Classic Homemade Chili Recipe
This easy homemade chili is hearty, flavorful, and full of comforting spices. Made with ground beef, beans, tomatoes, and a blend of seasonings, it’s the perfect one-pot meal for cozy dinners, game days, or meal prep. With minimal prep and big flavor, this chili is sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients Of Chili Recipe
Step By Step Instructions
Sauté aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook until softened (about 5 minutes). Stir in garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
Cook the beef: Add ground beef to the pot. Break it up with a spoon and cook until browned and no longer pink, about 6–8 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
Add seasonings: Stir in chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, pepper, and cayenne (if using). Let the spices cook for 1 minute to bloom their flavor.
Add remaining ingredients: Mix in diced tomatoes, tomato paste, both beans, and broth. Stir well to combine everything evenly.
Simmer: Bring the chili to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover partially and simmer for 30–40 minutes, stirring occasionally. This helps the flavors develop and the chili thicken.
Adjust seasoning: Taste and adjust salt, pepper, or spice level as desired.
Serve: hot with your favorite toppings!
How to Serve?
- Top with shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped green onions, or avocado.
- Serve with cornbread, crackers, or over rice for a heartier meal.
- Use leftovers for chili dogs, nachos, or stuffed baked potatoes.
Tips & Variations
Vegetarian option: Skip the beef and add an extra can of beans or chopped veggies like bell pepper or zucchini.
Make it spicier: Add chopped jalapeños or hot sauce to taste.
Slow cooker: Brown the meat and onions first, then transfer all ingredients to a slow cooker and cook on low for 6–8 hours.
Freezes well: Let cool, portion, and freeze for up to 3 months.
Nutrition
- Calories: 320
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Protein: 22g
- Fat: 14g
- Fiber: 7g
Recipe Card
Classic Homemade Chili Recipe
Course: Banana Bread Recipe6 people
servings10
minutes40
minutes320 per serving
kcalA hearty and flavorful classic chili made with ground beef, beans, tomatoes, and bold spices. Perfect for dinner, meal prep, or game day!
Ingredients
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 medium onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 lb (450g) ground beef
1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
1 can (28 oz) diced tomatoes
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 cup beef broth or water
2 tablespoons chili powder
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon cayenne (optional, for heat)
Directions
- Sauté aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook until softened (about 5 minutes). Stir in garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
- Cook the beef: Add ground beef to the pot. Break it up with a spoon and cook until browned and no longer pink, about 6–8 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Add seasonings: Stir in chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, pepper, and cayenne (if using). Let the spices cook for 1 minute to bloom their flavor.
- Add remaining ingredients: Mix in diced tomatoes, tomato paste, both beans, and broth. Stir well to combine everything evenly.
- Simmer: Bring the chili to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover partially and simmer for 30–40 minutes, stirring occasionally. This helps the flavors develop and the chili thicken.
- Adjust seasoning: Taste and adjust salt, pepper, or spice level as desired.
- Serve hot with your favorite toppings!
Recipe Video
Notes
- Store leftover chili in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Chili often tastes even better the next day after the flavors have had time to meld.
- Freeze in individual portions for a quick and satisfying meal anytime.
FAQs
Conclusion
This classic chili recipe is a comforting, customizable dish that’s easy to make and always satisfying. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd, meal prepping for the week, or just craving something warm and filling, this chili delivers every time. It’s a one-pot wonder that’s as flexible as it is flavorful.
