flavor but also add that essential moisture.

How can I make my meatloaf better?

Using high-fat meat is best so you don’t get a dry and grainy meatloaf. Additionally, adding eggs, ketchup, and milk will help it retain that tender and juicy texture inside.

How long to bake meatloaf?

Depending on the size of your loaf, cooking times will vary. A standard meatloaf cooking temp is 350°F. At 350°F, 35 to 45 minutes per pound of meatloaf is a fairly accurate rule to follow. The best way to not overcook or undercook your meatloaf is to use a meat thermometer to check the meatloaf internal temperature. The ideal meatloaf internal temp is 160°F.

How long to cook a 1 lb meatloaf?

Using a conventional oven you will need to cook the meatloaf at a minimum of 350°F. For a 1 lb meatloaf you can estimate between 35 to 45 minutes cooking time.

How long to cook a 2 lb meatloaf?

Using a conventional oven you will need to cook the meatloaf at a minimum of 350°F. For a 1 lb meatloaf you can estimate between 1 hour to 1 hour and 20 minutes cooking time.

How long to cook a 3 lb meatloaf?

Using a conventional oven you will need to cook the meatloaf at a minimum of 350°F. For a 1 lb meatloaf you can estimate between 1 hour and a half to 2 hours cooking time.

How long to cook meatloaf at 375°F?

At 375°F a 1 lb meatloaf will take about 25 to 30 minutes for the meatloaf temp to reach 160°F.
A 2 lb meatloaf will take about 40 to 50 minutes for the meatloaf temp to reach 160°F.
A 3 lb meatloaf will take about 1 hour to 1 hour and 15 minutes for the meatloaf temp to reach 160°F.

How long to cook meatloaf at 350°F?

At 350°F a 1 lb meatloaf will take about 35 to 45 minutes for the meatloaf temperature to reach 160°F.
A 2 lb meatloaf will take about 1 hour to 1 hour and 20 minutes for the meatloaf temperature to reach 160°F.
A 3 lb meatloaf will take about 1 hour and a half to 2 hours for the meatloaf temperature to reach 160°F.

Do you bake meatloaf covered or uncovered?

In this recipe, the meatloaf is baked uncovered. With the use of milk in the mixture, it should keep your meatloaf plenty moist and juicy inside.

Meatloaf Sauce

Sweet and tangy and utterly amazing, Southern meatloaf sauce takes kitchen-staple-ketchup and takes it to the next level. With the help of white vinegar and brown sugar, it transforms to a slightly sweet BBQ-sauce-like taste that your whole family will love. Its the perfect meatloaf topping that everyone loves!

Leave me with my leftover meatloaf and my Yesterday Sandwich. I’ll be in love tomorrow, if you come back with the ketchup.
Jarod Kintz

What to Serve with Meatloaf

Naturally, you can’t just serve old fashioned meatloaf on its own! It needs some sides to round out the meal. No Southern meatloaf recipe dish is ever complete without mashed potatoes. That’s the ultimate level of comfort right there! Sautéed broccoli with garlic, creamed spinach, or even roasted garlic potatoes in the slow cooker are all delicious choices that pair very well.

Can I make meatloaf on a baking sheet?

While I use a loaf pan when cooking meatloaf, if you don’t have one, you can use a baking sheet. Line it with foil for easy cleanup and make sure it’s shaped into a loaf before baking!

Why does my meatloaf fall apart?

In order for meatloaf to stay together, it needs to have eggs and breadcrumbs to bind it. Be careful not to overcook it either. Follow this recipe and you’ll have meatloaf success!

How do you keep meatloaf from falling apart?

Meatloaf falls apart when there’s not enough to bind it together. Eggs and breadcrumbs help keep it together and this recipe gives you the right proportions. Meatloaf cook time is important too as if you overcook it, it will fall apart.

Can You Freeze Meatloaf?

Yes, and that’s the best part. You can make a bigger batch and freeze it before cooking. Just shape it into a loaf and wrap it up well. You’ll need to allow it 24 hours of defrost time in the fridge before you cook it.

You can also freeze cooked meatloaf. Once it’s cooled, you can slice it up and wrap it in freezer paper, then chuck into a freezer bag. This is even better for those busy nights when you realize you’ve forgotten to thaw something out. You’ll have a nutritious and delicious meal in no time!

How to Reheat Meatloaf

Ok, look, you can reheat your meatloaf in the microwave, but it’s going to taste funky and be dried out. You can also add it to a skillet, but honestly, the best way is in the oven. Preheat it to 250F and put your meatloaf in a loaf pan or baking dish with just a hint of beef broth, water, or gravy. About 1 tablespoon should do. Cover with foil and then heat it for 20 to 25 minutes when it’s heated through completely.

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The Best Classic Meatloaf Recipe

5 from 2 votes

Prep Time 30 minutes

Cook Time 40 minutes

Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes

Servings 6 people

Calories 575

Traditional meatloaf recipe that always comes out juicy and packed with flavor! The sweet and tangy sauce on top adds the perfect element of flavor in every bite!

Equipment

• Large mixing bowl
• Small mixing bowl
• Meatloaf pan (12 x 6)
• Meat thermometer

Ingredients

• 2 lbs ground beef
• 1/2 cup milk
• 2 eggs
• 1 red onion (medium) ((finely chopped))
• 4 tbsp ketchup
• 4 tbsp parsley ((chopped))
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 3 garlic cloves ((minced))
• 3/4 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp pepper
• 2 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1 tsp paprika

Meatloaf Sauce

• 3/4 cup ketchup
• 1 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1/2 tsp salt ((To taste))
• 1/2 tsp pepper ((To taste))
• 3 tbsp brown sugar
• 2 tsp white vinegar

Instructions 

• Preheat oven to 375 F.
• Spray a loaf plan with nonstick spray and set aside.
• In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, bread crumbs, beaten eggs, onion, ketchup, parsley, milk, Italian seasoning, minced garlic, paprika, salt to taste. Mix until well combined.
• Place meatloaf mixture into prepared loaf pan layering mozzarella cheese in the middle (optional). Bake at 375 F for 40 minutes.
• Start preparing the meatloaf sauce. In a small mixing bowl, mix ketchup, brown sugar, garlic powder, and onion powder. Add salt and pepper to taste (kosher salt is ok to use). Mix until ingredients are well combined. Spread the meatloaf glaze on top when it has 10 minutes left to bake.
• Let the meatloaf rest for 5 minutes. Top with fresh parsley and enjoy!

Calories: 575kcal

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Calories: 575kcal | Carbohydrates: 35g | Protein: 32g | Fat: 33g | Saturated Fat: 13g | Cholesterol: 164mg | Sodium: 1127mg | Potassium: 692mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 18g | Vitamin A: 574IU | Vitamin C: 8mg | Calcium: 123mg | Iron: 5mg

More comfort food meatloaf recipes:

• Iowa meatloaf
• Everyday meatloaf
• Dakota meatloaf
• Cajun style meatloaf