Homemade Chili Recipe

If you crave comfort food that’s big on flavor yet beautifully easy to throw together, this Homemade Chili Recipe is the answer every time. With tender ground beef, two kinds of hearty beans, a medley of savory spices, and a simmered-rich tomato base, it’s truly a crowd-pleaser you’ll turn to all fall and winter long. Whether you serve it topped with melty cheese or dish it out with warm cornbread, this one-pot wonder is the kind of meal that’s destined to become a family favorite. Let’s dive right in!

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Homemade Chili Recipe proves that just a handful of simple, honest ingredients can come together to create something totally irresistible. Each component serves a delicious purpose, contributing to everything from meaty texture and deep color to soul-warming flavor.

• Ground Beef (1 pound): The heart of your chili, giving it richness and that satisfying texture we all love.
• Onion, chopped (1 small): Adds subtle sweetness and depth that rounds out every spoonful.
• Garlic, minced (3 cloves): Infuses the chili with fragrant, irresistible undertones.
• Canned Diced Tomatoes (14.5 oz): These bring juicy bits and create a slightly chunky tomato base.
• Kidney Beans, drained and rinsed (15 oz): Classic in chili for their creamy bite and earthy flavor.
• Black Beans, drained and rinsed (15 oz): They add color and a subtle, almost smoky richness.
• Beef Broth (1 cup): Deepens flavor and helps everything meld together as it simmers.
• Tomato Paste (2 tablespoons): Thickens the chili and brings an extra layer of tomato intensity.
• Chili Powder (1 tablespoon): The flavor backbone—spicy, earthy, and aromatic.
• Ground Cumin (1 teaspoon): Adds nutty warmth and that classic southwestern note.
• Paprika (1 teaspoon): Offers gentle smokiness and a beautiful red hue.
• Dried Oregano (½ teaspoon): Gives a hint of herbal freshness to balance the heat.
• Salt (½ teaspoon): Essential to pull all the flavors together.
• Black Pepper (¼ teaspoon): For a subtle, peppery kick.
• Cayenne Pepper, optional (¼ teaspoon): Use if you crave a little extra fire in your bowl.
• Olive Oil (1 tablespoon): Helps the meat brown perfectly and rounds out the overall mouthfeel.

How to Make Homemade Chili Recipe

Step 1: Brown the Beef

Start by heating your olive oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Crumble in the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a wooden spoon as it sizzles. Let it get deeply golden and caramelized—this is where that irresistible savory flavor starts building!

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

Once the beef’s browned, toss in your chopped onion and minced garlic. Stir everything together and cook for around 5 minutes, letting the onion turn soft and translucent while the garlic fills your kitchen with its amazing aroma.

Step 3: Add Tomatoes, Beans, and Broth

Pour in the canned diced tomatoes (juices and all!), toss in the drained kidney and black beans, and add the beef broth. Give it all a good stir, letting the mixture start to look hearty and promising.

Step 4: Season and Simmer

Spoon in the tomato paste, then sprinkle over all those warming spices: chili powder, cumin, paprika, oregano, salt, black pepper, and cayenne if desired. Stir everything together, then increase the heat just until your chili comes to a gentle boil.

Step 5: Let the Magic Happen

Turn the heat down to a simmer and leave your chili uncovered for 30 to 40 minutes. Stir every so often and watch as it thickens into a rich, savory stew. Taste before serving and adjust seasonings if needed—the beauty of homemade chili recipe is making it completely your own!

How to Serve Homemade Chili Recipe

Garnishes

The finishing touch is all about the garnishes. Pile on shredded cheddar, a scoop of cool sour cream, bright green onions, or even a sprinkle of crushed tortilla chips. Each adds a little something special, making every bowl a mini masterpiece.

Side Dishes

This Homemade Chili Recipe shines next to crusty cornbread, fluffy rice, or a pile of tortilla chips for dipping. If you’re looking to freshen things up, serve your chili with a crisp salad or even a side of roasted veggies.

Creative Ways to Present

For a playful twist, ladle your chili into bread bowls, spoon it over baked potatoes, top nachos, or fill up bell pepper halves. It’s a versatile meal that lets you have fun while feeding a crowd!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let any leftover chili come to room temperature, then store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. The flavors soak in and deepen, making day-two chili possibly even better than fresh!

Freezing

Chili freezes beautifully! Pour cooled chili into freezer-safe bags or containers, lay flat for easy stacking, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, simply warm the chili gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, adding a splash of broth or water if it’s thickened too much. For a quick fix, microwave it in a bowl, stirring every couple minutes to keep it piping hot throughout.

FAQs

Can I make this Homemade Chili Recipe vegetarian?

Absolutely! Skip the beef and double up on the beans, or toss in some diced bell peppers and mushrooms for extra heartiness. Just use vegetable broth instead of beef broth and you’ll have a delicious meat-free version everyone will enjoy.

Is this chili very spicy?

The heat level is totally customizable. As written, it’s fairly mild with just a touch of cayenne for warmth. If you’re spice-averse, skip the cayenne; if you love heat, feel free to add more or toss in chopped jalapeño!

Can I prepare Homemade Chili Recipe in a slow cooker?

Yes! Brown the beef and sauté the onions and garlic in a skillet first, then transfer everything to your slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours—your house will smell amazing all day long.

What type Main Course

While kidney and black beans are classic, you can easily swap in pinto, cannellini, or even chickpeas if you’re feeling adventurous. Mix and match to create your own signature blend!

How can I thicken my chili if it’s too thin?

If your chili hasn’t thickened to your liking, just simmer it a bit longer uncovered, letting some liquid evaporate. In a rush, you can mash a few beans against the side of the pot to add instant body.

Final Thoughts

There’s no cozier way to gather loved ones around the table than with a big pot of this Homemade Chili Recipe. Every bite bursts with flavor, and you really can’t beat how simple and satisfying it is to make. I can’t wait for you to give this chili a try and make it part of your own kitchen tradition!

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