Homemade Chili

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Homemade Chili is a hearty, comforting dish loaded with ground beef, beans, tomatoes, and bold spices. It’s a go-to meal for chilly nights, game days, or anytime you want something filling and flavorful. Easy to customize with your favorite toppings or spice level, this chili is perfect for feeding a crowd or making ahead for busy weeknights.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

ground beefoniongarlickidney beansblack beansdiced tomatoestomato pastetomato saucebeef brothchili powdercuminpaprikaoregano cayenne peppersaltblack pepperolive oil

directions

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.

Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute, stirring frequently.

Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon.

Drain any excess fat if needed.

Stir in tomato paste, chili powder, cumin, paprika, oregano, cayenne, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes to toast the spices.

Pour in diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and beef broth. Stir to combine.

Add drained kidney beans and black beans, then bring the mixture to a simmer.

Reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 30-45 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened and flavorful.

Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

Serve hot with your favorite toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped green onions, or tortilla chips.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields approximately 6-8 servings.Preparation time: 10 minutesCooking time: 45 minutesTotal time: 55 minutes

Variations

Use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.

Add corn or bell peppers for extra texture and flavor.

Make it vegetarian by skipping the meat and adding more beans or lentils.

Turn up the heat with chopped jalapeños or extra cayenne pepper.

Add a splash of beer or coffee for a deeper flavor profile.

storage/reheating

Store Homemade Chili in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.It also freezes well for up to 3 months.To reheat, warm in a pot over medium heat or microwave individual portions until hot.

FAQs

Can I make chili in a slow cooker?

Yes, brown the meat and aromatics first, then transfer everything to the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours.

Can I make this chili ahead of time?

Absolutely, chili tastes even better the next day after the flavors have melded.

What beans work best?

Kidney beans and black beans are classic, but you can also use pinto or cannellini beans.

Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?

Yes, just be sure to peel and dice them, and simmer longer to break them down.

How can I thicken my chili?

Let it simmer uncovered or add a spoonful of masa harina or cornmeal.

Is this chili spicy?

It has a mild to medium heat, but you can adjust the spice level to your liking.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, just make sure your pot is large enough and adjust simmering time slightly.

What toppings go best with chili?

Sour cream, shredded cheese, chopped onions, jalapeños, avocado, and tortilla chips are all great options.

Can I use canned chili beans?

Yes, but check the seasoning to avoid over-salting the dish.

How do I make it less spicy?

Reduce or omit the cayenne pepper and skip spicy toppings.

Conclusion

Homemade Chili is a warm, satisfying dish that’s packed with flavor and easy to personalize. Whether you’re cooking for family dinner or prepping for a tailgate, this recipe is a reliable, delicious classic that everyone will love.

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