If there’s one dish that never fails to bring the family together, it’s a big pot of Homemade Chili Recipe. Hearty, robust, and brimming with savory flavors, this classic comfort food isn’t just easy to make—it’s endlessly customizable! Loaded with tender beef, two kinds of beans, vibrant veggies, and a cozy blend of fragrant spices, this is the kind of recipe you’ll bookmark forever. Whether you’re hosting a game day or craving a soul-warming weeknight dinner, homemade chili has a way of stealing the show (and warming the heart) every single time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is half the magic. Each addition plays an essential part in building layers of taste, texture, and color—making this Homemade Chili Recipe not just delicious, but unforgettable.
- Olive oil: A healthy fat that gets the vegetables soft and fragrant right from the start.
- Yellow onion: Diced for subtle sweetness and rich, savory undertones.
- Green bell pepper: Adds color, crunch, and a crisp freshness.
- Garlic: Minced for a sharp, aromatic punch that makes everything pop.
- Ground beef: Provides hearty, classic chili richness and depth; choose lean for less grease.
- Chili powder: The soul of chili—bold, smoky, and warm.
- Ground cumin: Gives that earthy, nutty base that ties all the flavors together.
- Smoked paprika: A subtle smokiness that elevates every bite.
- Dried oregano: Adds an herby note that brightens and balances the dish.
- Salt: Essential for bringing all those nuanced flavors to life.
- Black pepper: A little heat and sharpness for balance.
- Cayenne pepper (optional): A dash kicks up the spice level for those who love a fiery punch.
- Diced tomatoes: Canned and juicy to lend body and sweet acidity.
- Tomato sauce: Smooths out the base and adds rich tomato flavor.
- Kidney beans: Drained and rinsed for hearty texture and classic chili goodness.
- Black beans: Offer creamy, mild flavor and beautiful color contrast.
- Beef broth or water: For depth and a silken stew-like consistency.
How to Make Homemade Chili Recipe
Step 1: Start with the Aromatics
Warm up your pot by heating the olive oil over medium. Toss in the diced onion and bell pepper, letting them soften and turn fragrant—this should take about five minutes. The goal is to coax out their sweetness, building a savory foundation before anything else goes in. Once they’re happily sizzling, sprinkle in your minced garlic. Just a minute here; you want the garlic to perfume the pot, not burn.
Step 2: Brown the Beef
Add the ground beef and use a spatula to break it apart as it cooks. This step is all about building those meaty, flavorful bits at the bottom—don’t rush it! When the beef is fully browned, carefully drain off any excess grease if needed to keep your chili rich but not oily.
Step 3: Toast the Spices
Now comes the fun—the signature flavor moment of any Homemade Chili Recipe. Stir in the chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, black pepper, and a dash of cayenne if you want extra heat. Letting the spices sizzle for a minute or two blooms their flavors and fills your kitchen with that cozy, chili-forward scent you know and love.
Step 4: Tomato Time
Pour in the diced tomatoes and tomato sauce to start building your chili’s saucy, robust body. The juices meld into the beef and spices, turning everything bright and beautifully red.
Step 5: Beans and Broth Bring It All Together
Add the drained kidney beans, black beans, and your choice of beef broth or water. Give everything a good stir, then bring it up to a gentle simmer. This is where all those flavors come together for a magical melding.
Step 6: Simmer for Depth
Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let the chili simmer away for 30 to 45 minutes, stirring now and then. If you like a thicker chili, take the lid off for the last 10 or 15 minutes and let it reduce to your ideal consistency. Give it a taste and adjust the seasoning as needed—it’s your chili, after all!
How to Serve Homemade Chili Recipe
Garnishes
Once you’ve ladled out a steaming bowl, it’s time for toppings! Try shredded cheddar cheese that melts into every bite, a dollop of tangy sour cream for contrast, bright green onions for crunch, or even crunchy tortilla strips. Avocado slices, fresh cilantro, or a squeeze of lime can also take your Homemade Chili Recipe to new heights.
Side Dishes
Chili is incredibly versatile and plays well with so many sides. Classic cornbread’s buttery sweetness is always welcome, but fluffy white rice, warm flour tortillas, or tortilla chips for scooping are all fantastic, too. For lighter fare, serve a crisp green salad alongside to balance the richness.
Creative Ways to Present
For game day, set up a chili bar with plenty of bowls and all the toppings so everyone can build their perfect bowl. Spoon chili over baked potatoes for a filling twist, stuff it into bread bowls, or use leftovers atop nachos—there’s truly no wrong way to serve this Homemade Chili Recipe.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover chili is kitchen gold! Allow it to cool completely before transferring to airtight containers. Stored in the refrigerator, your Homemade Chili Recipe will stay delicious for up to four days. The flavors even deepen overnight, making leftovers taste richer and bolder.
Freezing
Chili freezes beautifully. Ladle cooled chili into freezer-safe bags or containers, leaving a little space at the top for expansion. It’ll keep its hearty texture for up to three months—just don’t forget to label the date! This makes it perfect for meal prepping or emergency comfort food cravings.
Reheating
To reheat, pop your chili on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until it’s hot and bubbly. If it’s gotten a little thicker in the fridge or freezer, add a splash of water or broth to loosen it up. Microwave reheating works, too; just do it in bursts, stirring in between for even warmth.
FAQs
Can I make this chili vegetarian?
Absolutely! Swap out the ground beef for an extra can or two of beans, use vegetable broth, and feel free to toss in veggies like corn or diced zucchini. The result will still be hearty, flavorful, and deeply satisfying.
Is this Homemade Chili Recipe spicy?
With just a hint of cayenne pepper, the base version has a family-friendly warmth. For more fire, increase the cayenne, add chopped jalapeños, or even top with hot sauce to fit your taste.
Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?
Definitely! Ground turkey or chicken make lighter, yet equally tasty alternatives. Just be sure to season well and watch for moisture; sometimes leaner meats need a little extra oil to stay juicy.
What makes chili taste better the next day?
Letting chili rest allows the spices to meld and all the ingredients to infuse together, resulting in a deeper, more unified flavor. Many say Homemade Chili Recipe is at its finest after a night in the fridge!
Do I need to drain and rinse the beans?
Yes, draining and rinsing your kidney and black beans helps reduce excess salt and ensures your chili doesn’t end up too thick or starchy. Plus, it results in a cleaner, brighter taste overall!
Final Thoughts
Nothing brings comfort or a crowd together quite like a simmering pot of Homemade Chili Recipe. Simple to make and always crowd-pleasing, this is one of those beloved dishes you’ll come back to again and again—so grab your favorite toppings and give this hearty bowlful a try. You just might find it becomes your new staple!
Print
Homemade Chili Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Homemade Chili recipe is a hearty and flavorful dish that is perfect for a cozy night in. Packed with ground beef, beans, and spices, this stovetop chili is easy to make and incredibly satisfying. Top it with your favorite garnishes like cheese and sour cream for a comforting meal.
Ingredients
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 large yellow onion (diced)
- 1 green bell pepper (diced)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 pound ground beef
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- 1 (15-ounce) can diced tomatoes
- 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
- 1 (15-ounce) can kidney beans (drained and rinsed)
- 1 (15-ounce) can black beans (drained and rinsed)
- 1 cup beef broth or water
Instructions
- Heat the Olive Oil: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Cook Vegetables: Add diced onion and bell pepper, cook until softened. Stir in garlic.
- Cook Ground Beef: Add ground beef, cook until browned. Drain excess grease if needed.
- Add Spices: Stir in chili powder, cumin, paprika, oregano, salt, black pepper, and cayenne if using. Cook to toast the spices.
- Combine Ingredients: Add tomatoes, tomato sauce, beans, and broth. Bring to a simmer.
- Simmer: Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 30–45 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste and adjust seasoning. Serve hot with toppings.
Notes
Notes:
- For a thicker chili, simmer uncovered for the last 10–15 minutes.
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for beef.
- Add corn or chopped jalapeños for variation.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 375
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 9g
- Protein: 26g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
