The Cozy Homemade Chili Recipe That Warms Your Soul

Crafting a mouthwatering homemade chili recipe sparks joy in every kitchen adventurer.

Warm spices and hearty ingredients dance together, creating comfort in a single pot.

Memories of cozy evenings flood back with each savory simmer.

Bold flavors merge seamlessly, telling a story of culinary passion.

Authentic ingredients bring depth and character to this classic dish.

Simple techniques make this recipe accessible for home cooks at any skill level.

Let your taste buds embark on a delicious journey that promises satisfaction with every spoonful.

FAQs

• What type of meat works best for chili?

Ground beef is classic, but ground turkey or ground chicken are leaner alternatives that work great in this recipe.

• Can I make this chili spicier?

Absolutely! Add more cayenne pepper or include diced jalapeños to increase the heat level according to your preference.

• Is this chili recipe good for meal prep?

Yes, chili is perfect for meal prep. It actually tastes better the next day as the flavors continue to develop and blend overnight in the refrigerator.

• How can I make this chili more hearty?

Consider adding diced bell peppers or additional types of beans like pinto beans to make the chili more substantial and filling.

Homemade Chili Highlights

• Savor Hearty Comfort: A robust chili recipe that delivers deep, satisfying flavors perfect for warming up on chilly days, packed with protein-rich ground beef and a blend of spices.
• Master Simple Cooking: Beginners can easily follow this straightforward recipe with basic kitchen skills, requiring just one pot and minimal chopping, making it ideal for home cooks of all levels.
• Customize Your Bowl: Flexible recipe allows endless topping variations like shredded cheese, sour cream, or green onions, letting everyone personalize their chili experience and create a unique meal.
• Quick Family Meal: Delicious one-pot dinner that comes together quickly, feeds multiple people, and satisfies diverse taste preferences with its rich, hearty ingredients and customizable nature.

Ingredients for Homemade Chili

• Ground Beef: A hearty meat that provides rich flavor and substantial texture to the chili.

• Kidney Beans, Black Beans: Protein-packed legumes that add thickness and nutritional value to the dish.

• Onion, Garlic: Foundational ingredients that create a deep, savory base flavor for the chili.
• Chili Powder, Cumin, Paprika, Cayenne Pepper: Spices that deliver warm, complex, and slightly spicy undertones to the recipe.

• Crushed Tomatoes: Provides a tangy, smooth foundation for the chili sauce.
• Beef Broth: Helps create a perfect consistency and enhances the overall meaty flavor.

• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and enhance the chili's taste.

• Shredded Cheese, Sour Cream, Green Onions: Delicious garnishes that add extra flavor and texture to the finished dish.

Stepwise Homemade Chili Instructions

Step 1: Brown the Beef

Grab a large pot and cook ground beef over medium heat until it’s nicely browned. Drain away any extra fat to keep your chili from becoming greasy.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatic Vegetables

• Diced onions
• Minced garlic

Cook these until they become soft and release their delicious fragrance.

Step 3: Spice Up the Mix

• Chili powder
• Cumin
• Paprika
• Cayenne pepper

Stir and cook for about a minute to wake up those incredible flavors.

Step 4: Build the Chili Base

• Kidney beans
• Black beans
• Crushed tomatoes

Mix everything together until well combined.

Step 5: Season and Adjust

Sprinkle in salt and pepper.

If you want a slightly thinner consistency, pour in some beef broth.

Step 6: Simmer to Perfection

Bring the chili to a gentle simmer.

Cover the pot and let it cook for 20-30 minutes, giving an occasional stir to prevent sticking.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Ladle the steaming chili into bowls.

• Shredded cheese
• Sour cream
• Chopped green onions

Get ready to dive into a bowl of pure comfort!

Tips for Homemade Chili Success

• Keep the ground beef lean to reduce excess fat, ensuring a healthier chili without sacrificing flavor.
• Customize heat levels by adjusting cayenne pepper or adding fresh jalapeños for extra kick.
• Let the chili simmer longer for deeper, richer flavors that develop complexity over time.
• Experiment with different bean varieties like pinto or cannellini for unique texture and taste.
• Enhance nutritional value by adding diced bell peppers or grated carrots during cooking.

Variations for Homemade Chili

• Vegetarian Chili: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or diced portobello mushrooms for a meat-free version.
• Turkey Chili Lite: Swap ground beef for lean ground turkey to reduce fat and calories while maintaining rich flavor.
• Slow Cooker Chili: Transfer ingredients to a slow cooker after browning beef, cook on low for 6-8 hours for deeper taste development.
• Spicy Southwest Chili: Add diced green chilies, jalapeños, and increase cayenne pepper for a fiery kick that heat lovers will enjoy.

Serving Suggestions for Homemade Chili

• Cozy Game Night Feast: Serve this hearty chili during board game marathons with friends, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere perfect for shared meals and friendly competition.
• Tailgate Party Champion: Pack the chili in a thermos for outdoor sports events, offering a delicious and filling meal that keeps everyone energized and excited during game day.
• Comfort Bowl Delight: Transform the chili into a complete meal by serving over rice or corn chips, topped with fresh cilantro, diced avocado, and a dollop of tangy sour cream for added texture and flavor.
• Winter Wellness Meal: Pair the chili with warm cornbread or crusty sourdough, creating a nourishing dinner that fights off cold weather blues and provides ultimate comfort on chilly evenings.

Proper Storage for Homemade Chili

• Refrigerate leftover chili in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking to prevent bacterial growth.
• Store chili in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, ensuring it's completely cooled before sealing the container.
• Freeze chili in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags for up to 4-6 months for longer storage.
• Thaw frozen chili overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to maintain its best texture and flavor.

Easy Homemade Chili Recipe

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4.7 from 36 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty homemade chili brings warmth and comfort to dinner tables across North America. Spicy beef, aromatic spices, and rich tomato sauce create a satisfying meal that you’ll savor with friends and family.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat:

• 1 pound (1 lb) ground beef

Beans:

• 1 can (15 ounces) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, drained and rinsed

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 1 onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes

Spices and Seasonings:

• 2 tablespoons chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
• Salt to taste
• Black pepper to taste

Optional Liquid:

• 1 cup beef broth

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Instructions

1. Heat a large pot over medium-high heat and brown the ground beef, breaking it into small crumbles until no pink remains.
2. Drain excess fat from the beef, leaving a thin layer for added flavor.
3. Add diced onions and minced garlic to the pot, sautéing until vegetables become translucent and fragrant, approximately 3-4 minutes.
4. Sprinkle in chili powder, cumin, paprika, and cayenne pepper, stirring continuously to prevent burning and allow spices to release their aromatic oils.
5. Incorporate kidney beans, black beans, and crushed tomatoes into the meat mixture, ensuring even distribution of ingredients.
6. Season the chili with salt and pepper, adjusting to personal taste preferences.
7. Pour beef broth to achieve desired consistency, stirring thoroughly to blend all components.
8. Reduce heat to low, cover the pot, and let the chili simmer for 25-35 minutes, occasionally stirring to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
9. Remove from heat and let stand for 5 minutes to allow flavors to meld together.
10. Ladle into serving bowls and top with shredded cheese, a dollop of sour cream, and chopped green onions for additional texture and freshness.

Notes

• Drain meat thoroughly to prevent a greasy texture and ensure a cleaner, more concentrated chili flavor.
• Customize heat levels by adjusting cayenne pepper or using mild versus hot chili powder for different spice tolerances.
• Consider swapping ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based protein for healthier or vegetarian alternatives without losing rich, robust taste.
• Allow chili to simmer longer for deeper, more developed flavors, with slow cooking helping ingredients meld together more effectively.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 285 kcal
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 370 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 18 g
• Fiber: 6 g
• Protein: 22 g
• Cholesterol: 65 mg