Homemade Chili Recipe

Homemade chili is the ultimate comfort food. It’s a rich, hearty dish that’s packed with savory flavors and a perfect combination of spices. Whether you’re serving it up on a cold winter day or enjoying it at a casual gathering, this chili recipe is sure to please everyone. Ground beef, beans, and a rich blend of spices simmer together to create a dish that’s both comforting and satisfying. Topped with cheese, sour cream, and chips, this chili is the perfect meal for any occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Easy to Make

This homemade chili recipe comes together quickly with just a few simple ingredients, making it the perfect weeknight dinner.

2. Hearty and Filling

Packed with protein from the beef and beans, this chili is a filling meal that will keep you satisfied for hours.

3. Customizable

You can adjust the level of spice and seasoning to suit your tastes, making this recipe as mild or as hot as you like.

4. Perfect for Meal Prep

Chili stores well in the refrigerator and can even be frozen for later, making it a great option for meal prepping.

5. Budget-Friendly

With affordable ingredients like ground beef and beans, this chili is a cost-effective option for feeding a crowd or preparing meals for the week.

Ingredients

• Olive oil
• Large onion, chopped
• Bell pepper (green or red), chopped
• Garlic cloves, minced
• Ground beef
• Tomato paste
• Chili powder
• Ground cumin
• Dried oregano
• Salt
• Cayenne pepper
• Ground black pepper
• Diced tomatoes
• Tomato sauce
• Red kidney beans, rinsed and drained
• Pinto beans, rinsed and drained
• Beef broth

To serve:

• Shredded cheese
• Sour cream
• Tortilla or corn chips
• Sliced green onions

Variations

• Vegetarian Chili: Replace the ground beef with extra beans, like black beans or more kidney beans, for a hearty vegetarian option.
• Add Vegetables: Try adding corn, carrots, or zucchini for extra texture and flavor.
• Spicy Chili: Increase the amount of cayenne pepper, or add jalapeños or fresh chili peppers for a spicier version.
• Slow Cooker Version: Brown the beef and then combine all the ingredients in a slow cooker. Let it cook on low for 6-8 hours for a deeply developed flavor.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1

Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and bell pepper and cook for about 5-7 minutes, until the vegetables are soft and the onion is translucent.

Step 2

Add the minced garlic to the pot and cook for another 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.

Step 3

Add the ground beef to the pot and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through.

Step 4

Stir in the tomato paste, chili powder, ground cumin, dried oregano, salt, cayenne pepper, and black pepper. Cook for 2 minutes to allow the spices to bloom.

Step 5

Add the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, red kidney beans, pinto beans, and beef broth. Stir everything together and bring the mixture to a simmer.

Step 6

Reduce the heat to low and let the chili simmer for 30-45 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the flavors have melded together and the chili has thickened to your liking.

Step 7

Taste the chili and adjust the seasoning as needed. Add more salt, chili powder, or cayenne pepper for additional flavor or heat.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Simmer Longer for Richer Flavor: The longer you let the chili simmer, the richer the flavors will be. If you have time, let it cook for an hour or more.
• Use Fresh Spices: For the best flavor, use fresh chili powder and spices. Old spices lose their potency over time.
• Skim the Fat: If your chili is too greasy, you can skim the fat off the top before serving.
• Make It Ahead: Chili often tastes even better the next day after the flavors have had time to meld together.

How to Serve

• Serve your homemade chili with shredded cheese, sour cream, and sliced green onions for the perfect finish.
• Pair it with tortilla chips or corn chips for added crunch and a bit of extra flavor.
• For a heartier meal, serve your chili over rice or with a side of cornbread.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover chili in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in a pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally.

Freezing

Homemade chili freezes beautifully. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight, freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat on the stove.

Reheating

Reheat chili on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. Add a splash of beef broth if the chili is too thick after freezing.

FAQs

1. Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?

Yes, you can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner version of the chili.

2. Can I make this chili in a slow cooker?

Yes! Brown the beef first, then add all the ingredients to a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours.

3. Can I add other types of beans?

Absolutely! Feel free to add black beans, garbanzo beans, or any other beans you prefer.

4. How do I make the chili spicier?

Increase the amount of cayenne pepper, or add fresh jalapeños or chili peppers for more heat.

5. Can I make this chili vegetarian?

Yes, simply replace the ground beef with extra beans or use plant-based meat alternatives.

6. How can I make the chili thicker?

Let the chili simmer longer to reduce and thicken, or mash some of the beans with a spoon to create a thicker texture.

7. Can I freeze homemade chili?

Yes, chili freezes well. Just let it cool completely before freezing, and store it in an airtight container for up to 3 months.

8. Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?

Yes, you can use fresh tomatoes, but you’ll need to chop them up and possibly cook them down to create a sauce-like consistency.

9. Is this chili spicy?

The chili has a mild heat level, but you can adjust the cayenne pepper and chili powder to make it spicier or milder.

10. Can I use low-sodium broth?

Yes, you can substitute low-sodium beef broth for a healthier version of the recipe.

Conclusion

This homemade chili recipe is a go-to for a hearty, comforting meal. With its rich flavors from ground beef, beans, and spices, it’s a perfect dish for any occasion. Whether you’re feeding a crowd, meal prepping for the week, or simply craving a bowl of warm comfort, this chili will satisfy your hunger and taste buds. Make it your own by adjusting the spice level and toppings, and enjoy a delicious meal that everyone will love.

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