Homemade Chili is a rich, hearty, and flavorful dish packed with ground beef, beans, tomatoes, and warm spices. Whether you’re making it for a cozy dinner, game day, or meal prep, this chili is the ultimate comfort food. It’s thick, slightly smoky, and perfect with toppings like cheese, sour cream, and fresh herbs!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich & Hearty – A thick, meaty chili with bold flavors.
- Easy to Make – Simple ingredients with a one-pot cooking method.
- Customizable Heat Level – Adjust spice levels to your preference.
- Perfect for Meal Prep – Tastes even better the next day!
- Great for Gatherings – Ideal for potlucks, game days, and family dinners.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Ground beef (or turkey for a leaner option)
- Onion (chopped)
- Garlic (minced)
- Diced tomatoes (canned, with juice)
- Tomato sauce
- Beef broth (or water)
- Kidney beans (rinsed and drained)
- Black beans (rinsed and drained)
- Chili powder
- Cumin
- Smoked paprika
- Oregano
- Cayenne pepper (optional, for spice)
- Salt & black pepper
- Worcestershire sauce (adds depth)
Directions
- Sauté the Aromatics – In a large pot over medium heat, cook the chopped onion until soft. Add garlic and cook for another minute.
- Brown the Meat – Add ground beef and cook until browned. Drain excess fat.
- Add Tomatoes & Beans – Stir in diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, kidney beans, and black beans.
- Season the Chili – Mix in chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, pepper, and Worcestershire sauce.
- Simmer – Pour in beef broth, bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 30-45 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Taste & Adjust – Add more seasoning or spice if needed.
- Serve & Enjoy – Garnish with shredded cheese, sour cream, jalapeños, or fresh cilantro.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 6-8
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
Variations
- Spicy Kick: Add diced jalapeños or extra cayenne pepper.
- Vegetarian Chili: Swap beef for extra beans or lentils.
- White Chicken Chili: Use shredded chicken, white beans, and green chilies.
- Smoky & Sweet: Add a splash of bourbon or a bit of brown sugar.
- Slow Cooker Option: Brown meat first, then cook everything on low for 6-8 hours.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: Freeze for up to 3 months; thaw overnight before reheating.
- Reheating: Warm on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally, or microwave in 1-minute intervals.
FAQs
Can I make chili without beans?
Yes! Just increase the amount of meat or vegetables for texture.
How do I thicken chili?
Let it simmer uncovered or add a bit of masa harina or cornstarch slurry.
Can I make this in an Instant Pot?
Yes! Brown the beef first, then pressure cook on high for 15 minutes.
What’s the best meat for chili?
Ground beef (80/20) is great, but ground turkey, chicken, or sausage work too.
How do I make chili less spicy?
Reduce or omit cayenne and use mild chili powder.
Can I add cocoa powder?
Yes! A teaspoon of cocoa powder deepens the flavor without making it sweet.
What can I serve with chili?
Cornbread, tortilla chips, baked potatoes, or rice complement it well.
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
Yes, but you may need to cook longer to break them down.
How do I add extra umami flavor?
A splash of Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, or even coffee enhances the depth.
Can I cook this in advance?
Yes! Chili tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld.
Conclusion
Homemade Chili is a comforting, hearty meal that’s easy to customize and packed with bold flavors. Whether you like it mild or spicy, meaty or vegetarian, this chili is a guaranteed hit. Make a big batch today and enjoy a warm, satisfying bowl of goodness!
Print
Homemade Chili
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish, Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American, Tex-Mex
Description
This homemade chili is thick, hearty, and packed with bold flavors from ground beef, beans, tomatoes, and smoky spices. It’s a perfect comfort food for chilly nights, game days, or meal prep—simple to make, yet incredibly satisfying! 🌶️🍲🔥
Ingredients
For the Chili:
- 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey for a leaner option)
- 1 tbsp olive oil (if using lean meat)
- 1/2 cup onion (diced)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 (15 oz) can diced tomatoes
- 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
- 1 (15 oz) can kidney beans (drained & rinsed)
- 1 (15 oz) can black beans or pinto beans (drained & rinsed)
- 1 cup beef broth or water (for desired consistency)
- 2 tbsp tomato paste (for richness)
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce (adds depth of flavor)
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar or lime juice (for a touch of acidity)
For the Spice Blend:
- 1 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp oregano
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
For Topping (Optional):
- Shredded cheddar cheese
- Sour cream or Greek yogurt
- Diced avocado
- Fresh cilantro or green onions
- Crushed tortilla chips or cornbread
Instructions
Step 1: Brown the Beef
- Heat a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
- Add ground beef (and olive oil if needed) and cook until browned. Drain excess grease if necessary.
- Stir in onions and garlic, cooking for 2-3 minutes until fragrant.
Step 2: Add Tomatoes, Beans & Liquid
- Stir in diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, drained beans, beef broth, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, and vinegar/lime juice.
Step 3: Add Spices & Simmer
- Sprinkle in chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, black pepper, salt, and cayenne.
- Stir well and bring to a gentle simmer. Cover and let cook for 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Step 4: Adjust & Serve
- Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. If too thick, add more broth. If too thin, simmer uncovered for a few minutes.
- Ladle into bowls and top with cheese, sour cream, avocado, or your favorite toppings!
Notes
- Make It Spicier: Add extra cayenne, diced jalapeños, or hot sauce.
- Slow Cooker Version: Brown beef first, then add all ingredients to a slow cooker and cook on LOW for 6-8 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours.
- Make It Vegetarian: Swap meat for extra beans or lentils and use vegetable broth.
- Storage: Refrigerate for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.