Classic Sunday Chicago Chili Recipe

Name: Classic Sunday Chicago Chili
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1/4 cup olive oil; 1 pound ground veal; 1 pound ground beef (or bison); 1 pound italian sausage meat, sweet or hot, removed from casing; 2 cups diced onions; 7 tablespoons chili powder; 1 tablespoon dark cocoa powder (be sure it is unsweetened!); 6 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tablespoons ground cumin; 1 tablespoon dried thyme leaves; 1 tablespoon dried oregano (Mexican if you can find it); 2 14.5 oz cans crushed tomatoes, San Marzano if possible; 12 ounces beer, whatever you have around; 1/4 cup tomato paste; 3 15 oz cans cannelini beans (or other small white bean, or your preferred bean)

Warm up with this hearty Classic Sunday Chicago Chili recipe. Made with olive oil, ground veal, ground beef and sausage meat. Easy step-by-step instruct…

This Classic Sunday Chicago Chili relies on simple, everyday ingredients such as olive oil, ground veal, ground beef (or bison) and diced onions. It comes together quickly and makes 4 servings, at about 633 kcal each. The step-by-step instructions below are written to be easy to follow, even on a busy day.

It works as a light main on its own or as a starter alongside crusty bread, and it's just as good for a cozy night in as it is for feeding a crowd. Leftovers keep well, so it's a smart choice for meal prep too.

Updated Jun 30, 2026

Serves 4 Soups & Stews

Servings: persons

1/4 cup olive oil
1 pound ground veal
1 pound ground beef (or bison)
1 pound italian sausage meat, sweet or hot, removed from casing
2 cups diced onions
7 tablespoons chili powder
1 tablespoon dark cocoa powder (be sure it is unsweetened!)
6 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons ground cumin
1 tablespoon dried thyme leaves
1 tablespoon dried oregano (Mexican if you can find it)
2 14.5 oz cans crushed tomatoes, San Marzano if possible
12 ounces beer, whatever you have around
1/4 cup tomato paste
3 15 oz cans cannelini beans (or other small white bean, or your preferred bean)

1
["Heat oil in large pot till shimmering, then add onions and cook till translucent.", "Add garlic and meats (sausage meat removed from casing) and cook till lightly browned. I use a potato masher to break the meat up as it cooks.", "Add spices and herbs and tomato paste and cook additional 10 minutes", "Add tomatoes with juice, beer, and cocoa powder and simmer over medium heat for 30 minutes.", "Add beans and cook 10 minutes to heat through.", "For best flavor refrigerate overnight and then reheat slowly over med-low heat on stovetop or in a slow cooker on low.", "You can substitute ground turkey meat and turkey sausage for a lighter version, or Smart Ground meat substitute for vegetarians.", "For parties, I love setting up a Chili Bar. I will make a regular version, and either a turkey or veggie version and lay out the following for people to really customize their perfect bowl!
2
Topping Bar:
3
Tater Tots
4
Tortilla Strips
5
Shredded Cheeses (sharp cheddar, pepper jack, goat cheese)
6
Chopped onions
7
Chopped roasted chilies (jalapenos or Anaheim or pepperdew)
8
Chopped roasted sweet red peppers
9
Guacamole or Chopped Avocado
10
Lime Wedges
11
Cheez-it crackers
12
Fritos
13
Nacho Cheese Sauce (one large brick Velveeta melted with one can Ro-tel diced tomatoes and green chilies with the juice)
14
Black olives
15
green olives
16
Chopped cilantro
17
Chopped parsley
18
Julienned jicama
19
Roasted Corn (cut off the cob)
20
Fresh chopped tomatoes
21
Red Pepper Flakes
22
Different Hot Sauces
23
Corn Bread Croutons (make a not-too-sweet cornbread recipe, let sit overnight, cut into squares, spray with cooking spray and toast in a 400 degree oven for 5-10 minutes until crisp)
24
Sour Cream
25
Jalapeno Oil (blend fresh jalapeno with olive oil and strain)
26
For fun bases:
27
Baked Potatoes (regular and sweet)
28
Fried Tortilla baskets (corn and/or flour)
29
Shredded lettuce for making taco salads
30
Cooked macaroni or spaghetti (toss in olive oil to prevent sticking)
31
Cooked Rice (toss in olive oil to prevent sticking)"]

633

kcal

Calories

Fat

Carbs

Protein

Fat Carbs Protein

* Per serving · 4 servings · Values may vary.

Tips for the best results

Read through all the steps once before you start and measure out your ingredients first — it makes everything go more smoothly.
Taste as you go and adjust the seasoning before serving.
Avoid overcrowding the pan — cook in batches if needed for the best texture.
Let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving so the flavors settle.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and enjoy within a few days.

Variations & substitutions

Feel free to swap in similar ingredients you already have on hand and adjust seasoning to taste.

No specific allergen information. Please check the ingredient list for possible allergens.

My Personal Notes

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Frequently Asked Questions

This recipe makes 4 servings. You can adjust the portion size directly on this page.

You need 15 ingredients. The key ingredients include: 1/4 cup olive oil, 1 pound ground veal, 1 pound ground beef (or bison), 1 pound italian sausage meat, sweet or hot, removed from casing, and more.

Yes, Classic Sunday Chicago Chili falls under the Soups & Stews category and is a great choice for this type of meal.

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. Reheat gently before serving.

Quick Info

Servings
4 servings
Calories
633 kcal
Category
Soups & Stews

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