Quick & Hearty: How To Make Homemade Chili Recipe Tonight

Crafting a mouthwatering homemade chili recipe brings comfort and warmth to any evening meal.

Spices dance together, creating a symphony of flavors that make taste buds sing with joy.

Bold ingredients like ground beef, kidney beans, and tomatoes form the heart of this classic dish.

Aromas will drift through your kitchen, promising a hearty and satisfying dinner that everyone craves.

Each ingredient plays a crucial role in building layers of rich, complex flavor.

Comfort comes in a bowl, promising to chase away hunger and bring smiles around the table.

You’ll want to savor every single spoonful of this incredible chili that feels like a warm hug.

How to Make Homemade Chili from Scratch

• Boost Flavor Complexity: Layered spices and slow-simmering technique create deep, rich taste that develops incredible depth beyond basic recipes.
• Customize with Ease: Flexible ingredients allow personal twists like adding different beans, adjusting heat levels, or including extra vegetables for unique family preferences.
• Quick Weeknight Winner: Simple one-pot cooking method means minimal cleanup, fast preparation, and minimal cooking skills required to produce a satisfying meal that feeds multiple people.
• Nutritious Comfort Food: Protein-packed ground beef, kidney beans, and vegetable blend deliver balanced nutrition while providing warm, hearty satisfaction perfect for chilly evenings.

Ingredients for Classic Homemade Chili

• Ground Beef: A hearty protein that forms the rich foundation of the chili.

• Onion, Garlic, Bell Peppers: These ingredients create a flavorful base and add depth to the chili's overall taste.

• Chili Powder, Cumin, Paprika, Oregano, Cayenne Pepper, Salt, Pepper: A complex blend of spices that provides warmth, heat, and traditional chili flavor.
• Bay Leaves, Sugar: These ingredients enhance the overall depth and balance of the chili's taste.

• Crushed Tomatoes, Tomato Paste, Beef Broth, Kidney Beans: These components create the classic chili texture and provide moisture and additional protein.

Stepwise Guide to Making Homemade Chili

Step 1: Sizzle Ground Beef

Heat a large pot over medium flame and cook ground beef until it turns golden brown.

Carefully drain away any extra grease to keep the chili lean and delicious.

Step 2: Awaken Aromatics

Toss chopped onions and minced garlic into the pot.

Sauté these flavor-packed ingredients until they become soft and fragrant, releasing their mouthwatering essence.

Step 3: Introduce Colorful Peppers

Add diced bell peppers to the mixture and let them dance in the pot for about 5 minutes.

Their vibrant colors will bring life to your chili.

Step 4: Sprinkle Magical Spices

• Chili powder
• Cumin
• Paprika
• Oregano
• Cayenne pepper
• Salt
• Black pepper

Allow these spices to toast and bloom for one minute, creating an incredible aroma that will make everyone’s stomach growl.

Step 5: Create Liquid Base

• Crushed tomatoes
• Tomato paste
• Beef broth
• Kidney beans

Stir everything together to create a rich, robust foundation for your chili.

Step 6: Add Secret Flavor Enhancers

Drop in bay leaves and a touch of sugar to balance the flavors.

These little additions will elevate your chili from good to extraordinary.

Step 7: Simmer To Perfection

Let the chili bubble gently on low heat for 30-45 minutes.

Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.

Step 8: Final Touch

Remove bay leaves and taste the chili.

Adjust seasonings as needed.

Your homemade chili is now ready to delight taste buds and warm souls.

Tips for Perfect Chili Every Time

• Use a colander to remove all excess fat for a healthier, less greasy chili.
• Toast spices in the pot before adding liquid ingredients to enhance their aromatic qualities.
• Adjust cayenne and chili powder gradually, tasting as you go to control spiciness for different preferences.
• Let chili cook longer than 45 minutes on low heat for more intense, melded flavors if time allows.
• Experiment with different bean types like black beans or pinto beans for unique texture and taste variations.

Variations to Mix Up Homemade Chili

• Vegetarian Chili: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or black beans for a protein-packed meat-free version.
• Turkey Chili: Swap ground beef for lean ground turkey to reduce fat and create a lighter meal.
• Slow Cooker Chili: Transfer ingredients to a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours for a hands-off approach.
• Spicy Southwest Chili: Add diced green chilies, jalapeños, and extra cayenne pepper to boost heat and create a bolder flavor profile.

Serving Suggestions for Homemade Chili

• Hearty Comfort Bowl: Ladle the hot chili into deep ceramic bowls for a warm, satisfying meal that hugs your taste buds.
• Toppings Fiesta: Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese, dollop sour cream, scatter chopped green onions, and add a few jalapeño slices for extra zest and texture.
• Sidekick Companions: Serve alongside warm cornbread, crispy tortilla chips, or fluffy white rice to soak up the rich, spicy chili flavors and create a complete dining experience.
• Meal Prep Magic: Store leftovers in airtight containers for up to 4 days, knowing the flavors will deepen and become even more delicious with time.

Best Practices for Storing Homemade Chili

• Store leftover chili in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Chili stays fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator when sealed properly.
• Pour cooled chili into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove excess air to prevent freezer burn. Chili maintains quality for 4-6 months when frozen at 0°F.
• Transfer chili to a microwave-safe dish. Cover with a microwave-safe lid or paper towel. Heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even warming.

FAQs

• Is this chili recipe spicy?

The heat level depends on the amount of cayenne pepper and chili powder you add. Start with less and adjust to your taste preference.

• Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes, ground turkey works perfectly as a leaner protein alternative. The flavor profile remains similar.

• Do I need to soak the kidney beans beforehand?

No, canned kidney beans are pre-cooked and can be added directly to the chili. Just drain and rinse them before adding.

• How can I make the chili thicker?

Let it simmer uncovered for a longer time to reduce liquid, or add a small amount of tomato paste to thicken the consistency.

How To Make Homemade Chili Recipe

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• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Mexican chili con carne reveals rich, hearty flavors that simmer with comfort and depth. Spicy beef, aromatic spices, and robust beans combine for a soul-warming meal you’ll crave on chilly evenings.

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Ingredients

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Meat:

• 1–2 pounds ground beef

Vegetables:

• 1 large onion, diced
• 3–4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1–2 bell peppers, diced

Spices and Seasonings:

• 2–3 tablespoons chili powder
• 1 tablespoon cumin
• 1 tablespoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 teaspoon sugar (optional)

Liquid and Canned Ingredients:

• 1 (28 ounces/794 grams) can crushed tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1–2 (15 ounces/425 grams) cans kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 cup beef broth
• 2 bay leaves

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Instructions

1. Heat a large pot over medium-high heat and thoroughly brown the ground beef, ensuring complete crumbling and color transformation.
2. Eliminate excess grease by carefully draining the meat using a colander or slotted spoon.
3. Return beef to pot and incorporate finely chopped onions and minced garlic, sautéing until vegetables become translucent and fragrant.
4. Introduce diced bell peppers to the mixture, allowing them to soften and release their aromatic essence for approximately 4-5 minutes.
5. Sprinkle robust combination of chili powder, cumin, paprika, oregano, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper into the pot, stirring vigorously to distribute spices evenly.
6. Allow spices to bloom and intensify for roughly 60 seconds, releasing their deep, complex flavors.
7. Pour in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, rich beef broth, and tender kidney beans, creating a harmonious blend of ingredients.
8. Enhance depth by adding bay leaves and optional teaspoon of sugar to balance acidity.
9. Reduce heat to low, cover pot, and allow chili to simmer gently for 35-40 minutes, stirring intermittently to prevent scorching.
10. Extract bay leaves and conduct final taste assessment, adjusting seasonings as needed before serving piping hot.

Notes

• Drain meat thoroughly to prevent excess grease and achieve a cleaner, more concentrated chili flavor.
• Experiment with different ground meats like turkey or plant-based alternatives for healthier protein variations.
• Toast spices briefly before adding liquids to enhance their depth and release more complex, aromatic notes.
• Allow chili to rest for 15-20 minutes after cooking to let flavors meld and develop a richer taste profile.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 300 kcal
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 450 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 20 g
• Fiber: 6 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 75 mg