The Only Old-Fashioned Chili Recipe You’ll Ever Need
Perfect this old-fashioned chili recipe with straightforward ingredients and deep flavors for hearty winter dinners, summer cookouts, and lake day meals.
The Only Old-Fashioned Chili Recipe You’ll Ever Need
Rated 5.0 stars by 1 users
Category
Lunch
Cuisine
American
Author:
This recipe comes to us from Casey Bard, founder of Tacticalories Seasoning Co. and longtime collaborator and friend of Montana Knife Company.
Servings
6
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time
1 hour
Calories
320
This old-fashioned chili recipe brings back the straightforward, no-frills approach to a classic American dish.
I’ve spent years perfecting this old-school chili recipe, focusing on building deep flavors without unnecessary complications. It’s hearty enough for a winter dinner but versatile enough for summer cookouts. Load it on hot dogs for the perfect lake day meal!
Ingredients
For this classic old-fashioned chili, grab these items:
- 2 lbs. ground meat (beef, venison, sausage — clean out the freezer)
- 1 onion, diced with a clean, sharp chef’s knife
- 1 jalapeño, finely diced with the same chef’s knife (remove the seeds for less heat)
- 1 bell pepper (any color), chopped into uniform pieces
- 1 can (14.5 oz.) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (14.5 oz.) crushed tomatoes
- 2 cups beef broth
- Half a beer (drink the other half while cooking)
- 3 Tbsp. of your favorite chili seasoning mix
- 2 Tbsp. salt
- 1 Tbsp. tomato paste
- Optional: 1 can (19 oz.) kidney beans, drained
- Optional: 2 Tbsp. hot sauce
- Optional: 2 tsp. liquid smoke
Directions
Whip up this satisfying old-fashioned chili recipe by following these simple steps:
Heat a pot over medium-high heat, preferably cast iron. Add the meat and don’t disturb it for about five minutes. This creates a flavorful sear that’s essential for authentic old-fashioned chili.
Break up the meat with a knife-edge spatula and cook until no pink remains. Remove from pot and drain fat.
Add onion, jalapeño, and bell pepper to the pot. Cook until translucent, about five to seven minutes.
Clear a spot for the tomato paste and cook for three minutes before combining with the vegetables. This step expands the old-fashioned chili recipe’s flavor profile.
Return the meat to the pan and season everything with your chili seasoning mix.
Add remaining ingredients, reduce heat to simmer, and stir occasionally for about an hour. The longer your old-school chili simmers, the better the flavors meld together.
For serving, slice hot dogs lengthwise with a sharp knife, creating a cradle for the chili. Or, serve the old-school chili in bowls topped with cheese, sour cream, oyster crackers, and/or chives.
Recipe Note
Summer Serving Suggestions for Old-Fashioned Chili
Make your old-fashioned chili recipe the star of your summer gatherings with these twists:
- Loaded Chili Dogs: Use a knife to make a shallow cut along the hot dogs, creating a groove for the chili. Top with shredded cheese and diced onions for the ultimate poolside meal.
- Chili Frito Bags: Open individual Frito bags, spoon in chili, and add toppings for a no-dish lake day lunch.
- Chili Burger Topper: Spread on grilled burgers for a flavor explosion that’ll make you the hero of any cookout.
- Drinks: Pair with cold lagers or Mexican beer with lime. For non-alcoholic options, try homemade lemonade or iced tea.
Pro Tips for Perfect Old-School Chili
These techniques will make all the difference in your old-fashioned chili:
- Use a sharp chef’s knife when dicing your vegetables. Uniform pieces cook evenly and create a better texture in your old-fashioned chili.
- Don’t rush the meat-searing step. Those caramelized bits are gold in any old-school chili recipe.
- This old-fashioned chili tastes even better the next day, so consider making it ahead for maximum flavor development.
- For camping trips, prepare this old-fashioned chili recipe at home, then reheat it over the campfire for an easy outdoor meal.
- Freeze individual portions in zipper bags for quick weeknight dinners. Just flatten the bags for faster thawing.
This old-fashioned chili recipe proves that classic cooking techniques still pack a punch.
Whether you’re serving it in bowls on a cold night or loading it onto hot dogs during summer lake days, this versatile old-school chili recipe will become a staple in your cooking rotation.
