Homemade Chili Recipe
This homemade chili recipe is a hearty and flavorful dish perfect for a cozy meal. Combining ground beef, beans, and a rich blend of spices, it simmers to develop deep, comforting flavors in under an hour. Ideal for weeknight dinners, this chili is filling and easy to prepare with pantry staples.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Base Ingredients
- 2 Tbsp olive oil
- 1 yellow onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lb. ground beef
Beans & Tomatoes
- 1 15oz. can kidney beans, drained
- 1 15oz. can black beans, drained
- 1 15oz. can diced tomatoes with juices
- 1 6oz. can tomato paste
- 1 cup water
Seasonings
- 1 Tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1/4 tsp cayenne powder
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 Tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper, freshly cracked
Instructions
- Prepare Aromatics: Dice the yellow onion and mince the garlic cloves. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat, then add the onion and garlic. Cook until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally to avoid burning.
- Brown the Meat: Add 1 pound of ground beef to the pot with the softened aromatics. Continue to sauté, breaking up the beef with a spoon, until fully browned and no pink remains, approximately 7-10 minutes.
- Add Beans and Tomatoes: Drain the kidney and black beans, then add both to the pot along with a 15oz can of diced tomatoes (including juices), 6oz can of tomato paste, and 1 cup of water. Stir gently to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Season the Chili: Sprinkle in all the chili seasonings: 1 tablespoon chili powder, 1 teaspoon ground cumin, 1/4 teaspoon cayenne powder, 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon onion powder, 1/2 tablespoon brown sugar, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper. Mix thoroughly to disperse the spices throughout the chili.
- Simmer the Chili: Cover the pot with a lid and reduce the heat to low. Let the chili gently simmer for at least 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. This allows the flavors to meld and deepen. For best taste, let it simmer longer if time permits.
- Adjust and Serve: Taste the chili and adjust salt or seasoning if needed. Serve hot with your favorite toppings such as shredded cheese, sour cream, or chopped green onions for added flavor and texture.
Notes
- The chili can be made a day ahead; flavors improve after resting overnight in the fridge.
- For a spicier chili, increase the cayenne powder or add a dash of hot sauce.
- To make this recipe vegetarian, substitute the ground beef with a plant-based meat alternative or extra beans.
- Leftovers keep well for up to 4 days refrigerated or can be frozen for longer storage.
Find it online: https://dishcooks.com/homemade-chili-recipe/
