Old School Chili with Ground Beef No Pasta A Hearty Classic Recipe

Posted by My Name is Alice on



When it comes to comfort food, few dishes hit the spot quite like a steaming bowl of old-school chili. This recipe takes you back to basics, focusing on ground beef, beans, tomatoes, and a perfect blend of spices. There’s no pasta, no unnecessary fillers—just rich, hearty chili that warms you from the inside out. Whether you’re cooking it low and slow in a crock pot or whipping it up on the stovetop, this chili is a crowd-pleaser that never disappoints.

Let’s dive in!

Ingredients and Their Roles

  • 3 TBSP Olive Oil: Adds richness and helps sauté the vegetables to release their natural flavors.
  • 1 Medium Onion (Chopped): Provides a subtle sweetness and depth to the chili.
  • 1 Bell Pepper (Chopped): Adds a touch of color and mild, earthy flavor.
  • 1 lb. Ground Chuck (Browned & Drained): The star of the dish—ground chuck is tender, flavorful, and perfect for chili.
  • 2 Cloves Garlic (Pressed): A punch of aromatic flavor that complements the beef and tomatoes.
  • 2 (14.5 oz.) Cans Diced Tomatoes: The base of the chili—these add juiciness and a slightly tangy flavor.
  • 1 (16 oz.) Can Black Beans (Drained & Rinsed): Provides texture, protein, and a slightly sweet, earthy note.
  • 2 (16 oz.) Cans Kidney Beans (Drained & Rinsed): A chili classic—kidney beans add heartiness and a satisfying bite.
  • 1 (8 oz.) Can Tomato Sauce: Thickens the chili and adds a velvety, tomato-rich texture.
  • 1 TSP Freeze-Dried Basil: Adds a hint of herbaceous flavor to balance the spices.
  • 1/2 TSP Black Pepper & 1 TSP Salt: Enhances and balances all the flavors.
  • 3 TBSP Chili Powder: The key to chili! It brings warmth, depth, and the signature chili flavor.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Sauté the Vegetables

  • Heat 3 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
  • Add the chopped onion and bell pepper. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are soft and translucent.
    Why this matters: Sautéing the veggies allows them to caramelize slightly, enhancing their natural sweetness and creating a flavor-packed base for the chili.

2. Brown the Ground Chuck

  • Push the cooked vegetables to one side of the skillet and add the ground chuck.
  • Cook the beef for 8-10 minutes, breaking it up as it browns.
  • Once the beef is fully cooked (no pink remains), drain off any excess grease to prevent the chili from being too oily.

3. Combine Ingredients in the Crock Pot

  • Transfer the browned ground beef and sautéed vegetables to your crock pot.
  • Add the following ingredients:
    • Diced tomatoes
    • Black beans
    • Kidney beans
    • Tomato sauce
    • Garlic
    • Basil
    • Chili powder
    • Salt and black pepper
  • Stir thoroughly to combine all the ingredients.

4. Cook the Chili

  • Place the lid on the crock pot.
  • Cook on LOW for 6 hours or HIGH for 4 hours.
    The longer the chili cooks, the deeper and more complex the flavors will become.
  • Before serving, give the chili a final stir and taste. Adjust the seasoning if necessary.

Stovetop Method (Optional)

If you’re short on time, you can make this chili on the stovetop:

  1. Follow steps 1 and 2 using a large pot instead of a skillet.
  2. Add the remaining ingredients directly to the pot. Stir well.
  3. Bring the chili to a gentle boil over medium-high heat.
  4. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for 45 minutes to 1 hour, stirring occasionally.

Pro Tips for Perfect Chili

  1. Let It Rest: After cooking, let the chili sit for 15-20 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld even further.
  2. Thicker Chili: If you prefer a thicker consistency, let the chili cook uncovered for the last 30 minutes or mash some of the beans with a spoon.
  3. Flavor Boost: Add a dash of cumin, smoked paprika, or a pinch of cayenne pepper for an extra layer of flavor.
  4. Make Ahead: Chili tastes even better the next day. Prepare it in advance and reheat for the ultimate flavor-packed meal.

Serving Suggestions

Pair this hearty chili with:

  • Warm cornbread or crusty garlic bread for dipping.
  • A dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of shredded cheddar cheese for added creaminess.
  • Chopped green onions or fresh cilantro for a burst of color and freshness.
  • Serve alongside a simple green salad to balance the richness of the chili.

Why This Old School Chili Recipe Is Loved

This recipe stands out because it’s:

  • Simple and Authentic: No frills, no pasta—just classic chili ingredients that shine.
  • Rich and Flavorful: Slow cooking allows the ingredients to meld into a hearty, satisfying dish.
  • Versatile: Perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or game day feasts.

Conclusion

This old-school chili with ground beef is a timeless recipe that delivers bold, comforting flavors with minimal effort. Whether you let it simmer in a crock pot or whip it up on the stovetop, this hearty chili is guaranteed to become a family favorite. Serve it with your favorite sides, and enjoy a bowl of pure comfort!

Don’t lose this recipe—bookmark it now and keep it handy for those cozy, chili-craving days. Simple. Hearty. Delicious.